Once you've drafted your resume, the process is still not complete. You have a lot more very important work to do before you are finished.
REMEMBER: Your Resume = YOU!
Does it LOOK Good and does it make a Good 1st Impression?
There are a number of questions to ask about your resume's appearance? And, the answers should guide how you proceed.
- Does it look good? And we really mean LOOK. Your resume will be competing with others that DO look great. So, if your resume doesn't, you're already at a disadvantage.
- Does the information presented in the Summary or Objective at the top of your first page "hook" the reader so they want to read more? If not, they won't.
Let's move on.....
Do the right Proofreading Job!
Keep in mind that your resume represents you! It has to be perfect - or, at least free of "technical" errors.
And, by that we mean there cannot be imperfections that people will notice - particularly spelling and grammar mistakes. And, it has to convey the marketing message that you are the perfect candidate for the job. In order to do that it must be perfect.
Imagine the negative impression a resume leaves with a potential employer if you have incorrectly spelled words, wrong words or incorrect grammar. There is no room for those kinds of errors. It conveys a message that you are NOT a stickler for details. And, that's not what a prospective employer wants.
Identify the right Proofreader
You should also identify a family member or friend who is a technically good writer, editor or proofreader. By that we mean someone capable of proofreading your resume to identify spelling and grammar issues that you have missed during your review.
Don't just ask your spouse or roommate to perform this task unless you are sure they will be able to do a thorough and correct proofreading job for you. But, wait until after you've done the appropriate editing before having them read your draft resume.
Review Rules for your Proofreader
- Make it clear to your Proofreader that you really want the resume to be 'technically' correct. Their role is to help you make that happen.
- Further, make it clear that you really want their candid opinions of the content - and, explain that you will not be upset if they are "critical" or have "constructive criticism."
- Your initial reaction to feedback will likely be to become defensive. But, don't. Listen carefully to any feedback and take good notes or modify your resume on the spot - if appropriate.
- Don't IGNORE their feedback. You may chose not to make changes - but, make sure that you don't just ignore their input.
TIPS:
- Remember that spell check programs only check for correct spelling. They do not check to see if you used the correct word. Example: "now" is a word but, it could be "know" with the "k" left out. So, just because spell check doesn't indicate that there are any misspelled words doesn't mean you have the correct words.
- If you are not sure of your ability to write and edit your own resume, you might consider having a professional resume writing service do it for you. If you want to explore this possibility, you can contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will put you in touch with an expert. But, keep in mind that this service is NOT free and is generally based on your years of work experience. There is also a link at the bottom of this page to one of the services that advertises on the Internet.
