Resume Readiness Quiz

Does your resume have an objective or summary statement?
Answer: My resume is targeted to my current career goal and includes my desired job title in a Career Summary section.
Monster’s Feedback: The most effective resumes have an objective or summary that includes a clear job target. This enables hiring managers to understand your career goals and qualifications at the beginning of the resume.
How did you figure out which keywords to add to your resume?
Answer: I’ve incorporated industry buzzwords that I know apply to my career goal. I’ve also reviewed a number of job ads to see if there are any other frequently used terms that apply to my qualifications and added those as well.
Monster’s Feedback: By doing extra research on hiring managers’ needs, you might find additional buzzwords that will help your resume get found in an electronic applicant search. Examples of keywords are job titles (sales manager, project manager, network administrator), specific skills (HTML, project management, financial analysis) and education (MBA, BA, BS, bachelor of arts). Some hiring managers have reported they also use soft skills, such as self-starter, and specific company or school names as keywords.
Does your resume relay the significance of your accomplishments?
Answer: My resume contains specific examples of how my employers benefited from my performance. Wherever possible, I have included measurable outcomes of my work.
Monster’s Feedback: When you provide quantifiable accomplishments, employers understand the impact of your job performance and can predict your chance of future success.
Have you included personal information such as age, marital status and hobbies?
Answer: No, I haven’t included any personal information on my resume.
Monster’s Feedback: Your resume will be more effective if it focuses on work-related credentials, rather than including details about your personal life.
Do you state your reasons for leaving each employer?
Answer: No, I haven’t included my reasons for leaving previous employers.
Monster’s Feedback: Your resume is a tool to market yourself, so avoid explaining why you left previous employers. If asked, you can describe your reasons for leaving during job interviews.
Do you use the personal pronouns ”I”, ”me” and ”my” in your resume?
Answer: No, there are no personal pronouns in my resume.
Monster’s Feedback: Personal pronouns are not necessary, because it’s understood you are referring to yourself. Also, removing pronouns makes your resume more concise and less ”I” focused.
Does your resume have typos or other errors?
Answer: No, my resume was carefully proofread by a professional writer, and I also showed it to a number of trusted colleagues to make sure my resume is error-free.
Monster’s Feedback: Nothing beats having your resume professionally reviewed to ensure perfection. It pays to solicit feedback from as many people as possible, as a resume with just one typo could be destined for the circular file.