Every knows you should review your resume. One mistake can cost you the job. We all need help in the form of proofreading, fact checking, and resume format.

Many articles tell you to get a number of people involved in reviewing your resume. Have your colleague review it, they say. Share it with your wife or husband. Have someone from your church group review it. Bring it to a job club and pass it around.

This is insanity! While it’s good to have someone proofread for mistakes, don’t expect them to give you advice that can benefit you and your career.

Those people know nothing about what human resource professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers want to read on a resume. You are going to get such mixed feedback that you are either going to start doubting what you’ve achieved, or you are going to think you’re so good you should get every job you apply for.

Leave it to a person who is trained and skilled at reading or writing resumes.

The only people who should review your resume are you and perhaps someone who works in the same field as you—a trusted colleague or past co-worker, an industry professional. If you are lucky, you will be able to bring in a trained HR professional in the industry for which you are applying.

Otherwise, you are wasting your time on opinions from people who know nothing about writing a resume or what it takes to get hired in your field.

The next time you read an article where the writer says have laypeople review your resume, you should run, fast.

Leave it to the experts, such as professional resume writers or career coaches. Or if you have that industry professional or co-worker—someone who works in your industry or field, understands your business, skills, and experiences and how they relate to your next job—seek advice from them only.

Don’t rely on untrained family, friends, or others. They can proofread, but they can’t give you the solid advice you need on what works or what you should do differently.

If you need help in any area—from the objective statement to your resume format—don’t hesitate to contact the real experts at CareerToolboxUSA.

Beth Kelzer
Follow Beth at LinkedIn.com/in/marybkelzer
CareerToolboxUSA

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