Resume Check: A 15-Point Checklist Before You Hit "Apply"

Most rejected resumes are not rejected because the candidate is unqualified, but because of fixable issues: a vague summary, duties instead of results, a layout the software cannot read, or a typo in the email address. A structured resume check catches these in minutes. Use the checklist below before every application.

Content (points 1–5)

1. Your target job title is visible at the top and matches the role you apply for.
2. The summary says in 2–4 lines who you are, your key strengths and what you want next.
3. Each role has 3–5 bullets, and most contain a result, number or concrete outcome.
4. Skills listed are relevant to this job — not a long list of everything you have ever touched.
5. There are no unexplained gaps that raise questions (a short line such as "Career break – family" is enough).

Wording (points 6–9)

1. Bullets start with strong verbs (led, built, reduced, increased) instead of "responsible for".
2. No first-person pronouns and no clichés such as "hard-working team player" without proof.
3. Spelling, grammar and capitalisation are consistent throughout.
4. Important terms from the job advert appear naturally in your CV — where they are true for you.

Format (points 10–12)

1. One to two pages, one readable font, consistent spacing and date format.
2. Standard section headings that both people and software recognise.
3. Exported as a text-based PDF with a clear file name (e.g. "Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf").

ATS readiness (points 13–15)

1. No key information inside images, icons, text boxes or header/footer areas.
2. Columns and tables are simple enough that the text reads in the right order when copied out.
3. Contact details are written as plain text, not graphics.

Quick test you can do yourself

Open your PDF, select all text and paste it into a plain text editor. If the order is jumbled, words are glued together or sections are missing, an ATS will likely struggle with it too.

Ten minutes of checking can be the difference between silence and an interview invitation.