If you’ve sent out your resume to multiple companies, but have yet to hear back from a hiring manager, it’s probably time to consider a resume critique. Take a look at your resume and measure it up against the following factors that our team of resume writing experts considers each time we create a new resume for one of our clients.
1. Are There Any Errors?
A single spelling error can make the difference between gaining an interview or having your resume tossed into the trash. However, there may be other errors that are keeping you from the interview process. For instance, is your email address or phone number incorrect? Just one incorrect letter or number will make it impossible for a recruiter or hiring manager to contact you. Before you send out a resume, edit it carefully for spelling and style errors as well as checking your contact information.
2. Is Your Resume Attractive?
A professional resume is not just error-free; it also features a consistent, clean design that’s easy to read. If your resume contains multiple colors or typefaces, this can turn off a hiring manager. Certainly, you want your resume to be attractive, but don’t go crazy with design. Only graphic designers and artists really can get away with a funky or unique resume style, and even these professionals are encouraged not to go overboard with design.
3. Do You Appear Professional?
While a cover letter might show a bit of personality, a resume should be a fairly straightforward document. As you do your resume critique, ensure that the language you use throughout the document is professional. Don’t add quirky descriptions or phrases and don’t add tidbits of personal information, such as your religious affiliation and hobbies.
Critique your contact information as well, and if you have an email such as BabyCakes29@hotmail or DodgersFan101@yahoo, this is not appropriate. Spend a few minutes setting up an appropriate email address that simply includes your first and last name. Additionally, don’t add links to your website or blog unless all of these links lead to professional information that pertains to your industry.
4. Do You Appeal To Humans & Robots?
Ok, we don’t mean that you need to appeal to actual robots, but you do need to include the keywords tagged by applicant tracking software. Many companies use this software and simply run resumes through it, letting the computer search for applicants that meet specific criteria. Likewise, hiring managers also skim resumes looking for specific skills and qualifications, so your resume needs to feature pertinent keywords. Of course, your resume also could feature too many keywords, which can be awkward, which is yet another reason why using a professional resume writer makes sense.
5. Do Your Qualifications Match The Job?
A resume is not a one-size-fits-all document. Each resume you send out should be tailored to the position for which you are applying. Read job postings carefully, and include the qualifications and skills that each specific hiring manager wants to send. Generic, cookie-cutter resumes don’t appeal to hiring managers. These professionals are searching for candidates that meet very specific needs and your resume should address those needs. Be sure to include relevant information on each resume you send out rather than shipping out the same resume to every company.
Resume writing is a fine art, and it can be tough to create the perfect balance. If, after your resume critique, you find that your resume doesn’t seem to make the grade, consider letting us revise or rewrite this document for you. With Resume Writing Group, you have nothing to lose as we guarantee that if you use our resume and follow our advice, but aren’t employed in 45 days or less, we will refund the price of your resume and give you an extra $100. Be sure to take advantage of some of our other helpful services, as well, such as career coaching, cover letter writing, social media analysis and LinkedIn profile writing.
