“Will you take a look at my resume?”
Has a friend or family member ever asked you to do a resume review for them?
Did you immediately agree because you wanted to help? Did it end up being uncomfortable?
Sure, we all want to help people we care about, but we might not be up for the task. Just because your 12 year old asks you to help with her per-algebra homework, doesn’t mean you are going to be able to figure out the right answers.
That is what professionals are for!
Send them this link instead:
What Does a Resume Review Involve?
If you are simple looking for typos and giving your 2 cents on layout and font choice, you probably won’t cause any harm. However, suggesting major changes, additions, or an overhaul of someone’s resume could actually hurt their job search. Especially if you are not a professional resume writer and are just offering your “gut instinct” on it.
If the person really insists that you “take a look”, review Components of a Winning Resume.
However, it might be more productive to point them in the direction of the following article:
10 Reasons Why You Benefit from Using a Professional Resume Writer
It includes things like:
- Looks matter
- An Objective View
- Identifying Your Value
- Don’t Be a Do-It-Yourselfer
- Save Yourself Time
- Have the Inside Track
- Times Change
- Save Money
- Partner with a Professional
- A Great Product
Another Great Resource
Job seekers can really benefit from talking to each other about what is working (and what isn’t) when it comes to finding a new job. Sometimes it’s nice to know you aren’t in it alone. Please encourage your job seeking friends and family members to join our LinkedIn Discussion:
Resume Help and Advice for Professionals and Executives.