The job market right now is tough. Layoffs are happening across industries, and searches are lasting longer than many people expect. That means your initial presentation to a company has never mattered more.
For many openings, companies are getting flooded with applications. To manage the volume, they’re finding ways to identify the best fits quickly — some are even using AI to review resumes.
If your materials aren’t sharp, they may never reach a human reader.
So how do you make sure your resume rises to the top?
Start with this checklist:
Resume & Presentation Checklist
Full contact information
Include your name, phone number, email, and a link to your LinkedIn profile.
Your location
List your address — at least your city and state — even if you’re looking for remote work. Employers still consider location when making decisions.
The basics
Double-check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Consistency in fonts, spacing, and tense matters more than people think.
Use a traditional resume format
Creative layouts might look impressive, but they often make your resume harder to read. Keep it simple, professional, and easy to follow.
Don’t leave out experience
If you don’t list it, you don’t have it. Companies won’t call to clarify — they’ll just move on to the next resume.
Address employment gaps proactively
Explain employment breaks briefly and confidently. Transparency builds trust.
Include all employment
Short-term and contract roles still count. They show continuity and adaptability.
Focus on relevance
Make sure your resume highlights the experience most related to the role you’re pursuing.
Write to fit your content
There’s no one-page rule. Use the space you need to present your experience clearly and professionally — no more, no less.
Keep your LinkedIn profile current
Employers increasingly look you up online to see how you present yourself professionally.
The Details Matter
In past job markets, these small details might not have mattered as much. But with today’s level of competition, they do now.
Your resume and cover letter are often a company’s first glimpse of your professionalism and attention to detail.
Take the time to polish your presentation.
It’s one of the simplest ways to put yourself one step ahead of your competition — and start getting interviews.