Complete Resume Checklist for 2026

How to use this checklist

Run through every item before you submit an application. Print it or keep it open in a tab. One missed item — a broken link, a typo in your email, a missing keyword — can cost you a shortlist.

Contact and header

• Full name prominently displayed at the top.
• Professional email (not coolboy1997@…).
• Phone number with country code.
• LinkedIn URL (customized slug).
• GitHub or portfolio link (for dev roles).
• City and country (full address not required).
• No photo unless required in your market.

Summary and skills

• Summary is 2–3 lines, targeted to the role type.
• Skills grouped by category (Languages, Frameworks, Tools, Cloud).
• Skills match the JD where you genuinely have experience.
• No skill bars, star ratings, or graphics.
• 8–15 core skills listed, not 40.

Experience bullets

• Every bullet follows Action + What + Result format.
• At least 50% of bullets include a metric or measurable outcome.
• Consistent verb tense (past for previous roles, present for current).
• 3–5 bullets per role; strongest role has the most.
• No paragraphs — bullets only.
• Technologies mentioned match the skills section.

Projects and education

• Projects include tech stack, your role, and 2 impact bullets each.
• GitHub links are live and repos are not empty.
• Education lists degree, institution, graduation year, and GPA (if strong).
• Certifications are current and relevant.
• Remove outdated or irrelevant college projects if you have 3+ YOE.

Formatting and ATS

• Single-column layout.
• Standard font (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica) at 10.5–11pt.
• Standard section headers: Experience, Education, Skills, Projects.
• Consistent date format (Mon YYYY – Mon YYYY).
• One page (0–4 YOE) or two pages max (5+ YOE).
• PDF text is selectable (not a scanned image).
• File named: FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf.
• No tables, text boxes, or multi-column layouts.

Final checks before submit

• Spell-check and grammar-check completed.
• Read aloud once — awkward phrasing stands out.
• Tailored to this specific JD (not a generic blast).
• Run through ATS checker or InterviewVeda resume review.
• A friend or mentor has skimmed it for 30 seconds and found it clear.