11 Quick CV Checks to Boost Your Interview Callbacks

Struggling to get interview calls? Before rewriting your entire CV, run these 11 quick PASS/FAIL checks. They help both ATS scanners and hiring managers pick up your strengths at a glance. 1) PASS if your CV is single-column. FAIL if you used a two-column Canva template. 2) PASS if section titles are plain (Work Experience, Education, Skills). FAIL if you used fancy headers. 3) PASS if your contact details are plain text. FAIL if they’re stuck in a header or footer. 4) PASS if all dates use the same format (Jan 2023 – Mar 2025). FAIL if you mix styles. 5) PASS if skills are grouped by type (Tools, Soft Skills). FAIL if they’re a random list. 6) PASS if each role has 2–5 bullet achievements. FAIL if you wrote long paragraphs. 7) PASS if bullets include metrics or scope. FAIL if they only list duties. 8) PASS if your file name is clear (Name_Role_CV.pdf). FAIL if it’s “finalfinal2.pdf.” 9) PASS if you can copy/paste your PDF into Notepad cleanly. FAIL if it pastes messily. 10) PASS if your summary matches the job title. FAIL if it’s a generic “hardworking professional.” 11) PASS if you’ve woven 10 keywords from the job ad into your bullets. FAIL if you use the same CV for every role. Reply with your target role and years of experience (omit phone numbers), and I’ll craft two achievement bullets you can add today.

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