---
title: "Free Resume Check: Formatting, Length and ATS Basics"
description: "A free checklist to review your own resume: one-column layout, length, headings applicant tracking systems can read, bullet points and a final proofread."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/career-services/resume-check"
---

Free checklist

# Resume check: what to fix before you apply

Fifteen things to check, in four groups. Read it with your resume open next to it.

🌙 We're off the clock. Your job search isn't.

Order tonight and send your resume; a person starts on it after we open in the morning.

 [See career services](/career-services)

## Length and layout

- One page for under about ten years of experience; two pages is normal beyond that.
- One column. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) can misread tables, text boxes, columns, headers and footers.
- A plain font at 10 to 12 points, margins of about half an inch to an inch, and no photos or graphics.
- Save as .docx or PDF, whichever the posting asks for, with a clear file name like Firstname-Lastname-Resume.

## Headings an ATS can find

- Standard section names: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills.
- For each job: title, employer, city and state, and start and end month and year, in the same format every time.
- Contact details in the body of the page, not in a header.

## What the bullets say

- Start each bullet with an action verb and say what changed because of your work.
- Use real numbers where you have them (people served, dollars, time saved). Never estimate a number you can't stand behind.
- Use the posting's words for skills you genuinely have; don't copy skills you don't.
- Three to six bullets for recent jobs, fewer for older ones.

## Before you send it

- Spell-check, then read it aloud once.
- Remove anything you wouldn't want to discuss in an interview.
- Make sure the dates, titles and degrees match what an employer could verify.

## Rather have it done for you?

Upload your resume and answer a short form; we send back a rewritten resume as Word and PDF from $59. Written with AI assistance and reviewed by a person before delivery.

[Order the resume rewrite](/career-services/resume-rewrite#order)

Applying to one particular job? The [targeted resume](/career-services/targeted-resume) is tailored to the posting. Federal job? See the [federal resume](/career-services/federal-resume).

## Questions

**Does this page read my resume?**

No. It's a checklist for you to read; nothing is uploaded or analyzed here. If you'd rather have it done, order the done-for-you rewrite.

**One page or two?**

One page usually suits fewer than about ten years of experience; two pages is normal for longer careers. What matters more is that every line is relevant to the job.

## Related

- [Resume summary examples: fill-in structures for every situation](/career-services/resume-summary-examples)
- [How to write a resume for nursing and healthcare jobs](/career-services/how-to-write-a-nursing-resume)
- [How to write a resume for skilled trades and construction jobs](/career-services/how-to-write-a-construction-and-trades-resume)
- [How to write a resume for CDL and truck driving jobs](/career-services/how-to-write-a-cdl-truck-driver-resume)
- [How to write a resume for teaching and education jobs](/career-services/how-to-write-a-teacher-resume)

## Need a notary? Send it to the desk.

[Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)