Reviewing Your Resume

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By now, you must have an idea about how Resumes are formatted, prepared, and tailored.

Oftentimes, people ignore an important step in the resume-building process. That step is reviewing your Resume.

While we know that preparing a Resume from scratch can be a tedious task, failing to review your Resume, after going through all the hard work and effort to prepare, may cost you more than you think.

Hence, this chapter will cover the review aspect of resume making.

A. How To Proofread and Edit Your Resume For Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation Errors

Proofreading is one of the most important aspects when dealing with any kind of content, especially when it comes to Resumes.

In this topic, you’ll learn how to proofread and edit your Resume thoroughly.

i. Proofreading and Editing:

• Line-by-Line Review – Go through your resume line by line, word by word, to meticulously proofread it. Pay attention to even the smallest grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
• Multiple Passes – Proofread your resume multiple times, ideally on different days. Fresh eyes can catch errors that you might overlook after looking at the same document for a while.
• Check for Homophones – Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings (e.g., "there" vs. "there"). Be especially vigilant in checking for these common mistakes.

ii. Use Spelling and Grammar Tools:

• Built-in Software – Make use of the built-in spelling and grammar checking tools in word processing software like Microsoft Word. These tools can highlight potential issues.
• Online Grammar Checkers – Consider using online grammar-checking websites or apps like Grammarly or ProWritingAid. They can provide more in-depth grammar and style suggestions.

iii. Read Aloud:

• Auditory Review – Reading your resume aloud engages a different sense and can help you catch errors that your eyes might miss.
• Listen for Clarity – Pay attention to how the content flows when read aloud. This can help you identify awkward sentence structures or phrases.

iv. Checking for Consistency:

• Consistency is Key – Maintain a consistent formatting style throughout your resume. Ensure that fonts, font sizes, headings, bullet points, and alignment are uniform.
• Parallel Structure – Check that your bullet points and headings use parallel structure. For example, if one bullet point starts with a verb, they all should.
• Consistent Tenses – Maintain consistency in your use of verb tenses, particularly when describing past and present roles. Past roles should use the past tense, while current roles should be in the present tense.

v. Relevance and Accuracy:

• Alignment with Job Description – Ensure that your resume remains directly relevant to the job you're applying for. Remove any information that doesn't pertain to the position.
• Factual Accuracy – Verify that all dates, figures, and other factual information are accurate. Inaccurate data can raise concerns with employers.

By following these comprehensive steps, you can ensure that your resume is not only error-free but also consistent and effectively conveys your qualifications to potential employers.

Seeking feedback from others can provide valuable insights and assist you in fine-tuning your resume for maximum impact.

B. How To Check Your Resume For Consistency, Relevance, and Accuracy

While reviewing your resume, it is equally important for you to check your resume for consistency, relevance, and accuracy. And this topic will guide you on how to do that exactly.

Following are the components that you need to watch out for:

i. Formatting and Style:

• Uniform Formatting – Ensure that your resume maintains a consistent formatting style throughout. This includes consistent choices for fonts, font sizes, headings, bullet points, and alignment. Even minor inconsistencies can create distractions and reduce the overall professional appearance of your resume.
• Layout Consistency – Pay close attention to the layout and structure of each section. Consistency in how you present your work experience, education, and skills makes your resume more visually appealing and easier to navigate.
• Consistent Use of Emphasis – If you use bold, italics, or underlining for emphasis, make sure to apply these styles consistently. For instance, if you italicize job titles, do so consistently for all job titles.
• Tense Consistency – Be diligent in your use of verb tenses, especially when describing past and present roles. It's standard practice to describe past roles and experiences in the past tense and current roles in the present tense. For example, "Managed a team of 10 employees" (past tense) and "Currently overseeing a department of 15 employees" (present tense).

ii. Relevance and Accuracy:

• Alignment with Job Description – Review your resume to ensure that all information directly aligns with the job you're applying for. Remove any details that are not pertinent to the position or that don't contribute to your qualifications. A focused resume is more likely to capture the attention of potential employers.
• Customization for Each Application – Consider customizing your resume slightly for each application to emphasize the most relevant qualifications and experiences for each specific role. Tailoring your resume in this way can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.
• Fact-Checking – Verify that all facts, dates, figures, and other details in your resume are accurate. Misleading or incorrect information can be a red flag for employers and may damage your credibility. Double-check employment dates, job titles, educational qualifications, and any specific achievements or statistics you include.

By meticulously addressing these aspects of consistency, relevance, and accuracy, you can ensure that your resume presents a polished and professional image to prospective employers, increasing your chances of making a positive impression.

C. How To Get Feedback and Advice From Experts on Your Resume

When it comes to Resume-building, it is always important to get a second opinion. And by second opinion, we mean a professional second opinion.

Make sure to reach out to your professional network including colleagues and mentors, to get advice and feedback regarding your Resume.

This topic will cover some tips, ways, and pointers, about how you can seek feedback and advice for your Resume.

i. Ask Trusted Colleagues:

Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or friends who have experience in your industry or profession. They can provide valuable feedback on your resume's content and presentation based on their insights and understanding of industry norms.

• Consider Industry Specifics – Colleagues within your industry can offer guidance on industry-specific trends, keywords, and resume best practices that may be particularly relevant to your field.
• Career Coaches and Resume Writers – Consider using the services of professional career coaches or resume writers who specialize in resume development. They possess expertise in crafting resumes tailored to specific industries and career stages.
• Customized Advice – These professionals can provide customized advice, ensuring that your resume effectively communicates your qualifications and aligns with industry expectations.

ii. Online Communities:

Explore online platforms and forums where individuals** share resumes for peer review.** These communities can provide diverse perspectives and suggestions from people with various backgrounds and experiences.

• Anonymity and Honesty – Online forums often allow for candid and anonymous feedback, which can lead to frank assessments of your resume.

iii. Tailored Feedback:

• Industry and Company Information – If applicable, share insights about the industry or the target company. This additional context can assist reviewers in providing more informed feedback.

iv. Ask for Specifics:

• Professional Review – Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or professional resume services for feedback. They can provide fresh perspectives and identify areas for improvement, including content, structure, and formatting.
• Address Weaknesses – Be open to constructive criticism. Address any weaknesses in your resume promptly. For instance, if your summary lacks clarity or if achievements are not adequately quantified, take steps to rectify these issues.

v. Implement Revisions:

After receiving feedback, make the necessary revisions to your resume. Carefully consider each suggestion and make changes that enhance your resume's quality and relevance.

• Track Changes – If possible, use track changes or version control to keep a record of the revisions made based on feedback. This ensures that you can easily refer back to previous versions if needed.

By following these detailed steps, you can not only seek valuable feedback on your resume but also effectively incorporate the advice you receive.

This iterative process helps you fine-tune your resume to maximize its impact on your job search or career advancement efforts.