In this competitive job market, your resume is often your introduction to prospective employers!

On average, employers take 10-15 seconds to review your resume and decide if they want to interview you in person. It's up to you to make that first impression a lasting one!

Use this checklist to help get your seat at the interview table!

Before you begin typing the resume, gather information, write notes, and create an outline, including a list of accomplishments on each job.

Confirm your contact information and that of previous employers’ are correct.

Highlight your accomplishments – not just tasks and responsibilities - both in your Professional Summary and throughout the resume. Employers want to know you are a contributor who cares about the job you’re doing.

Check your use of past and present tense.

Keep style and flow consistent throughout. Is it easy to read and follow?

Don’t leave them guessing… Spell out and explain acronyms or jargon specific to a particular job or organization.

Compare your resume to others in your field. Seeing other similar resumes may help you determine the best layout and content for the industry you work in.

Read your resume OUT LOUD (to others if possible) to be sure it is clear and error-free!

Call a friend! Ask a trusted colleague or friend to read your resume and encourage them to ask questions if they don’t understand something. Then, make it clear!

Run SPELLCHECK!! and Run SPELLCHECK again!! And then, read through it just once more to be sure you are presenting the BEST version of Y.O.U.!!

Written by Victoria Glaude, with contributing author Judy Ross