How to Audit Your Resume for Missing Information

Auditing your resume is the single most effective way to ensure you’re not leaving hiring managers—or applicant tracking systems (ATS)—guessing about your qualifications. In this guide we walk through a step‑by‑step audit, provide printable checklists, and show you how to leverage free Resumly tools to fill every gap.

Why a Resume Audit Matters

• 84% of recruiters say they discard a resume within the first 6 seconds if it lacks key information (source: Jobscan).
• 75% of candidates never get past the ATS because of missing keywords or formatting errors (source: CareerBuilder).

An audit eliminates these blind spots, turning a generic document into a targeted, data‑driven marketing piece for your career.

Step 1 – Gather Your Baseline Data

Before you start hunting for missing sections, collect the raw information you’ll need:

1. Personal details – full name, professional email, phone number, LinkedIn URL.
2. Career objective or headline – a 1‑sentence value proposition.
3. Work history – company names, dates, titles, and bullet‑point achievements.
4. Education – degrees, institutions, graduation dates.
5. Certifications & licenses – include expiration dates if applicable.
6. Technical & soft skills – list both hard‑skill keywords and transferable abilities.
7. Volunteer work & extracurriculars – especially if they demonstrate leadership.

Pro tip: Use the free Resumly ATS Resume Checker to upload your current file and get an instant baseline score.

Step 2 – Verify Core Sections Are Present

If any of these sections are absent or incomplete, add them now before moving on.

Step 3 – Close the ATS Keyword Gap

1. Copy the exact job title you’re targeting.
2. Extract top 10–15 keywords from the posting (look for required skills, tools, certifications).
3. Run your resume through the Resumly Job Search Keywords tool to see which keywords are missing.
4. Insert the missing terms naturally within bullet points and the summary.

Example: If the posting lists “Agile Scrum,” add a line such as “Led Agile Scrum ceremonies for a cross‑functional team of 8, delivering releases 15% ahead of schedule.”

Step 4 – Quantify Achievements

Numbers speak louder than adjectives. For each role, answer the following:

• What did you accomplish? (e.g., increased sales, reduced churn)
• How much? (percentage, dollar amount, time saved)
• What was the impact? (company revenue, customer satisfaction)

Do: “Reduced onboarding time by 30% through a streamlined training module.” Don’t: “Improved onboarding process.”

If you lack data, dig into old performance reviews, ask former managers, or estimate conservatively (always be prepared to defend the figure).

Step 5 – Test Readability & Formatting

A cluttered layout confuses both humans and bots. Use the Resumly Resume Readability Test to ensure:

• Font size between 10‑12 pt.
• Margins no smaller than 0.5 inches.
• Bullet points limited to 2‑3 lines each.
• Consistent tense (past for previous jobs, present for current role).

If the readability score is below 70, simplify language and remove jargon.

Step 6 – Scan for Overused Buzzwords

Buzzwords can dilute impact. Run your draft through the Resumly Buzzword Detector and replace clichés with concrete results.

Printable Audit Checklist

[ ] Personal details are complete and professional
[ ] Headline includes target role + 1 key skill
[ ] Summary contains 3‑4 quantified achievements
[ ] Every job entry has dates, title, company, and 3‑5 bullet points
[ ] Each bullet starts with a strong action verb and includes a metric
[ ] Education section lists degree, institution, and graduation year
[ ] Skills list matches at least 80% of the job posting keywords
[ ] No spelling or grammar errors (run through Grammarly or Resumly’s AI editor)
[ ] Formatting is consistent: font, spacing, bullet style
[ ] ATS score ≥ 85% on Resumly’s ATS Resume Checker
[ ] No more than 2 buzzwords flagged by the Buzzword Detector

Print this list and tick off each item as you audit.

Do’s and Don’ts Quick Reference

Mini Case Study: From 62% to 94% ATS Score

Background: Sarah, a mid‑level marketing manager, kept getting “no response” after applying to 30 jobs.

Audit Findings:

• Missing “Digital Marketing” keyword.
• No quantifiable results in bullet points.
• Two buzzwords flagged (“strategic thinker”, “innovative”).
• Inconsistent date format (Jan‑2020 vs 2020).

Action:

1. Inserted “Digital Marketing” and “SEO” throughout.
2. Rewrote bullets with metrics (e.g., “Boosted organic traffic by 45%”).
3. Replaced buzzwords with concrete examples.
4. Standardized dates to “Jan 2020 – Dec 2022”.

Result: ATS score rose from 62% to 94% on the Resumly ATS Resume Checker, and Sarah secured 5 interview invitations within two weeks.

Integrating Resumly’s Free Tools

• AI Resume Builder – Generate a polished draft in minutes and then audit it using the steps above. (Explore)
• ATS Resume Checker – Get a real‑time compatibility score. (Try it)
• Resume Readability Test – Ensure your language is clear and concise. (Run test)
• Buzzword Detector – Replace filler with impact. (Check now)
• Job Search Keywords – Harvest the exact terms recruiters are scanning for. (Start here)

By looping these tools into each audit cycle, you create a feedback loop that continuously improves your resume’s performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I audit my resume?

At least once every 6 months, or whenever you change roles, acquire a new certification, or notice a drop in interview callbacks.

2. Do I need to audit every version of my resume?

Yes. Tailored versions for different industries (e.g., tech vs. finance) each need their own audit to ensure relevant keywords and achievements are highlighted.

3. Can the ATS checker replace a human review?

No. The checker flags technical issues, but a human reviewer catches storytelling gaps and cultural fit nuances.

4. What if I don’t have quantifiable results for an older job?

Use proxy metrics (team size, budget managed, project duration) or focus on qualitative impact, but always aim for at least one number per role.

5. How do I handle employment gaps?

Be transparent. Add a brief line such as “Full‑time caregiver (Jan 2021 – Dec 2021) – managed household budget of $80K and coordinated logistics for 5 family members.”

6. Should I include a photo?

In the U.S. and most English‑speaking markets, avoid photos to prevent bias. In European markets where it’s common, ensure the image is professional and the file size is under 100 KB.

7. Is a one‑page resume always better?

For early‑career professionals, yes. For senior roles with 10+ years of experience, a two‑page format is acceptable if it adds value.

8. How can I track which changes improve my interview rate?

Keep a simple spreadsheet: date, version, ATS score, number of applications sent, and interview callbacks. Look for trends over a 3‑month period.

Conclusion: Your Resume Is a Living Document

Auditing your resume for missing information isn’t a one‑time chore—it’s a strategic habit that keeps you competitive in a fast‑moving job market. By following the checklist, leveraging Resumly’s free AI tools, and continuously measuring results, you’ll turn gaps into opportunities and boost your chances of landing that interview.

Ready to put the audit into action? Start with the Resumly AI Resume Builder, run the ATS Resume Checker, and watch your score climb. Happy auditing!