Content Alignment
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Summary echoes 2-3 key JD themes Your headline/summary should mirror the job's core requirements
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Each bullet maps to a JD requirement Every experience bullet should connect to something the job asks for
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Tools and skills match JD language exactly Use "WordPress" if they say WordPress, not "CMS platforms"
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Gaps are addressed (or noted for cover letter) Know which requirements you don't fully meet and how you'll bridge them
Truthfulness Check
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Every bullet is interview-defensible Can you explain each claim with a specific example?
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Metrics are accurate (not inflated) Double-check percentages, dollar amounts, and team sizes
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Action verbs reflect your actual role "Led" vs "supported" vs "contributed to" - be precise about ownership
Formatting & ATS
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Standard section headings Use "Experience," "Skills," "Education" - not creative alternatives
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No tables, columns, or text boxes ATS software struggles with complex layouts
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Current role in present tense, past roles in past tense "Manage" for current job, "Managed" for previous jobs
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Saved as PDF (unless otherwise specified) PDF preserves formatting; only use .docx if the application requires it
Final Checks
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File named professionally Use "FirstName LastName - Role.pdf" format
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Contact info is current Check email, phone, LinkedIn URL
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No typos or grammatical errors Read it out loud or have someone else review it