Wouldn’t you rather hear you used a word incorrectly or phrased something in a confusing way from a trusted friend rather than sit back and wonder why your resume isn’t getting you any interviews?
If you are still a student, the career resource center may offer this service at no cost to you. If you aren’t still a student, ask a trusted friend to review your resume.
Prior to completing the review, you should tell the person what field you will be applying in and what type of position you are looking for. Obviously an accounting position is very different from a marketing position, even in the same company.
A good resume review should include details on what your resume lacks, why and where you should make changes.
Don’t be afraid to ask the reviewer why he thinks an item should be changed or how he would suggest changing it. Above all, make sure at least one person review your resume before you send it in an application packet. Better yet, have a few people look it over before printing it.
Do you have other suggestions on resume critiques?
I’ve learned that we take our past responsibilities, i.e. job descriptions, for granted. A good friend who reviewed my resume many moons ago started offering different ways to explain my duties for the different jobs I had. Though I may have seen something as a given, she pointed out that there are tasks and responsibilities that people are just not aware of unless they’ve been in that position.
The best example was as a manager in retail – she reminded me that my job required many more things of me – balancing the store’s daily budget, setting goals for myself and my staff, training and motivating staff per company standards while exceeding daily goals, etc. These are just a few examples of things that seemed like no brainers to ME but did not appreciate all of the responsibilities that are quality experiences. More importantly for a resume, one should not assume that someone else knows what was involved, what you contributed and what experience you gained from your past job. Even if you think “everyone” knows what an underwater basket weaver does, do not assume that this position has the same responsibilities within every company.
Rachel,
Good points! I find that keeping my job descriptions from when I start a new position is very helpful in updating my resume. With those descriptions I can add or elaborate as I see necessary, but it is easier with a place to start.
Aurora