Check your CV before sending it

The final read-through, the one that catches the mistakes costing you an interview. Do it once the CV is finished, with a clear head.

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Content

Content
Done	To do
	Check that the CV headline matches the role you are applying for key "Back-end developer", not "Looking for work". It is the first line read.
	Check that the keywords from the job ad appear in your CV key Many companies filter applications by keyword before any human reads them.
	Check that no experience is described without a result key "Responsible for the website redesign" says nothing. "Website redesign, load time cut by three" says everything.
	Remove anything over ten years old that adds nothing to this role Unless it is your experience closest to the job.
	Check that dates are consistent across experiences key An overlap or an unexplained gap will be spotted, and asked about.

Form
Done	To do
	Check the spelling of the company name and the job title key The most frequent error comes from copying a previous application.
	Read the summary section out loud Sentences that ring false can be heard, not seen.
	Check the layout fits on two pages maximum One page if you have under five years of experience.
	Check it is readable in black and white Some recruiters still print.

The file
Done	To do
	Export as PDF, never as a word-processor file key Layout breaks between applications, and your comments may stay visible.
	Name the file with your name and the role key "Smith-John-CV-Developer.pdf", not "CV_final_v3.pdf".
	Check the file opens correctly on another device A corrupted PDF will not be reported, it will be discarded.

Contact details
Done	To do
	Check your phone number, digit by digit key An error here cancels out everything else.
	Check your email address is professional and actually monitored key Create one dedicated to your search if needed.
	Check that links (portfolio, profiles) work key Test them in a private window: a private link opens for you and nobody else.