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How to Ask for a Resume Critique |
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How to Ask for a Resume Critique
Is your resume as good as it could be? Are you happy with the number of calls you're receiving for job interviews? Is your resume email-ready and strategically written to market your best credentials? If you answered no to any of these questions, you would benefit from a third-party resume critique.
Kathy Sweeney, a certified resume writer and president of the nonprofit National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA), says job seekers can benefit from getting a second opinion on their resumes. "A critique can provide insight into whether the job seeker is using the proper wording for his or her industry and if the document will make a great first impression," she says. Whom to Ask What qualifications should your resume reviewer possess? "I firmly believe that credentials are important, Sweeney says. She recommends looking for such resume-industry designations as:
What to Expect Sweeney says the reviewer should look at all aspects of the resume, just as a hiring manager would -- reviewing it for initial impression, content and how well it stands out from other resumes. You can sign up for a fee-based or free critique. Here are the differences:
Your reviewer needs to know your career goal and industry target to supply useful feedback. "I usually gather information about the job seeker's target position, and ask how his or her background relates to the position," Sweeney says. "I also ask job seekers to provide me with a few position postings related to their target job." Tell your reviewer about potential problem areas, such as employment gaps, job-hopping or unrelated work history. The more your reviewer knows about your background, the more constructive the feedback can be. Use What Works, Disregard the Rest If you ask 10 people to review your resume, you will likely receive 10 different opinions. You may also receive conflicting advice, making it difficult to know what changes you should implement. After you receive a resume critique, be open to suggestions and ready to make revisions that work for you. Pay attention to advice from resume writers and hiring managers, especially those within your target industry. By listening to professionals who know what makes a resume successful, you will be on your way to a successful job search. |