Resume Feedback: Expert Tips For Improvement

Aug 4, 2025 by Luna Greco 45 views

Resume Review: Tips and Feedback for Improvement

Hey guys! So, your friend asked you to review their resume? That's awesome! A fresh pair of eyes can really make a difference. Let's dive into how you can provide some killer feedback and help your friend land that dream job. We'll break down the key sections of a resume, common pitfalls, and actionable steps for improvement. Let's get started!

1. First Impressions: Overall Structure and Formatting

When you first glance at the resume, does it look clean and professional? This is crucial. Recruiters often spend mere seconds initially scanning a resume, so visual appeal matters big time. Ensure the resume has a clear, logical structure. Is it easy to navigate and find key information? A cluttered or confusing layout can be an instant turn-off. Think of it like this: the resume is a first date – you want to make a great first impression! A well-organized resume speaks volumes about the candidate's attention to detail and professionalism. The formatting should be consistent throughout the document. This includes font choices, font sizes, spacing, and the use of bolding or italics. Inconsistencies can make the resume look sloppy and unprofessional. Imagine reading a book where the font changes every paragraph – distracting, right? The same goes for a resume.

Here are some key formatting elements to consider:

Font Choice: Stick to professional and readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Georgia. Avoid anything too fancy or difficult to read. Think clarity and readability above all else. Remember, the goal is to make the information easily accessible to the reader. Using a unique font might seem like a good way to stand out, but it can backfire if it makes the resume difficult to read.
Font Size: Use a font size between 10 and 12 points for the main body text. Headings can be slightly larger (14-16 points) to create visual hierarchy. Make sure the font size is consistent throughout the resume. A resume with varying font sizes looks unprofessional and can be jarring to the reader.
Margins: Maintain consistent margins (around 0.5-1 inch) on all sides of the page. This creates white space and makes the resume less cluttered. White space is your friend! It helps to break up the text and makes the resume easier to scan. A resume that is packed with text can feel overwhelming and difficult to read.
Spacing: Use single or 1.15 spacing for the body text and add extra spacing between sections to improve readability. Just like margins, spacing helps to create visual separation and makes the resume easier to digest. Too little spacing can make the text look cramped and difficult to read.
Bold and Italics: Use bolding and italics sparingly to highlight key information, such as job titles, dates, and skills. Overusing these formatting elements can make the resume look cluttered and unprofessional. Think of bolding and italics as tools to guide the reader's eye to the most important information.
Bullet Points: Use bullet points to list accomplishments and responsibilities in a concise and easy-to-read format. Bullet points make it easier for recruiters to quickly scan the information and identify relevant skills and experience. Avoid long paragraphs of text in the experience section. Bullet points help to break up the text and make it more digestible.

Consistency is key. Ensure that these formatting elements are consistent throughout the resume. A consistent format makes the resume look polished and professional, while inconsistencies can detract from the overall impression. Remember, the goal is to present the candidate in the best possible light, and a well-formatted resume is essential for achieving that. So, take a good look at the overall structure and formatting of your friend's resume. Is it clean, professional, and easy to read? If not, that's the first thing to address.

2. The Headline: Contact Information and a Strong Summary

Next up, let's look at the top of the resume. Does your friend's contact information stand out and is it accurate? This seems basic, but you'd be surprised how many resumes have outdated phone numbers or email addresses! The contact information should be clear, concise, and easy to find. Include the candidate's full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL (if they have one). Make sure the email address is professional – no funny or cringey email addresses, guys! This is a business document, after all.

Full Name: The full name should be prominently displayed at the top of the resume, usually in a larger font size than the other contact information. This makes it easy for recruiters to identify the candidate.
Phone Number: Use a professional and easily accessible phone number. Avoid using a work phone number if the candidate is currently employed, as this could raise privacy concerns.
Email Address: The email address should be professional and easy to remember. Avoid using nicknames or unprofessional language in the email address. A simple format like [email protected] is usually the best option.
LinkedIn Profile URL: If the candidate has a LinkedIn profile, include the URL in the contact information section. This allows recruiters to easily access the candidate's online profile and learn more about their experience and qualifications. Make sure the LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional before including the URL on the resume.

Now, let's talk about the summary or objective statement. This is a critical piece of real estate on the resume. Is it a strong, compelling snapshot of your friend's skills and experience? A well-crafted summary can immediately grab a recruiter's attention, while a weak or generic one can send the resume straight to the rejection pile. A strong summary should be tailored to the specific job the candidate is applying for, highlighting the most relevant skills and experience. It should also convey the candidate's career goals and what they hope to achieve in the role. Think of it as an elevator pitch – the candidate's chance to make a great first impression in just a few sentences.

Objective Statement: An objective statement is a brief statement that outlines the candidate's career goals. While objective statements were more common in the past, they are now often considered outdated. A summary statement is generally a better option, as it focuses on what the candidate can offer the employer, rather than what the candidate is looking for. However, an objective statement can still be useful in certain situations, such as when the candidate is changing careers or applying for an entry-level position.
Summary Statement: A summary statement is a brief overview of the candidate's skills and experience. It should highlight the candidate's key qualifications and accomplishments, and it should be tailored to the specific job the candidate is applying for. A strong summary statement should be concise, compelling, and easy to read. It should grab the recruiter's attention and make them want to learn more about the candidate.

The summary should answer the question: "Why should this company hire you?" It's not just about listing skills; it's about showcasing how those skills can benefit the employer. Use action verbs and quantify achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "Experienced in customer service," try "Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction ratings." See the difference? Quantifiable results make a huge impact. So, review your friend's headline, contact information, and summary statement. Are they making a strong first impression? If not, it's time to revise and refine!

3. Experience Section: Showcasing Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

The experience section is the heart of the resume. This is where your friend needs to shine! It's not enough to just list job duties; they need to showcase their achievements and the impact they made in each role. Recruiters want to see what the candidate accomplished, not just what they were responsible for. The most common mistake people make is simply listing their job responsibilities. This is a missed opportunity to demonstrate value and stand out from the crowd. Instead of saying "Responsible for managing social media accounts," try "Managed social media accounts, increasing followers by 30% and engagement by 20% in six months." Again, quantifiable results are key!

Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb that describes the candidate's accomplishments. Some examples of effective action verbs include: achieved, implemented, managed, led, developed, created, improved, increased, reduced, and trained. Avoid using weak or passive verbs like was responsible for or assisted with.
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify the candidate's accomplishments using numbers, percentages, or other metrics. This helps to demonstrate the impact the candidate made in their role. For example, instead of saying "Improved customer satisfaction," try "Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% in Q2 2023."
Focus on Results: Highlight the results of the candidate's work, rather than just the tasks they performed. What was the outcome of their efforts? How did their contributions benefit the company?
Tailor to the Job: The experience section should be tailored to the specific job the candidate is applying for. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Review the job description carefully and make sure the resume addresses the key requirements.

For each position, include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a brief description of the company (optional). Then, use bullet points to list the candidate's key accomplishments and responsibilities. The bullet points should be concise, focused, and results-oriented. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure the bullet points and provide context for the candidate's achievements. This helps to tell a story and demonstrate the candidate's skills and experience in a clear and compelling way.

Situation: Briefly describe the situation or challenge the candidate faced.
Task: Explain the task the candidate was assigned to address the situation.
Action: Describe the actions the candidate took to complete the task.
Result: Highlight the results of the candidate's actions and the impact they made.

Reverse chronological order is the standard format for the experience section, meaning the most recent job should be listed first. This allows recruiters to quickly see the candidate's most recent experience and accomplishments. However, if the candidate is changing careers or has a significant gap in their employment history, a functional or combination resume format may be more appropriate. So, encourage your friend to think critically about their accomplishments and quantify their impact. The experience section is their chance to sell themselves!

4. Skills Section: Highlight Key Competencies

A well-crafted skills section is a game-changer. This section should highlight both technical and soft skills that are relevant to the job the candidate is applying for. Think about the skills that are in high demand in the industry and make sure those are prominently featured. The skills section should be easy to scan and read. Use bullet points or columns to organize the skills into categories, such as technical skills, software proficiency, languages, or soft skills.

Technical Skills: These are the specific skills and knowledge required to perform the job. Examples of technical skills include: programming languages, software applications, data analysis, project management, and accounting.
Soft Skills: These are the personal attributes and interpersonal skills that are important for success in the workplace. Examples of soft skills include: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and time management.
Language Proficiency: If the candidate is proficient in multiple languages, list them in the skills section. Include the level of proficiency (e.g., fluent, proficient, basic).
Software Proficiency: List the software applications the candidate is proficient in. This can be particularly important for technical roles.

Don't just list skills; provide context and evidence of those skills in other sections of the resume. For example, if the candidate lists "Project Management" as a skill, they should also have examples of successful project management in their experience section. This helps to demonstrate their skills and provides credibility. Avoid listing skills that are generic or overused, such as "hardworking" or "team player." These skills are expected of most candidates and don't really set the candidate apart. Instead, focus on skills that are specific and relevant to the job. Tailor the skills section to the job description. Review the job description carefully and identify the key skills and qualifications that the employer is looking for. Then, make sure those skills are prominently featured in the skills section.

It's a good idea to separate skills into categories such as "Technical Skills," "Software Proficiency," and "Languages." This makes it easier for recruiters to quickly scan the section and identify relevant skills. For each skill, consider adding a level of proficiency (e.g., "Expert," "Proficient," "Familiar"). This helps to provide context and differentiate the candidate's skills. However, be honest about the level of proficiency. Don't exaggerate or list skills that the candidate doesn't actually possess.

So, encourage your friend to think strategically about their skills and highlight the ones that are most relevant to the job they're applying for. The skills section is a powerful tool for showcasing their competencies and attracting the attention of recruiters.

5. Education and Other Sections: Details That Matter

The education section is a crucial component of a resume, especially for recent graduates or those in academic fields. This section should include the name of the institution, degree earned, major, and graduation date (or expected graduation date). If the candidate has a high GPA (e.g., 3.5 or higher), it's a good idea to include it. This demonstrates academic achievement and can be a positive differentiator. List the education in reverse chronological order, with the most recent degree listed first. If the candidate has multiple degrees, list them all. However, if the candidate has several years of professional experience, they may choose to list only the highest degree earned.

Honors and Awards: If the candidate received any honors or awards during their education, include them in the education section. This demonstrates academic excellence and can help the candidate stand out from the competition.
Relevant Coursework: If the candidate is applying for a job that is related to their field of study, they may choose to list relevant coursework in the education section. This helps to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field.
Certifications and Licenses: If the candidate has any certifications or licenses that are relevant to the job, include them in a separate section or in the education section. This demonstrates their qualifications and expertise in the field.

Beyond the core sections, consider including other sections like volunteer experience, projects, or interests. These sections can help to showcase the candidate's personality, passions, and well-roundedness. Volunteer experience can demonstrate the candidate's commitment to community service and their willingness to give back. Projects can showcase their skills and experience in a practical setting. Interests can help to create a personal connection with the recruiter and make the candidate more memorable.

Volunteer Experience: List any volunteer experience the candidate has, including the organization, role, and dates of involvement. Highlight the skills and experience gained through volunteer work.
Projects: If the candidate has worked on any personal or professional projects, include them in a separate section. Describe the project, the candidate's role, and the key accomplishments.
Interests: List a few personal interests that are relevant to the job or industry. This can help to create a personal connection with the recruiter and make the candidate more memorable.

However, be strategic about what you include in these sections. Only include information that is relevant to the job or helps to demonstrate the candidate's skills and qualifications. Avoid listing personal information that is not relevant to the job, such as marital status or religious affiliation. The key here is to paint a complete picture of the candidate, highlighting their skills, experience, and personality. These sections can be a great way to add some personality and make the resume more memorable. So, review these sections carefully and make sure they are showcasing your friend's strengths and qualifications.

6. Final Polish: Proofreading and Tailoring

Alright, we're in the home stretch! The final step is to meticulously proofread the resume for any errors. Typos, grammatical mistakes, and inconsistencies can make a terrible impression. Read the resume aloud, or better yet, have someone else proofread it. A fresh pair of eyes can often catch errors that you might miss. Pay close attention to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. Even small errors can make the resume look unprofessional and careless.

Spelling: Use a spell checker to catch any spelling errors. However, don't rely solely on the spell checker, as it may not catch all errors. Read the resume carefully and double-check any words that you are unsure of.
Grammar: Pay attention to grammar and sentence structure. Make sure the sentences are clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
Punctuation: Use punctuation correctly and consistently throughout the resume.
Formatting: Check the formatting to ensure that it is consistent throughout the resume. Pay attention to font size, font style, spacing, and margins.

Beyond proofreading, tailoring the resume to each specific job is essential. A generic resume is less likely to get noticed. Review the job description carefully and identify the key skills and qualifications that the employer is looking for. Then, customize the resume to highlight those skills and qualifications. Tailoring the resume shows the employer that the candidate is truly interested in the job and has the skills and experience they are looking for.

Keywords: Use keywords from the job description throughout the resume. This helps to ensure that the resume is picked up by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Skills: Highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job.
Experience: Emphasize the experience that is most relevant to the job.
Summary: Tailor the summary statement to the specific job and highlight the candidate's key qualifications and accomplishments.

Think of it like this: you're creating a custom pitch for each opportunity. This takes time, but it's worth it! A tailored resume demonstrates to the employer that the candidate has taken the time to understand the job requirements and is a good fit for the position. It also helps the resume stand out from the competition. So, encourage your friend to take the time to proofread and tailor their resume. These final touches can make all the difference in landing an interview!

By following these tips, you can provide valuable feedback to your friend and help them create a resume that truly shines. Good luck, and happy reviewing!