Free ATS resume checklist

Most resumes are filtered by an Applicant Tracking System before a human reads them. Work through these 12 honest fixes to get past the bots and onto the recruiter's desk. Read it below, or have the printable version emailed to you.

The 12-point ATS resume checklist

1. 1Use a single-column, top-to-bottom layout (no tables, text boxes or columns).
2. 2Use standard headings: Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills.
3. 3Mirror the job ad's exact keywords for skills you genuinely have.
4. 4Lead each role with achievements and numbers, not duties.
5. 5Spell out acronyms once, e.g. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).
6. 6Put your most important keywords in the summary and most recent role.
7. 7Quantify impact: percentages, dollars, team sizes, timeframes.
8. 8Save as a text-based PDF or Word file — never an image.
9. 9Keep it to one to two focused pages of relevant, recent experience.
10. 10Proofread; keep dates, fonts and spacing consistent.
11. 11Never fabricate skills — confirm anything you add is genuinely yours.
12. 12Tailor for each role you want, then follow up after 5–7 days.

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