- Published
- 7 October 2026
- Last reviewed
- 7 October 2026
Use the checklist as a final review
This checklist helps you review an application before submission. It does not score your suitability or guarantee an interview. Work through it against the actual vacancy instructions. Mark each check complete, needs work or not applicable. Record the next action beside any unresolved point.
Check the role and instructions
Confirm the employer, role title, closing date and application route. Read the responsibilities, essential criteria and any required documents. Check whether the employer asks for an application form, CV, supporting statement or a combination.
Confirm that the role fits your practical circumstances. If a requirement is unclear, use the employer contact route stated in the advert. Do not send identity documents or private financial information through an unverified contact.
Check your evidence and wording
Match each important criterion to a specific example. Make your own action clear, distinguish team achievements from individual work and identify the result you can support. Label study and practice projects accurately.
Remove unsupported claims, invented figures and copied responsibilities that you did not perform. Explain relevant transferable experience using the language of the task, not an inflated job title. Review spelling, dates and consistency between documents.
Check confidentiality and files
Remove client names, personal contact details belonging to others and confidential material unless you have appropriate permission to share them. Use an anonymised description or recreated example when necessary.
Open the final files after export. Check page order, filenames and whether text remains readable. Follow the requested format and size limits. Ensure any portfolio link opens and does not require access that the reviewer will not have.
Submit and keep a private record
Review the final application in the submission screen where available. Keep a copy of the vacancy and the version you submitted. Record the submission date and any confirmation reference.
If confirmation does not arrive, check the employer instructions before submitting duplicates. After an outcome, record useful feedback and decide what to change in the next application. Download the editable checklist and adapt it to your process.
Cover image: AI-generated illustrative scene created specifically for this resource.
Editable download
Download the editable Word document
Available as a printable PDF and an editable Word document (DOCX). Version 2.0, 7 October 2026. Personal and internal organisational adaptation permitted with RDE author credit retained.