HCDC Resume Evaluation Rubric
Professional Resume Review Guide for Self, Peer, and Advisor Feedback
Purpose
This rubric is designed to help students and professionals evaluate resume quality based on clarity, organization, professionalism, and alignment with employer expectations.
Evaluation Scale
- Needs Improvement — Significant revisions needed before professional use
- Proficient — Meets standard professional expectations
- Outstanding — Highly polished, strategic, and employer-ready
Resume Evaluation Criteria
| Category | Needs Improvement | Proficient | Outstanding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formatting & Visual Presentation | • Font style & size are difficult to read, too big/small or inconsistent. • Margins too big/small • Too empty/crowded • Difficult to read • Includes images or photos • Use of bold/italics is confusing | • Font style & size are consistent & easy to read • Consistent margins • Spacing is consistent • Appropriate length | • Font: 10-12pt font, black • Font style & size are consistent & appealing • Margins: .5 – 1” & consistent • Left aligned body and headings • Fills page, no over-crowding • Easy to read |
| Contact Information | • Missing or incorrect information • Inappropriate info: photo, age, race, etc. • Unnecessary info: full address, multiple phone numbers or email addresses | • Complete & correct • Includes city, state, or country • Name, one phone, one email | • Name bold: 14-16pt font • Professional email • City, state, or country listed • Phone number with professional voicemail • May include LinkedIn, portfolio, personal site |
| Education | • Incorrect college name • Missing or incorrect degree/program • Missing graduation month/year • List all colleges attended with too much info/too many details • List colleges from least recent to most recent | • College name, degree type, program, month & year of graduation, accurate & follow standard format • Info is accurate & consistently formatted • Double major, minor, courses, etc. • Education listed from most recent to least recent | • Uses official college name & abbreviation • Correct degree program/program title • Lists GPA if 3.0 or higher (optional) • Information is clear and concise |
| Experience, Projects & Accomplishments | • Does not include action verbs • Lacks detail: what, how, results, impact, etc. • Focused on tasks rather than accomplishments • Is not tailored to the language used in the job/internship description | • Utilizes action verbs • Highlights successes related to position • Uses bullet points • Uses field specific language • Is not too wordy • Uses correct grammar & phrasing | • Uses a variety of action verbs • Highlights relevant achievements & provides concrete results • Is easy to understand for technical and non-technical readers • Clear and concise language |
| Skills | • Includes non-technical or subjective skills • Disorganized • Uses too much space on the page with columns or tables, etc. | • Includes only technical skills, using terminology from job description • Organized by category • Proper spelling & capitalization | • Relevant to purpose of resume and/or job posting • Clearly defined & organized • All relevant technical skills listed |
| Additional Sections | • Not relevant to reader | • Relevant to purpose • Consistent formatting | • Adds value related to the job posting |
| Organization & Structure | • Not in reverse chronological order • Categories unclear/irrelevant • Inconsistent information | • In reverse chronological order within each category • Headings make sense • Consistent/parallel format | • Category titles are relevant to the reader |
| Grammar, Writing & Professional Tone | • Contains grammar/spelling errors • Uses slang, abbreviations, jargon, or unclear acronyms | • No grammar/spelling errors • No slang, jargon, or unclear acronyms | • Utilizes language used by the employer to further demonstrate organizational fit |
| Overall Impact | • Does not effectively communicate experiences & skills | • Communicates prior experiences as they relate to the employer/purpose | • Tailored to clearly communicate strengths & interests related to the employer/purpose |