The 5-Point Pre-Application CV Checklist
① Check Your File Name
The file name is the first thing a recruiter sees before they open your CV. A file named “CV_final_v3_REAL.pdf” immediately signals disorganisation.
Correct format: FirstName_LastName_RoleTitle.pdf
Bad: CV_new.pdf, cv_updated_march.docx, myresume_final_FINAL.pdf
Good: James_Okafor_Marketing_Manager.pdf, Sarah_Chen_Data_Analyst.pdf
Tip: Always save as PDF unless the employer specifically requests Word (.docx). PDF preserves your formatting across all devices and operating systems.
② Verify Your Contact Information
Contact errors are more common than you’d think and they make it impossible for employers to reach you. Check each of the following:
- Email address: Is it professional? Is it spelt correctly? Does it actually exist?
- Phone number: Correct country code? All digits present?
- LinkedIn URL: Is it your customised URL (not the auto-generated one with random numbers)? Does it link to the right profile?
- Location: City and country or region not your full postal address.
- Portfolio or website: Does it load? Is it up to date?
③ Test Every Link in Your CV
A broken link is a red flag that your attention to detail may not be as strong as your CV claims. Click every link before you submit:
- Does your LinkedIn URL open the correct profile?
- Does your portfolio website load within 3 seconds?
- Is your GitHub, Behance, or Dribbble profile set to public?
- Do any project links in your experience section still resolve?
If a link is broken or the content is no longer accessible, remove it a missing link is better than a broken one.
④ Confirm Your Summary Is Tailored
Re-read your professional summary. Ask yourself three questions:
- Does this summary name the type of role I’m applying for?
- Does it include at least 2 keywords from this specific job description?
- Would a recruiter know within 10 seconds whether I’m a fit for this role?
If the answer to any of these is no, the summary needs a quick tailoring pass.
Quick tailoring tip: Keep your summary 90% the same for similar roles just swap out the job title mentioned, adjust one or two keywords, and ensure the opening line reflects the language of the job posting.
⑤ Run a Final Spelling and Formatting Check
Spelling errors on a CV are one of the most commonly cited reasons for instant rejection. Don’t rely on spellcheck alone it won’t catch correctly spelled words used in the wrong context (e.g., “manger” instead of “manager”).
- Read backwards: Starting from the last word, read each word in reverse order. This forces your brain to see each word individually.
- Date formatting: Ensure dates are consistent throughout (e.g., all “Jan 2023” or all “January 2023” never mixed).
- Bullet alignment: Are all bullets the same style and indentation level?
- Font consistency: Is the same font and size used throughout (headings aside)?
- Double spaces: Search for double spaces before submitting they often survive copy-paste edits.
Master Pre-Application Checklist
- ☐ File named: FirstName_LastName_RoleTitle.pdf
- ☐ Saved as PDF (unless Word requested)
- ☐ Contact info in document body (not header/footer)
- ☐ Email address is professional and correct
- ☐ Phone number is correct with country code
- ☐ LinkedIn URL tested and links to correct profile
- ☐ All portfolio/project links tested and live
- ☐ Summary tailored to this specific role
- ☐ Job description keywords present in CV
- ☐ Spelling, dates, and formatting checked and consistent
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I name my CV file?
Use the format: FirstName_LastName_RoleTitle.pdf for example, “Emma_Browne_Project_Manager.pdf”. This is clear, professional, and immediately identifiable when a recruiter has dozens of CVs in a folder. Avoid generic names like “CV.pdf” or version-numbered names like “CV_v4_final.pdf”.
Should I submit my CV as PDF or Word?
PDF is the default recommendation it preserves your formatting exactly as designed across all devices. Only submit a Word (.docx) file if the employer specifically requests it. Some older ATS systems parse .docx more reliably, so always read the application instructions carefully.
How long should I spend tailoring my CV per application?
For roles that match your profile well, 10–15 minutes of targeted tailoring is sufficient. Focus on your summary, your skills section, and the first 3 bullets of your most recent role. A targeted 15-minute tailoring pass consistently outperforms a generic CV sent in 30 seconds.
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SmartCV builds your CV with all of these checklist items built in the right format, the right structure, and the right keywords for every application.
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