Checklist

Things to check before sending a CV

๐Ÿ“Note

CodeYourFuture has an automated CV feedback tool which can detect many of the problems listed on this page. Run your CV through it before working through this checklist.

Things to check in your CV before sending it to an employer:

  • There are no spelling or grammar errors (confirm this using Grammarly or any other AI grammar tool).
  • It is at most 2 pages long.
  • There is only one column of text throughout.
  • It is in PDF format.
  • There are no pictures.
  • Includes contact details: mobile number, e-mail address and location (city not full address).
  • Includes links to your LinkedIn, Github profile, specific Github projects you want to highlight and a portfolio site if you have one.
  • All the links you have included work.
  • The dates are all correct and there are no unexplained gaps.
  • It avoids personal pronouns (e.g. I, me, my).
  • Written in relevant tenses (i.e. past tense for past experiences, present tense for any project/role you are still working on).
  • The summary does not contain any generic clichรฉs or buzzwords without a supporting statement.
  • It has an emphasis on outcomes you delivered, rather than just what you did.
  • Includes a project in the experience section.
    • Includes a technical description of what was developed / what you did.
    • Includes the goal/benefit of that project.
  • Includes at least 12 bullet points in total in the experience section such that:
    • Each bullet point is in the past tense, unless it refers to an ongoing role or project.
    • Each bullet point begins with an active verb.
    • Benefits of each bullet point (or at least the first bullet point) are quantified, so include numbers of cost reduction, number of users, etc.
    • Clearly details experiences from education (what you learned, covered that is relevant to the role).
  • Is tailored to the role:
    • Mentions actions that are relevant to at least one of the main responsibilities.
    • Mention the key technologies of the job description at every opportunity.
    • Focus on the essential skills of the role.
  • Is consistently formatted, e.g. Uses the same fonts, font sizes, spacings.