ATS CV Checklist | Cvaluate

1.Single-column layout (no side-by-side columns or text boxes)

2.Standard section headings: Work Experience, Education, Skills

3.Contact details in the document body, not header/footer

4.Common fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Georgia) — no custom icon fonts for text

5.No tables used purely for layout

6.No essential text inside images, charts, or logos

7.Text-based PDF or DOCX — not a scanned photograph of a CV

8.Consistent date format (e.g. Jan 2022 – Mar 2024)

9.Acronyms spelled out on first use

10.Skills section lists tools and technologies by name

11.Bullet points use standard characters (• or -), not special symbols

12.URLs are plain text or standard hyperlinks

13.Length appropriate to experience (1–2 pages for most roles)

14.Keywords from the target job description appear in context

15.Professional summary at the top (2–3 lines)

See how your CV scores — free