ResumesResumes
InterviewsInterviews
Cover LettersCover Letters
Job Seeker TipsJob Seeker Tips
Beginner BasicsBeginner Basics
In the WorkplaceIn the Workplace
Work/LifeWork/Life
Build A
Job-Winning
Resume Now
Get A
Professionally
Written
Resume
Attention-
Grabbing
Professional
Cover Letters
Home > Blog: Resumes > Critique Your Resume Like a Hiring Manager

Critique Your Resume Like a Hiring Manager

Critique Your Own ResumeIn order to critique your resume effectively, you need to understand how a hiring manager will look at it. As a rule, resume reviewers start by making a snap judgment based on their first impression. If there are no immediate red flags, they'll spend the next 10 to 30 seconds scanning it to determine whether you seem to have the right qualifications. If your resume passes those two tests, it has a good chance of being reviewed more thoroughly, and with luck, winning you an interview.

What does all this mean to you and your resume?

It means you should worry less about listing your past job duties, and more about making an outstanding first impression!

Here are the important factors to consider as you evaluate your resume.

1) First Impression:

  • Overall appearance is neat, organized, and easy to read.
  • Length is no more than 2 pages (1 page is fine if everything fits neatly).
  • No obvious errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or word usage.
  • No obvious inconsistencies in use of numbers, spacing, punctuation, or capitalization.
  • Contact information is complete.
  • Email address is professional, not shared, not goofy, and not your current work address.

2) Quick Check of Qualifications:

  • Resume starts with a summary that lists the most compelling qualifications that match the employer’s needs.
  • Calls attention to relevant experience from past jobs.
  • Matches keywords and expressions from the job ad.
  • Uses descriptive job titles (e.g., Don't just say "Machinist," say "Robotic-Arm Machine Operator").
  • Includes licenses, certifications, or coursework that support qualifications (if applicable).

3) Other Things to Look For:

  • Action verbs introduce each sentence or bullet phrase.
  • No unnecessary words or repetition.
  • Acronyms or technical jargon are adequately explained.

4) Things You Should Leave Out:

  • Older job experiences—Experience from more than 10 or 15 years ago is probably irrelevant now.
  • Personal information—Avoid topics such as religion, politics, age, race, marital status, lifestyle, or disability.
  • Older educational details—Always list your highest level of education, but after a few years stop mentioning GPA, as well as your roles in clubs, sports, or other school-related activities. If you're an older job seeker, leave out the year of graduation.

A self-critique should be part of the process any time you submit a resume. We haven't mentioned the cover letter—but the same critiquing principles can help you create a cover letter that makes a great impression and opens the door to your resume.

Critiquing your own resume might seem like a lot of extra work, but if the mistakes are there, wouldn't you rather find them yourself than let the hiring manager do it for you?

RELATED LINKS
Check Your Resume Before You Send It
The No-Excuses Way to Submit an Error-Free Resume
No Bites on Your Resume? Check These 5 Things

Ready To Jump Start Your Job Search?
Looking for Help with Your Job Search?
Pongo has been helping Job Seekers for over 10 years. If you think our articles are great, try our Resume Builder, Letter Builder and Exclusive Interview Strategy Videos! Our easy-to-use tools and expert advice have helped over 70% of our Members get the job they want! Learn More »
Like what you see?
Join over 4.6 million Pongo Members — and let us help you land your dream job.
Pongo Raves
Student Lands Job in Hospitality Industry
Anthony was unemployed and living at home. Watch as he describes how Pongo helped him improve his resume, letters and interview techniques to land the perfect job.
Learn More About Pongo
More Success Stories