Resume Tailoring Checklist For Every Application

75% of hiring managers consider spelling and grammatical errors on resumes as a reason to dismiss candidates.

Every pilot, no matter how many thousands of hours they’ve flown, goes through a pre-flight checklist before every single takeoff. It’s a non-negotiable routine. Why? Because it guarantees that the small, critical details that ensure a successful flight are never overlooked.

Your job application is your takeoff. Hitting the "submit" button sends it flying toward its destination. A simple checklist can be the difference between a smooth journey to the interview pile and a nosedive into the rejection folder.

Forget the stress and uncertainty. Here is your go-to pre-flight checklist to ensure every resume you send is perfectly prepared for its mission.

1. Did you rewrite the professional summary?

This is your first impression and the most important item on the list. A generic summary is a deal-breaker.

• Check: Does your summary sound like it was written specifically for this job? Does it include 1-2 of the most important keywords from the job description? Does it immediately tell the recruiter why you're a great fit for them?

2. Is your headline aligned?

Right below your name, you might have a headline like "Marketing Professional" or "Experienced Software Developer." It needs to be more specific.

• Check: Have you updated this headline to match the exact job title you are applying for (e.g., "Senior Content Marketing Manager")? This tiny change shows immediate alignment.

3. Are your top accomplishments relevant?

Recruiters scan top-down. The first few bullet points under your most recent job carry the most weight.

• Check: Have you re-ordered your bullet points to put the most relevant achievements at the top? If the job is about lead generation, your lead generation achievements should be listed first, even if they weren't your primary duty.

4. Did you quantify your success?

"Managed a team" is okay. "Managed a team of 5 engineers to deliver a project 15% under budget" is powerful. Numbers prove your impact.

• Check: Have you gone through your top bullet points and added numbers wherever possible? Look for opportunities to include percentages (%), dollar amounts ($), or specific figures (#).

5. Does your skills section match theirs?

This is a critical check for passing the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

• Check: Have you cross-referenced your skills list with the job description? If they ask for "Adobe Creative Suite," does your resume say that, or does it say "Photoshop, Illustrator"? Match their terminology exactly.

6. Is the file named professionally?

Sending a file named Resume_Final_v3_copy.pdf looks sloppy.

• Check: Is your file saved with a clear and professional name? The best format is: YourName-Resume-JobTitle.pdf.

7. Did you do one final proofread?

After staring at the same document for an hour, your brain starts to miss things. A tiny typo can signal a lack of attention to detail.

• Check: Have you read your resume out loud or used a text-to-speech tool to catch awkward phrasing and errors? A fresh look can save you from an embarrassing mistake.

The problem-checklists still require manual work

This checklist is your path to a stronger application. But going through these seven steps for every single job is still a manual, time-consuming process. When you're trying to apply quickly, it's tempting to skip a check here or there.

What if you could run this pre-flight check and have all the adjustments made for you, almost instantly?

Your automated pre-flight crew

Think of the TailorMyResume app as your dedicated crew, ensuring your resume is ready for takeoff every time. This app automates the most critical parts of this checklist.

It instantly handles the heavy lifting: rewriting your summary, aligning your accomplishments with the job's needs, and matching your skills to their keywords. It runs the checks and makes the fixes for you, ensuring your application is perfectly calibrated for success.

Stop worrying about missing a critical step. Start applying with the confidence that comes from a perfect pre-flight check.

Ready for a flawless takeoff? Download TailorMyResume from the App Store and make every application your best one.