CV proofreading checklist: what to check before applying
Before sending a CV or resume, check contact details, job dates, tense, spelling, achievement wording, layout consistency, file naming, PDF export, and role-specific tailoring. A clean application document helps the reader scan your experience without avoidable distractions.
CV and resume proofreading checklist
Use this checklist after the content is complete and before uploading the file to an application portal.
| Area | What to check | Done |
|---|---|---|
| Contact details | Email, phone, location, links, and profile URLs | □ |
| Dates | Employment dates, education dates, and month/year consistency | □ |
| Tense | Past roles in past tense; current role consistent | □ |
| Achievements | Specific truthful outcomes without invented metrics | □ |
| Spelling | Names, tools, employers, certifications, and keywords | □ |
| Layout | Headings, spacing, bullets, alignment, and page breaks | □ |
| File name | Clear professional file name with your name and document type | □ |
| PDF export | Open the exported file and check links, spacing, and page count | □ |
Tailor the CV without inventing experience
Role-specific tailoring means emphasizing relevant truthful experience, skills, tools, and outcomes. It does not mean inventing achievements, employers, qualifications, certifications, dates, or references. Our CV and resume editing service improves the material you provide while preserving accuracy.
Final file checks before applying
Export the document to the requested file type, open it on another device if possible, test links, confirm the filename, and check that no comments or draft notes remain. Keep a separate editable copy for future applications.
Questions about this topic
Should a CV be proofread as a PDF or Word file?
Check both when possible. Edit in the source file, then inspect the exported PDF because spacing, links, and page breaks can change.
Can an editor improve my CV achievements?
An editor can improve clarity and wording using the facts you provide. They should not invent achievements, metrics, employers, dates, or qualifications.
Is a resume proofreading checklist enough?
A checklist helps with final errors. If the document needs stronger structure, focus, or wording, CV editing may be more useful.