You've spent hours crafting the perfect CV. You've detailed your experience, listed your skills, and you're ready to apply for your dream job. But before you hit "submit," take a few extra minutes to run through this final checklist. These 15 simple checks can be the difference between getting an interview and getting overlooked.

The Content & Language Checklist

1. Is it 100% free of typos and grammatical errors? This is the number one rule. A small mistake can make you look careless. Read it aloud, use a grammar checker, and ask a friend to proofread it. It's one of the most common CV mistakes.

2. Is it tailored to the specific job? A generic CV gets ignored. Have you used keywords from the job description? Does your CV speak directly to the company's needs? Learn the art of tailoring your CV here.

3. Does it have a powerful professional summary? Your summary is your 3-line elevator pitch. It should hook the reader instantly. Is it compelling and concise? If not, check our guide to the perfect professional summary.

4. Are your achievements quantified? "Increased sales" is good. "Increased sales by 20% in Q3" is great. Numbers show tangible impact. Find ways to quantify your achievements wherever possible.

5. Does it use strong action verbs? Replace passive phrases like "responsible for" with dynamic action verbs like "managed," "developed," "launched," or "optimized." Using the right resume keywords makes you sound proactive and capable.

6. Is your skills section clear and relevant? Have you separated hard skills from soft skills? Are you highlighting abilities that are in-demand and relevant to the role? Refresh your memory with our skills section mastery guide.

7. Is the content relevant and concise? Your CV should be a highlight reel, not your life story. Remove any jobs, skills, or duties that aren't relevant to the position you're applying for. Aim for 1-2 pages maximum.

The Formatting & Technical Checklist

8. Is the formatting clean and consistent? Use a standard font, consistent headings, and plenty of white space to make it easy to read. A messy layout is an instant turn-off for recruiters. Choose the right CV format for your career path.

9. Is it optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)? Have you used standard section headings ("Work Experience," not "My Journey")? Have you avoided tables, columns, and graphics that can confuse the bots? Get your CV past the robots with our ATS optimization guide.

10. Is your contact information correct and professional? Double-check your phone number and email address for typos. Make sure your email address is professional (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com).

11. Is the file saved as a PDF? Unless the application specifically asks for a Word document, always submit a PDF. It preserves your formatting and looks more professional.

12. Is the file name professional? Don't just call it cv.pdf. Use a clear and professional file name like FirstName-LastName-CV.pdf.

13. Are the dates formatted consistently? Whether you use MM/YYYY or Month YYYY, make sure it's the same throughout your work experience and education sections.

14. Does it look good on mobile? Many recruiters review applications on their phones. Open the PDF on your phone to make sure it's still readable and well-formatted.

15. Have you read it one last time? Take a 10-minute break, then come back and read it one final time from top to bottom. This fresh look can help you catch any last-minute issues.

Once you've checked all 15 boxes, you can click "apply" with confidence, knowing you've presented the best possible version of yourself. Good luck!