Before submitting, run through this list. Most of these take under a minute each, and they catch the mistakes that are easiest to miss.
ATS compatibility
- ✓ Single-column layout, no tables or text boxes
- ✓ Contact info in the body, not header/footer
- ✓ Standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
- ✓ Text-based file, not a flattened image
Content
- ✓ Every bullet starts with a strong action verb
- ✓ Numbers/metrics included wherever honestly possible
- ✓ Key terms from the job description appear naturally
- ✓ No unexplained acronyms on first use
Small details people forget
- ✓ File named clearly (FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf)
- ✓ Phone number and email are current and correct
- ✓ Dates are consistent in format throughout
- ✓ No leftover placeholder text from a template
Once you've checked these, run it through the free ATS checker for a final, objective pass before you submit.