Here's how you can offer helpful resume feedback while maintaining the recipient's motivation.
Giving constructive feedback on a resume can be a delicate balancing act. You want to be helpful and honest, yet it's crucial to keep the recipient's spirits high. A resume is not just a list of jobs and education; it's a personal marketing tool that represents an individual's professional story. When reviewing someone’s resume, your goal should be to help them present their best self to potential employers, while also ensuring they remain motivated and confident in their job search.
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Sweety P.Formal Verification Engineer | Certified Keynote Speaker | Married to Semiconductors | Mentor | Toastmaster | Making…
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Dr Waleed Talat, CRW, CMW, CCW, CCPTop Resume Writing Voice | 3X Certified Resume Writer (CARW) & CCW ⮕ 65+ LinkedIn Recommendations ♦ Worked with Clients…
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Always begin with what works on the resume. Highlighting strengths first builds confidence and opens the recipient to receive more critical feedback. For example, praise the clarity of their job descriptions or the neatness of the layout. This positive reinforcement sets a constructive tone for the conversation. It's like warming up before a workout; it prepares the recipient for more intensive improvements without causing discouragement.
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I recommend a sandwich approach. Here is how it works. STEP 1. Mention the good points STEP 2. Mention improvement points in a CONSTRUCTIVE manner STEP 3. Mention how few more things can be done in a better way for more impacts - e.g. resume format, colors & fonts, rewriting some content, etc. STEP 4. Summarize - Summary is very important which accumulates overall feedback
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▶️ Start with Strengths: Kick off by highlighting what’s working well on the resume. For example, “Your job descriptions are exceptionally clear and detailed,” or “The layout is neat and easy to navigate.” This positive reinforcement builds confidence and primes the recipient for more critical feedback. ▶️ Frame Criticism Constructively: Transition into areas for improvement by framing feedback constructively. For instance, “To enhance readability, consider shortening the summary statement to three lines.” ▶️ Personalize and Encourage: Tailor your suggestions to the individual's career goals and offer encouragement. “By fine-tuning your skills section to align with the Senior Transformation Manager role, you’ll stand out even more.”
When providing feedback, vague comments won't help. Instead, be specific about what can be improved and why. If there's an issue with the resume's formatting, explain how consistency can make it more professional. If job descriptions lack impact, suggest using action verbs and quantifiable achievements. Specific advice shows that you've paid attention and care about their success, which can be very motivating.
It's not enough to identify problems; you must also offer solutions. If you notice gaps in employment, advise on how to address them in a cover letter or suggest a functional resume format that focuses on skills over timeline. Providing actionable advice helps the recipient feel empowered to make changes, rather than overwhelmed by what's wrong.
A common issue with resumes is overloading them with information. Encourage the recipient to be concise. Remind them that a resume should be a highlight reel, not an autobiography. By focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills, they'll craft a document that's easier for employers to digest and more effective at showcasing their qualifications.
Always remember to put yourself in the recipient's shoes. Resume writing can be a stressful task, and looking for a job is often fraught with anxiety. Your feedback should be kind and empathetic. Acknowledge the effort that has gone into the resume and reassure them that with some tweaks, it can be a strong representation of their professional journey.
Lastly, offer to review the resume again after they've made changes. This shows your commitment to helping them succeed and provides them with a safety net as they continue to refine their resume. The promise of continued support can be incredibly motivating and can make the difference between a good resume and a great one.
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