Why Editing Your Own Resume Isn't Enough

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Whether you can’t stand to edit papers or you’re a journalism major who loves some red pen action, editing your own resume is not enough.  Job-hunting for internships and full-time jobs is competitive and the first impression that you make with a potential employer happens well before you hear from them.

The first impression you make is when your resume lands in the inbox of the hiring manager. The hiring manager receives hundreds of resumes, and those that don’t stand out go straight to the trash. In a highly competitive environment like this, just one typo can cost you a job.

Here are 3 reasons why you need to make sure your resume is reviewed by at least one other person.

1. Typos. Some typos are really obvious and we catch them ourselves, others not so much. When we read, especially on the computer, our brain can process a word even if the letters are scrambled. This makes it extremely easy to overlook a word. Another common typo that is easily overlooked when we edit our own resume are words like “here” and “hear” or “there” and “their.” Since it is in our own writing, we know what we’re trying to say, so the chances of us catching the mistake are lower than if we were reading someone else’s resume.
    
2. Proper job descriptions. When you have someone else read through your resume, they’ll be able to tell you if the job description under your past employment makes sense. When we are so immersed in a job, we forget that others might not understand that industry’s lingo. Even if you’re applying for a finance job, and your past experience has been in finance, you want to make sure that the HR manager at the company can understand what your skills are and what you have done in the past so that he or she can know exactly why they should recommend you for an interview. This is even more important when you’re changing industries.
    
3. Prioritize what matters. If you have the opportunity, have someone who is in the industry you are applying for a job in to review your resume. They will be able to provide you with feedback on what past jobs you should elaborate on and which will demonstrate that you are fit for a position in that industry. If you do not know someone in that industry, reach out to a professor who teaches that subject or a career development advisor, as they will be able to help you customize it to the industry you’re applying to as well.

Your resume is your best friend when it comes to applying for a job. It’s there to help you shine and really show potential employers the best version of yourself.  Don’t leave it up to chance by editing it yourself. Even if you’re pressed for time, have a peer look over it. You never know what typo they might catch.

As an HonorSociety.org member, one of your benefits is that you have access to the HonorSociety.org Career Development Services. Definitely take advantage of this as they will personally be able to review your resume and cover letter so that you can be confident in knowing that you are making the best first impression possible.