✅ Have a defined resume goal 

✅ Every line supports that goal

✅ Tell a clear career story

❌ No filler words/phrases

❌ No irrelevant information

❌ No confusing narrative

✅ Highlight key outcomes and results 

✅ Read resume aloud for clarity

❌ No impractical vocabulary

❌ No long paragraphs

✅ Spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation

✅ Use formatting for readability and emphasis

✅ Links to relevant projects and profiles

❌ No complex layouts or designs

❌  No broken formats

✅ Put your best foot forward

✅ 1-2 pages

✅ Scannable in 90 seconds

❌ No following arbitrary 'rules'

❌  No novels

✅ Authentic, accurate information

✅ Include relevant volunteer work and projects

✅ Tell your own story

❌  No exaggeration of skills or experience

❌ Don't pretend to be what you think they want