A well-crafted resume is your first impression on a potential employer. Before sending it out, inviting another person to review your work can provide a fresh perspective and uncover areas for improvement. Approaching this step strategically transforms a simple proofread into a valuable part of your job search preparation.
Prepare Your Resume for Review
Before you ask for someone’s time, it is important to do your own preparatory work. The document you send for review should be a polished final draft, not a rough version filled with obvious errors. Thoroughly proofread the resume for any spelling or grammatical issues so the reviewer can focus on higher-level feedback. Reading your resume out loud can also help you catch awkward phrasing and evaluate the flow.
A generic resume that isn’t aimed at a specific opportunity is difficult to evaluate effectively. To provide the necessary context, tailor your resume to a specific job description or, at a minimum, a target industry and role. This allows the reviewer to assess whether your skills and accomplishments are aligned with the employer’s needs. Highlighting keywords from the job description helps demonstrate that you are a direct match for the position.
To make the review process as productive as possible, identify specific areas where you need guidance. Think about what you are unsure of, such as the strength of your professional summary, the clarity of your bullet points under a particular job, or the overall design. Having specific questions ready shows the reviewer that you have put thought into your resume and respect their time.
Choose the Right Reviewers
Selecting the right person to review your resume influences the quality of feedback you receive. Each type of reviewer brings a unique perspective, so consider approaching more than one person. A trusted peer or a mentor who knows your work history can be an excellent first stop. They can provide general feedback on clarity and flow, and help ensure your resume accurately reflects your professional story.
For more specialized input, seek out someone who works in your target industry. These professionals have a deep understanding of the specific skills, keywords, and accomplishments that are valued in their field. Their feedback can be valuable for ensuring your resume speaks the language of the industry and highlights the experiences that will resonate most with hiring managers.
The most direct feedback comes from professional recruiters or hiring managers. Having reviewed countless resumes, they know what they are looking for and can quickly identify what makes a candidate stand out. Their input can help you get past initial screening tools. Additionally, career coaches or university career services staff are trained in resume optimization and can help ensure your document is formatted to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Make a Professional Request
When you reach out for feedback, your request should be as professional as the resume itself. The initial contact, an email, sets the tone for the interaction. Start with a clear and concise subject line that communicates your purpose, such as “Resume Feedback Request” or “Quick Question About My Resume.”
In the body of the email, be polite and directly state your request while acknowledging that you respect their time and expertise. It is important to show that you value their opinion. A personalized opening that references your connection to them or why you are specifically seeking their input is effective.
To make the reviewer’s job easier, provide all the necessary context in your initial email. Attach your resume, the job description for the role you are targeting, and the specific questions you prepared earlier. This helps guide their feedback toward the areas where you need the most help.
Finally, always give the person an easy way to decline. Including a phrase like, “I completely understand if your schedule is too full right now” removes any pressure and shows you respect their other commitments. Below is a simple template you can adapt:
Subject: Resume Feedback Request
Hi [Reviewer’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well.
I’m currently applying for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and was hoping you might be willing to offer your perspective on my resume. I’ve always valued your expertise in [Their Field], and I believe your feedback would be helpful.
I’ve attached my resume, the job description, and a few specific questions I have. I’m particularly interested in your thoughts on how I’ve framed my experience in [Specific Area]. I completely understand if you’re too busy right now, but any insights you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Handle the Feedback Gracefully
After someone has taken the time to review your resume, a prompt and sincere thank-you is important. Send a note as soon as possible, acknowledging their effort and expressing your gratitude for their specific insights. This gesture reinforces your professionalism and strengthens your professional relationship.
When you receive the feedback, process it with an open and objective mindset. It can be challenging to receive criticism, but it is important to avoid becoming defensive. Remember that the feedback is intended to help you improve. You are not obligated to accept every suggestion, but you should carefully consider the reasoning behind each piece of advice.
If it feels appropriate for the relationship, consider offering to return the favor. A simple statement like, “Please let me know if I can ever help you with anything in the future,” can go a long way. This transforms a one-sided request into a reciprocal professional courtesy.
Keeping your reviewer in the loop can be a nice touch that solidifies the connection. If their feedback helps you land an interview or the job, consider sending them a brief update. Letting them know the positive outcome of their help shows them that their time had a real impact.