What am I doing wrong on my resume?
A common request I get from clients is: “I am not securing interviews. Can you look at my resume and tell me what I am doing wrong?.” A quick review of the resume typically places it into one of two categories:
1. Not strong; improvements noted
In this circumstance, there can be a wide range of reasons the resume needs improvement, but a couple of common things that I see:
Lack of results/metrics.
Task-heavy details, aka written as if it is a job description
Difficult to understand - either poor fonts or written in a complex way.
Failure to customize towards target job.
No clear USP (Unique Selling Point) or value proposition.
Any of the above mistakes can prevent the resume from succeeding either in ATS systems (Applicant Tracking Software) or simply to a hiring manager that spends seconds reviewing numerous resumes.
2. Looks pretty good
If the resume looks and reads well (based on q quick glance and without knowing all the facts), then I am inclined to think the resume itself may not be the problem.
Many people defer to the resume to do the work for them in a job search. They are not pairing the summary with strong strategies.
Instead of JUST relying on a resume (which does still need to be well-developed), also consider:
Researching jobs, companies’ values, or their vision statement/strategy.
Network - connect with decision-makers, utilize the power of Linkedin
Talking to more people to identify who can help (maybe a recruiter who can be an extra voice or an old co-worker).
If you want your resume to succeed, consider one of our previous articles; Successful ATS Resumes , or consider the value of a Professional Resume Writer, when researching a resume writer be sure to check out reviews from clients, you can also review their Google Reviews.
Wondering if your resume will stand out? Gain valuable insights in our blog post Will Your Resume Make the Cut. Learn from a Professional Resume Writer about the key elements that can make your resume catch the eye of hiring managers. For additional assistance in crafting a winning resume, explore our guide on Write My Resume. Elevate your resume game with tips from a professional.