CV review checklist
For shepherdsUpdated 29 Sep 2026
A ten-minute CV review that gives real feedback: impact first, the right length and a top third that sells the next role.
You don't need to edit a CV line by line to help. A focused ten-minute review, from the top down, usually finds the two or three changes that matter most.
Get the CV
- If the talent included it in their request, open it from the request or from Prep.
- If they didn't, press Ask for CV / plan / ladder and they can share it in one tap.
- It opens through a link that expires after a few minutes. Treat it as confidential: don't pass it on without the talent's permission.
Know the target
Their growth plan or career ladder, if they've shared one, tells you the role they're aiming for. A CV is only good or bad for a particular next step.
The checklist
Impact-first bullets: a strong verb and a number
"Cut month-end reporting from ten days to six" says more than "Responsible for month-end reporting". Help them find the number, even a rough one.
Cut anything older than eight years, unless they're senior
Old roles push the recent, relevant work down the page. A line or two is enough for anything earlier.
Keep it to one page for early career
Recruiters skim. One strong page beats two thin ones.
Check the layout works with applicant tracking systems
Many employers scan CVs with software first. Plain headings, one column, standard fonts and no text inside images keep it readable.
Make sure the top third sells the role they want next
The headline, summary and first few bullets should point at the target role. If someone only read that far, would they know what this person wants to do?
Giving the feedback
Start with what's working, then give the one or two changes that will make the biggest difference. Let them make the edits themselves. Feedback that lands