Is your resumé ready for the job search? Will it help or hinder your interview chances? Take this self-quiz to evaluate your resumé’s effectiveness.

[ ] My resumé is packed with industry-specific language and crucial keywords.
[ ] My resumé emphasizes and quantifies my achievements to show not only what I have done,
    but also how well I have done it.
[ ] My resumé contains superior grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation.
[ ] My resumé uses varied action verbs and powerful marketing phrases.
[ ] My resumé emphasizes how I will benefit employers and meet their precise needs.
[ ] My resumé engages the reader from the outset and maintains interest throughout.
[ ] My resumé clearly communicates my job target and the key strengths I bring to the table
    within the first few lines of text.
[ ] My resumé uses an eye-catching, inviting, and original design (not a template).
[ ] My resumé includes ASCII (plain-text) and scannable versions to enable e-mail, web, and
    electronic distribution/storage.
[ ] My resumé communicates and targets my key transferable skills.
[ ] My resumé minimizes my potential weaknesses and turns negative “red flags” into positive
    assets.
[ ] My resumé uses the most effective format, style, and strategy for my particular situation.
[ ] My resumé utilizes CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) statements in a compelling way.
[ ] My resumé uses the same marketing techniques used by companies to sell my unique
    “brand” to employers.

If you checked 13-14 boxes:
Congratulations! Your resumé writing abilities appear to be sound. (Have you thought of a career in resumé writing?) You just might want to avail yourself of a critique from a professional resumé writer to be sure you didn’t miss anything important.

If you checked 10-12 boxes:
You have some distinct abilities that will help you write a resumé more solidly than most. Leaving out some critical components, however, can cost you interviews. Having your resumé professionally crafted can help ensure you optimize your results.

If you fewer than 10 boxes:
You will miss many opportunities that may be perfect for you unless you have your resumé professionally prepared.