The CV checklist

Run through this before every application. Your progress is saved in this browser.

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Essentials

Full name, professional title, email and phone are correct
Email address looks professional
LinkedIn URL is customised and up to date
Location is city and country (full address is not needed)

Content

Summary is tailored to this specific role
Each recent role has 3–6 achievement-focused bullets
Bullets start with action verbs and include results where possible
Skills match the job description (only skills you genuinely have)
No unexplained gaps, or gaps are briefly addressed
Removed outdated or irrelevant experience (usually older than 10–15 years)

Formatting

One to two pages (one page for students and early career)
Consistent date format and alignment
Standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills…)
Readable font size and enough white space
Correct paper size: A4 or US Letter for the target country

Proofreading

Spell-checked and read aloud once
Consistent tense: present for current role, past for previous roles
No first-person pronouns in bullets
All [placeholders] replaced with real details
Someone else has read it

Sending

Saved as PDF unless another format is requested
File named clearly, e.g. FirstName-LastName-CV.pdf
Cover letter tailored to the company (if requested or useful)
Application logged in your tracker with a follow-up date

ATS-friendly CV checker · Guides