Resume Checklist Before You Apply

Use this list in the last 5 minutes before you hit "Submit" on Naukri, LinkedIn, or a company portal. A single typo or missing keyword can cost you an interview.

1. Contact information

[ ] Phone — Correct number with country code if applying abroad.
[ ] Email — Professional address; no typos. Check that it’s the one you actually use.
[ ] LinkedIn — URL is correct and profile is up to date and consistent with the resume.

2. Keywords and job description match

[ ] Job title — The exact title (or a close variant) appears in your summary or headline.
[ ] Must-have skills — At least the main tools, technologies, or qualifications from the JD appear in your resume (skills section or bullets).
[ ] No keyword stuffing — Keywords fit naturally in bullets and summary.

3. Length and readability

[ ] Length — One page for under 5 years experience; two pages only if you have enough relevant content.
[ ] Bullets — Each bullet starts with a strong verb and, where possible, includes a number or outcome.
[ ] No walls of text — Short paragraphs or 3–5 bullets per role; easy to scan.

4. Typos and consistency

[ ] Spell-check — Run the checker; then read the resume aloud to catch homophones (e.g. "manager" vs "manger").
[ ] Dates and names — Company names, job titles, and dates are consistent and correct.
[ ] Tense — Current role in present tense; past roles in past tense.

5. Format and file

[ ] File type — PDF unless the portal asks for Word. Avoid images or complex layouts that break in ATS.
[ ] File name — Professional (e.g. YourName_Resume_ProductManager.pdf).

6. Final sanity check

[ ] Tailored — At least the summary and top bullets reflect this role and industry.
[ ] Honest — No exaggerated claims; you can back up everything in an interview.

Run through this checklist every time you apply. Once it’s habit, it takes only a few minutes and can save you from avoidable rejections.

Next step: Build or update your resume with our ATS-friendly templates and use our ATS score checker before you submit.

Resume Checklist Before You Apply – Last-Minute Checks