WRITERS INC

The purpose of this critique is to improve the style and content of your resume.   As a professional resume writer for the past 25 years,  I have acquired the skills to know what today's employers are looking for. So when you take this simple resume critique, you will benefit from the results.  Take it as a way of helping you succeed in your job search. Thank You

Note: Traditional type resumes, now, receive a 95% rejection rate. Most employees will only spend 10 to 30 seconds looking for your skills and qualifications. Traditionally designed resumes were written to be read and not scanned by the employers. Traditional designed resumes make it difficult for the employer to see all your important skills within the 10 to 30 second window given by the employer to your resume.

 

1. Is your resume designed and written in the Traditional way?
Yes (       )  - 10         No (       )  + 10

2. Does your resume highlight words such as OBJECTIVE, SUMMARY, EDUCATION, more than your skills and qualifications? (What you can do for the employer)

The words OBJECTIVE, SUMMARY, EDUCATION are just guidewords and should not stand out more then your important selling points.

Yes (       )  - 10         No (       )  + 10

3. Does your resume look like a written contract?
Resumes that are wordy tend to put an employer off. If an employer has to spend more than 30 seconds searching for your important skills and qualifications…you can bet the employer will throw your resume in the trash.

Yes (       )  - 10         No (       )  + 10    

4. Does your resume have long job descriptions with your skills bury in between the long sentences?

Employer's have no time to sit and read a resume from top to bottom, nor do they take the time
to yellow or mark and select your skills from long sentences. When you do this, it frustrates the employer. You do not want to do this!

Yes (       )  - 10         No (       )  + 10

5. Is your resume designed to position all your important skills so that the employer can quickly see them?

Resumes are marketing pieces. Your resume is your advertisement. If your important selling points are not made clear, concise and up front so the employer can quickly eyeball them - you will lose the sale…the interview and an opportunity to be hired for the position you want.

Yes (       )  - 10         No (       )  + 10  

6. Does your resume provide too much detailed job description information?

Most all employers that receive your resume should know what you do by the title of your job. This is true if you send your resume to employers who are looking for the skills and/or knowledge you possess. Also, keep in mind, that job descriptions can often lead the employer astray, especially if your job descriptions might be a little different.
What you do at your present job can be examined in an interview.

Yes (       )  - 10         No (       )  + 10


7. Your resume provides unnecessary words and phrases such as: devoted, honest, energetic, pleasant, references upon request.
Employers are not interested in what you say on your resume about yourself. These qualities will come out or not come out during an interview. The resume is only a place to sell your skills not your personal traits or beliefs as to the type of employee you are or could be.

Yes (       )  - 10         No (       )  + 10


8. Your resume positions your achievements or highlights of accomplishments where the employer can see them quickly.

Resumes that join achievements with job descriptions fail. A job description is not an achievement.
Achievements mean your potential to an employer. Employer's only want to interview candidates with skills they need with strong examples of your potential.

Yes (       )  - 10         No (       )  + 10     

9. Your achievements or highlights of accomplishments have measurable results. Increased sales from $1.2 million to $3.4 million in two years. This shows your real potential.

Resumes that use achievement statements like: Significantly increased sales or increased sales by 45% do not mean much to an employer. 45% of what??? You must be specific or your achievements become a negative in the resume.
Yes (       )  - 10         No (       )  + 10

10. Your job positions on your resume exceed 9 years. Employer's are really interested in what you have done and accomplished in the last 5 to 7 to years.

Resumes that go back more than 10 years - end up being a history lesson to the employer. Unless, it is extremely significant to go beyond 10 years…don’t do it!
Yes (       )  - 10         No (       )  + 10