How do you get feedback and proofread your resume before submitting it?

2 Proofread your resume

Another important step before submitting your resume is to proofread it carefully and thoroughly. Proofreading means checking your resume for spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and consistency errors that can undermine your credibility and professionalism. You can use online tools or software that can help you detect and correct such errors, but don't rely on them completely. You should also read your resume aloud, print it out, or ask someone else to proofread it for you. Proofreading can help you catch and fix any mistakes that you might have overlooked or missed during the writing process.

3 Tailor your resume

One of the most common resume mistakes is sending the same generic resume to every college or employer. This can make your resume look bland, irrelevant, or unappealing to the specific audience or opportunity you are applying for. That's why tailoring your resume is crucial. Tailoring means customizing your resume to match the requirements, expectations, and preferences of the college or employer you are targeting. You can do this by researching the college or employer, using keywords and phrases from the job description or application instructions, highlighting your relevant skills and achievements, and showing how you can add value or solve problems for them.

4 Format your resume

Another aspect of your resume that can make a big difference is the format. The format refers to the layout, design, and style of your resume. It affects how easy it is to read, scan, and understand your resume. You should choose a format that suits your purpose, industry, and level of experience. You can use online templates or examples to get some inspiration, but don't copy them exactly. You should also follow some basic formatting rules, such as using a clear and professional font, keeping your resume to one or two pages, using bullet points and headings, and aligning your margins and spacing.

5 Review your resume

The final step before submitting your resume is to review it one last time. Reviewing means looking at your resume from a holistic and critical perspective and evaluating how well it communicates your value proposition and fits the purpose and audience. You should ask yourself some questions, such as: Does your resume have a clear and catchy headline or summary? Does your resume highlight your skills and achievements that match the college or employer's needs and goals? Does your resume use strong and specific language and action verbs? Does your resume avoid any gaps, inconsistencies, or red flags? Does your resume look neat, organized, and professional?

By following these tips, you can get feedback and proofread your resume before submitting it and increase your chances of making a positive impression and getting accepted or hired. Remember that your resume is not a static document, but a dynamic one that you can update, revise, and improve as you gain more experience, skills, and achievements.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?