How to review your resume before applying for a job

Your resume is the best marketing material you have for your job search, going hand-in-hand with your cover letter and LinkedIn profile. If you don’t deliver a well-written, impactful resume with your job applications, you may end up getting rejected by the employer. So, how do you ensure that your resume is up to industry standards? You thoroughly review it before sending it out.

Start with the job description

Review the job description carefully before you begin reviewing your resume. Identify the requirements set by the employer and then go through your own qualifications to spot what aligns with them. Now, you have a clear idea of the information and keywords that must be displayed on your resume.

Check for a strong summary

Does your resume start with an impressive and impactful summary statement that encapsulates your unique value proposition and personal brand? If not, it might be time to rewrite your summary statement. Your resume summary must mention a lot of keywords, including some of your best skills, experiences, and achievements associated with the role.

Evaluate the design

The way your resume is designed and formatted will definitely end up affecting your chances. A cluttered, unorganized resume will turn off enthusiastic hiring managers. Always ensure that your resume has a clean and clear design that is quite easy to navigate. Check whether you have used clear section titles, bullet points, and white space.

Look for numbers

As we always state, numbers make your resume an interesting read. Don’t let your resume become dull and boring by only mentioning your job duties in the descriptions. Ensure that your resume highlights the best bits of your career by incorporating quantified achievements. You should use numbers, metrics, percentages, etc. for this.

Ensure the accuracy of information

One important thing you must consider when reviewing your resume is to ensure that the information mentioned on the document is accurate. If there are inconsistencies between dates and job titles on your resume and your LinkedIn profile, hiring managers may get the impression that you are lying.

Eliminate the mistakes

You will spot multiple spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes when reviewing your resume. Note them all down and tackle them in several rounds of proofreading. We recommend taking a one or two-hour break after completing your resume so that you can proofread it with a fresh perspective.

Check for customization

Does your resume read as a highly tailored custom resume or a generic resume that fits any job? Sending out generic resumes is guaranteed to get you rejected from a majority of jobs for which you apply. Always ensure that your resume is tailored to your target position.

Check your contact information

You should always ensure that the contact information displayed on your resume is accurate so that hiring managers can get in touch with you to schedule job interviews. Look for typos or outdated contact information when reviewing your resume.