ATS Resume Checklist

Use this checklist before every job application to ensure your resume is fully optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems. Check each item and address any gaps before submitting.

📄 File Format

• Saved as DOCX or text-based PDF
• File size under 5 MB
• File name includes your full name (e.g., Jane-Smith-Resume.docx)
• If PDF: text is selectable (not a scanned image)

👤 Contact Information

• Full name prominently at the top
• Professional email address (not a creative/humorous one)
• Phone number with area code
• City and state (full address not required)
• LinkedIn profile URL
• Contact info in the main body — not in a header/footer

📋 Sections

• Professional Summary or Objective present
• "Experience" or "Work Experience" section with clear heading
• "Education" section included
• "Skills" section with relevant keywords
• All sections use standard, recognizable headings
• Sections are in logical order

💼 Work Experience

• Reverse chronological order (newest first)
• Each entry includes: Job Title, Company, Dates
• Dates use consistent format (e.g., "Jan 2020 - Present")
• Bullet points start with strong action verbs
• Achievements include quantifiable results where possible
• Keywords from job description are naturally incorporated

🔑 Keywords

• Job description has been analyzed for required keywords
• Required skills from the posting are in your resume
• Both acronyms and full terms are included (e.g., "SEO" and "Search Engine Optimization")
• Keywords appear in Skills section AND Experience descriptions
• No keyword stuffing — language reads naturally
• Target: 60-80% keyword match with job posting

📐 Formatting

• Single-column layout
• No tables used for layout
• No text boxes or floating elements
• No images, logos, or graphics
• No skill bars, charts, or infographic elements
• Standard bullet points (•, -, –)
• Consistent formatting throughout
• Standard font (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) at 10-12pt
• 0.5" to 1" margins
• No colored backgrounds

✅ Quality Check

• Proofread for spelling errors
• Proofread for grammar issues
• Consistent tense (past for completed roles, present for current)
• No personal pronouns (I, me, my)
• 1-2 pages in length (appropriate for experience level)
• No irrelevant information (hobbies, references, photo)

🔍 Final Step

• Run through the ATS Resume Checker with the target job description
• Review all flagged issues
• Address any missing keywords or formatting problems
• Re-check until score is 80+