Before applying, check that your target role is clear, your strongest achievements are easy to find, your keywords are truthful and relevant, and your document is readable from both an ATS and recruiter perspective.
Positioning check
Confirm that the title, summary, and first experience bullets support the role you are applying for. A recruiter should not need to infer your direction.
Evidence check
Review the first two bullets under each relevant role. Replace vague duties with specific actions, scope, and outcomes wherever the evidence is available.
ATS and structure check
Use standard headings, readable dates, consistent formatting, and text that can be selected and copied. Remove layout elements that interrupt the reading order.
Keyword and role alignment check
Compare the job description with your skills and experience. Use important terms naturally and only when they accurately describe your background.
Final trust check
Check spelling, contact details, file name, links, and consistency. Then ask whether the document feels focused, credible, and easy to scan.
Before you apply
- -Target role and professional direction are clear.
- -Top achievements appear before routine duties.
- -ATS-readable headings and dates are consistent.
- -Relevant keywords are natural and supported.
- -File name, contact details, and spelling are correct.
- -The final PDF opens cleanly and is easy to read.
Common questions
When should I run a resume check?
Run one before sending an application and again when the target role changes enough to require a different emphasis.
What is the fastest high-value check?
Read only the top third and first bullets. If the target and strongest proof are not clear there, fix those signals first.