r/resumes Aug 14 '25

Mod Announcement New to r/resumes? Please Read This First

42 Upvotes

Welcome! Before posting or commenting, please review these essential resources that will answer most of your questions:

Essential Reading:

Quick Tools:

How to Post Your Resume for Review

Step 1: Choose Your Industry Flair

Select the flair that best matches your target industry.

  • Example: if you're a software engineer, you'd use the blue "Technology/Software/IT" flair.
  • If you're in management consulting, you'd use the green "Consulting/Professional Services" flair.

If you're unsure, use the best match.

⚠️ ATTENTION: Please do not use any other flair if you're looking for a review. If you do, your post will be taken down.

Step 2: Format Your Title Exactly Like This

[X YoE, Current Role/Unemployed, Target Role, Country]

Requirements:

  • X = number in years (no decimals or ranges)
  • Must include the brackets [ ]
  • Use "Unemployed" if you're currently not working

Examples:

  • [6 YoE, Software Engineer, Senior Developer, United States]
  • [0 YoE, Recent Graduate, Marketing Coordinator, Canada]
  • [3 YoE, Unemployed, Project Manager, United Kingdom]

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • 1.5 YoE (no decimals)
  • 0-2 YoE (no ranges)
  • ❌ Missing brackets
  • ❌ Wrong flair selection

Step 3: Prepare Your Resume

  • Convert to PNG format using this tool (minimum 600 dpi)
  • Remove all personal information (name, phone, email, addresses, company names)
  • Keep job titles and dates - this helps reviewers give better feedback

Step 4: Write Your Post Body

Include context to help reviewers assist you:

  • What specific help do you need? (Not just "what's wrong with my resume")
  • What roles/industries are you targeting?
  • Where are you applying? (Local, remote, willing to relocate?)
  • What's your job search situation and challenges?
  • Any specific resume sections you want feedback on?
  • Visa/citizenship status affecting your search?

Common Questions & Issues

"I'm not getting any feedback on my post" Make sure you've followed all the steps above, especially proper title formatting and flair selection. Posts without proper formatting may be removed or get less visibility.

"My post was removed" Check that your title follows the exact format required and that you've selected an appropriate flair. Most removals are due to formatting issues.

"How do I write [specific resume section]?" The Resume Writing Guide covers all common resume sections and writing techniques. Check there first before posting a question.

"I need a resume template" Use our free Google Docs template or the ATS-friendly resume builder.

"Should I hire a resume writer?" Read our comprehensive guide on finding a qualified resume writer to make an informed decision.

Other Post Types

  • Questions (not resume reviews): Use the "Question" flair
  • Sharing advice: Use "I'm Sharing Advice" flair (ask mods before posting external links)
  • Success stories: Use "Success Story" flair
  • General discussion: Use "Discussion" flair

Community Guidelines

Be respectful and say thanks - People volunteer their time to help you Keep help public - Don't ask for or offer help via DMs Read the rules - Most bans are for spamming, harassment, or DMing users

Need more help? Check our complete wiki or message the moderators.


r/resumes Sep 01 '22

I’m giving advice Considering hiring a resume writer? Read this first.

257 Upvotes

What You Should Know Before Hiring a Professional Resume Writer

Aside from being a regular contributor to r/resumes, I'm a resume writer by trade. I've been in the career services industry for about 7 years, have written for professionals at every level from individual contributor to CEOs, and I see the aftermath of bad "professional" rewrites posted to this sub all the time. This guide will help you avoid becoming one of them.

It makes me sad to see folks get duped into buying resume services from what I'd just call unqualified people. I see posts every week on the sub about resumes that were written by so-called professionals, and I want to laugh, until I remember it's not funny.

TLDR

A qualified resume writer typically charges $200 to $1,500 depending on your career level, with some executive services running $3,000 or more. Look for certification from PARWCC, NRWA, RWA, or CDI, a verifiable online presence, real samples, and a process that starts with a consultation call. The best test: if you can't speak directly with the person writing your resume before you pay, walk away.

If you're early in your career or on a tight budget, you probably don't need a writer at all. Post your resume to this sub for free feedback first. You may find that's enough.

The rest of this guide covers how the process works, what to expect at each stage, where AI tools fit in, and the unethical practices to watch for.

Last updated: July 2026

---

What does a resume writer do?

In a nutshell, resume writers help candidates prepare job application materials such as resumes, federal resumes, CVs, academic CVs, and cover letters. Some writers may also offer additional services such as career and interview coaching, LinkedIn profile writing, and placement services.

To be clear, resume writers are not know-it-alls, and you shouldn't expect one to be. A writer who has worked across dozens of industries hasn't actually done the jobs in those industries. They don't know your codebase, your P&L, or your clinical protocols, and any writer who implies they do is overselling.

Here's the actual division of labor: you are the subject matter expert on your career. The writer is the expert on how hiring teams read, what recruiters screen for, and how to translate what you did into language that lands with the people making decisions. Their core skill isn't industry knowledge. It's extraction and positioning: asking questions you wouldn't think to ask yourself, pulling out accomplishments you've stopped noticing because they feel routine to you, and framing all of it for the audience you're targeting.

In the years I've been doing this, I've found the writers worth hiring are the ones who know exactly what they don't know. The ones comfortable saying "explain that to me like I'm not in your field" tend to produce better resumes than the ones who nod along, because the first group is extracting, and the second is guessing.

Should you hire a resume writer?

That'll depend on your personal and professional circumstances. Generally speaking, there are a few situations where hiring a resume writer may be the right choice. They include:

  • You've been applying to many jobs and haven't been receiving any calls from employers.
  • You have no idea what ATS is or how to factor it in when writing your resume.
  • You have a complex career history and aren't sure how best to convey it in a professional and engaging manner.
  • You're looking to switch careers and aren't sure how to convey your transferable skills.
  • You're a midlevel, senior, or executive level candidate, are still employed, and want to prepare for your next career move.
  • You've tried using AI to write your resume and the result reads like it could belong to anyone in your field.

This list isn't exhaustive, so there may be situations where hiring a writer is the appropriate choice. However, there are also a few situations where hiring a writer probably isn't the best choice. These include:

  • You're confident with your existing resume, have already been seeing results, and are just looking for some minor feedback.
  • Your financial situation doesn't permit. The truth is that well-regarded writers charge anywhere from $200 to $1,500 or more. You'll see many writers here on Reddit, on Fiverr, and elsewhere charging fees that seem too good to be true (think less than $100). If your financial situation doesn't permit the cost of a reputable writer (and we'll get to that later), you're much better off writing your own.
  • You're still in college/university. If you're at this stage of your career, you'll do fine relying on your college career center along with web resources like this sub.

Note: Your first step should always be posting to the r/resumes sub for feedback. This sub is packed with industry professionals that can give you helpful advice - you may end up not needing a writer.

DIY vs. Hiring a Resume Writer: Which Makes More Sense?

Factor DIY Resume Hiring a Resume Writer
When it makes sense (1) You're early career with <3 years' experience. (2) You're comfortable writing about yourself. (3) You're applying to many roles and tweaking is easy. (1) You're mid-senior level and stakes are higher. (2) You're changing industries or roles. (3) You struggle to translate your experience into clear, marketable language.
Budget range Free (time investment only). Maybe $50-$100 for templates or reviews. $200 to $1,500 for professional writers. Executive-level services can run $3,000+.
What you get (1) Full control over content. (2) Free resources (Reddit, forums, templates). (3) Quick turnaround (your own pace). (1) Professionally written, ATS-friendly resume. (2) Help drawing out and positioning your impact and achievements. (3) Knowledge that might be hard to come by on your own (like experience with the hiring process if the writer was in recruiting).
Risks & trade-offs (1) Easy to undersell yourself. (2) Hard to be objective about strengths. (3) Formatting mistakes may trip ATS. (4) AI-generated drafts can sound polished but lack substance. (1) Costly if you pick the wrong writer. (2) Quality varies widely, due diligence is key. (3) Still requires your input and time.

What about AI?

This is probably the most common question I get right now, so I want to be straightforward about it.

AI tools like ChatGPT can help you with structure, formatting, and getting words on a page. If you're staring at a blank document and have no idea where to start, they can give you a decent starting point. For straightforward career histories at the early career level, that might be enough.

What you may not realize though, is that the actual writing is a small part of what goes into a good resume. Most of the work is in the content and marketing: figuring out what to include, what to cut, how to frame each role, and how to position yourself for the type of job you want.

That demands an understanding of how hiring teams read resumes, what recruiters screen for, how applicant tracking systems filter candidates, and what makes a hiring manager read your bullets instead of skimming them. These are things you learn from working inside and alongside the hiring process. You can paste your entire work history into an AI tool, but it still won't have that hiring-side judgment. The other thing is that you need to write content you can speak to at length in an interview, as opposed to just writing stuff that sounds great on paper.

What I see a lot on this sub is people sharing AI-generated resumes that look clean and read well on the surface. The formatting and grammar are all fine, but the content is either catch-all, or doesn't quite connect the dots for the hiring team. I see bullet points that could apply to almost anyone with the same job title. There's nothing in the doc that tells an HM what this specific person did differently or better. And that's the part that gets interviews (Note: there are factors at play, like local market, volume of other applicants, timing that impact your candidacy that have nothing to do with your resume - for this guide, we're focusing on the stuff that is in your control).

To put it simply:

  • AI can handle structure, keywords, and getting a first draft on paper (this is great for early candidates, or folks that just have no idea how to navigate a word processor like MS Word or Google Docs).
  • AI will struggle with knowing what your strongest selling points are, how to position a career change, which content goes where, or whether your bullets will hold up under questioning in an interview.
  • If you already know what good resume content looks like and just need help putting it together, AI can work.
  • If you're not sure why your resume isn't landing, or you have a complicated career history, AI will probably give you something that looks professional but doesn't actually solve the problem.

A lot of people now use AI for their first draft and then bring in a human (either through this sub or a writer) to fix the substance. That's a reasonable approach.

How do you vet a resume writer?

There are a few things you can look for when figuring out if a writer is qualified.

What's the writer's background? If you're working through a company, ask if you can speak with the writer directly (if the answer is no, I wouldn't recommend proceeding any further with that company). If you're working with an independent writer, ask to speak them one on one. Well-regarded writers come from diverse backgrounds. Education-wise, there isn't a set program that "produces" resume writers. However, you should expect a bachelor's degree at a minimum and a work history with active engagement in career-related professions. Some examples include recruiting, human resources, or career coaching. Regardless of the writer's background, they should have an online presence such as a website or LinkedIn profile that you can view. If you can't find a writer anywhere online, it may be hard for you to verify their credentials, in which case, it's a good idea to be extra careful.

Do they have samples they can share? Ask for samples. Most writers will provide them or list them on their website/portfolio for clients to see.

Do they have client testimonials or reviews that you can reference? Companies and independent writers that deliver positive results will definitely want to make it known to prospective clients. Ask them for their client testimonials and take a look at what their previous customers have said about their work to get an idea of what it's like working with them. Be wary of companies and writers that don't have any reviews, are unable to refer you to their previous customers, or have a string of negative reviews (especially if those negative reviews involve repeated issues like missed deadlines or generic output).

Are they certified? Credible and qualified resume writers will often have certifications from one of the following organizations:

  • Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC)
  • National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA)
  • Resume Writing Academy (RWA)
  • Career Directors International (CDI)

Do they have a presence in the resume community? This one is easy to overlook, but it matters. A writer who regularly contributes to communities like this one (giving free feedback, answering questions, sharing knowledge) is usually someone who cares about the craft. It also gives you a chance to see how they think and whether their advice resonates with you before you spend any money.

Green Flags vs. Red Flags When Choosing a Resume Writer

Green Flags (Good Signs) Red Flags (Warning Signs)
Provides before-and-after samples showing real results. No samples, or only vague "testimonials."
Transparent about pricing and what's included. Hidden fees, upselling, or unclear service breakdown.
Offers unlimited or multiple revisions in package. "One draft only" or charges extra for basic edits.
Asks you detailed questions about your career, goals, and target roles. Barely requests input, delivers a generic template.
Shares ATS knowledge and explains formatting choices. Uses graphics-heavy designs that risk ATS rejection.
Active in resume communities and willing to give free advice. No online presence outside of their own website.
Comfortable saying a role or industry is outside their wheelhouse, and asks you to explain technical details. Claims deep expertise in every industry, or never asks clarifying questions.

What to expect during the writing process

All processes generally follow a similar structure that consists of an information gathering stage, writing stage, and review/revision stage.

Information Gathering: A good writer will want to speak with you directly and collect information with regard to your work history, skills, accomplishments, and career goals. Most of the time, this process is handled through a phone or video call, but some companies/writers will collect this information through a form. Ask the company/writer how they'll be gathering the necessary information to prepare a resume that is unique to you. Beware of companies that don't use a consultation process at all and only ask for your existing resume. You may be unpleasantly surprised when you see your old descriptions reworded and repackaged.

Writing: Ask the company/writer how long it'll take to write your resume. A quality resume takes time and effort to create. Speaking from my own work, six hours for an entry-level resume up to 15 hours for an executive resume is the norm. Beware of turnaround times that seem a little too quick. The industry standard is around 5-10 days.

Review and Revision: After preparing an initial draft, the writer will typically offer the client an opportunity to provide feedback and request changes if needed. Ask the writer about whether or not they allow requests for revisions, how many revisions, and for how long after you've concluded the service.

How much do resume writing services cost?

If you do a quick Google search, you'll see that there are a broad range of prices. As I mentioned earlier, the typical price range runs from $200 to $1,500, and some executive resume writers charge upwards of $3,000.

Two factors that affect this are:

  • Your experience level
  • The writer's experience level and their ability to produce results

Be wary of companies and writers that offer their services at very low rates; it's more often than not an indication of low quality service. Remember that many hours go into building a quality resume spanning consultations, research, writing, reviews, and revisions.

Are resume writers worth it?

That's the million-dollar question. Before you decide to hire a writer, ask yourself the following:

  • Do I earn an annual salary of $70,000 or more? If yes, paying for a professional resume could be worth it for you. With the average cost of a mid-career resume at around $500, that works out to less than 1% of your annual salary.
  • Am I still early on in my career (still in college or recent graduate)? If so, checking out the plethora of DIY tools available might be a better option.

Should I work with an industry-specific writer?

While there are variations across industries, generally speaking, resume writing best practices are similar across the board, with some exceptions including:

  • Modeling
  • Acting
  • Industries that emphasize graphically intensive resumes (i.e., portfolios) rather than traditional resumes.

Some companies will have writers on staff that only work with certain industries (i.e., IT, software engineering etc.). Independent writers are generally more versatile and work with professionals in multiple industries.

The advantage of working with a generalist is broader all-round industry knowledge, which is especially useful if you're switching industries.

One caveat either way: don't confuse specialization with mastery. Even a writer who works exclusively with software engineers hasn't shipped your product. What a specialist buys you is vocabulary and context, so you spend less of the consultation explaining fundamentals. What it doesn't buy you is a pass on your own involvement. You're still the source of the raw material. The better test than "have they worked in my industry" is "do they ask questions that show they understood my answers."

However, working with a writer that specializes in one or two fields may be a better option if you're in a highly technical profession such as software development and want someone that can understand the in-depth technical concepts and terminology.

Unethical practices that you should be aware of

Like any industry, resume writing isn't free of corruption and unethical practices. Two main practices to watch out for are:

International Outsourcing: Some writers/companies that charge fees that seem too good to be true are actually outsourcing their work to international writers to reduce costs. It can be hard to identify companies that do this before buying their services, but three helpful indicators are:

  • Poor samples
  • Negative client reviews
  • The inability to speak with the writer before purchasing the service

Ghostwriting: Some writers will take on more clients than they can handle and offload those clients to ghostwriters. Other individuals that write your resume but that don't take the credit. Writers that engage in this practice are more interested in maximizing profits over ensuring client satisfaction. As with outsourcing, ask to speak to the writer before you purchase the service.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is hiring a resume writer worth the money?

It depends on your situation. If you're early in your career, you may not need one. Templates and free feedback (including from this sub) can be enough. But for mid-to-senior professionals and executives, a resume writer can save you time, and by extension, money. A useful benchmark: if you earn $70,000 or more, a $500 resume is less than 1% of your annual salary.

2. How much should I pay for a resume writer?

Most professional resume writers charge between $200 and $1,500 for a standard resume, depending on your career level and the writer's experience. Executive-level services typically start around $1,000 and can run $3,000 or more. Be cautious with anything under $100; at that price, the work is usually templated, outsourced, or both.

3. How do I know if a resume writer is legit?

Look for:

  • A professional-looking website/place of business
  • Certifications
  • Experience
  • Testimonials
  • Before-and-after samples
  • Clear pricing, and
  • A process that involves your input.

Good writers ask a lot of detailed questions to get at the info they need. Avoid anyone promising "guaranteed jobs" or offering flashy, design-heavy resumes (these can cause issues with ATS).

4. Can a resume writer guarantee me a job?

No. A resume writer can improve how your skills and experience are presented, but they can't control hiring decisions. What they can do is help improve your chances of getting interviews.

5. What's the difference between using AI and hiring a writer?

AI tools can help with formatting and generating bullet points based on your job title. They work from patterns and general data, so the output tends to be broad. A writer will talk to you, learn the context behind your roles, and figure out how to present your experience in a way that makes sense for the jobs you're targeting. The biggest difference is in the content strategy: knowing what to emphasize, what to leave out, and how to frame things so they resonate with the people making hiring decisions.

TL;DR

  • Who should hire one: Mid-to-senior professionals not getting interviews, career changers, or anyone with a complex work history. Skip it if you're early career or on a tight budget.
  • AI tools (like ChatGPT) are fine for structure and first drafts, but they produce largely generic content. They can't do the strategic positioning a human can.
  • Vet your writer by checking their background, samples, testimonials, certifications (PARWCC, NRWA, RWA, CDI), and community presence. If they won't let you talk to the writer directly, walk away.
  • Expect a 3-step process: intake call, writing (5-10 day turnaround), then revisions.
  • Cost: $200 to $1,500, depending on your level. Executive services can run $3,000+.
  • Watch out for outsourcing, ghostwriting, no-revision policies, and graphics-heavy designs that break ATS.

So, What Should You Do?

Whether you write your own resume, use AI to get started, or hire a writer, the goal is the same: a document that reflects your real achievements and fits the role you want. AI can get you a solid first draft. From there, it's on you (or a professional) to make sure the content actually holds up.

If you have questions about any of this, drop a comment below.

I also give feedback regularly on this sub, so feel free to reach out if you need help.

Services I'm familiar with

I get asked regularly which services I'd actually recommend. Here are a few I'm familiar with, spanning different price points and approaches. This isn't a ranking, and I'm not recommending any of these per se, but aside from mine, these are ones I'm familiar with.

Final Draft Resumes (finaldraftresumes.com) - Full disclosure: this is my firm. I work directly with every client through a consultation-based process. I specialize in mid-career to executive-level professionals.

TopResume - The biggest name in the space. They operate at scale, which means lower prices but less personalized service. Their writers vary in quality and you may not get to speak with yours before purchasing. Fine for straightforward career histories at the early-to-mid level, but I'd be cautious if you have a complex background or are at the executive level.

Let's Eat, Grandma - A boutique firm with a consultation-based process similar to what I described in this guide. Their writers tend to have strong editorial backgrounds. Pricing is in the mid-range. Worth considering if you want a human-driven process but my firm isn't the right fit for you.

ResumeZest - Another boutique option. They pair you with a certified writer and include a phone consultation. They're transparent about their process and pricing, which is always a good sign. Mid-range pricing.

Resumatic (resumatic.ai) - If you're going the DIY route and want something better than a blank Google Doc, this is an AI-powered resume builder that walks you through the process step by step. It's not a substitute for a professional writer, but for early-career candidates or anyone on a tight budget, it's a solid starting point. Free to start.


r/resumes 8h ago

Discussion Does tailoring your resume for every job mean rewriting it every time?

10 Upvotes

I keep seeing people read "tailor your resume to the job" as "write a brand new resume for every application," and it seems to cause more problems than it solves. You end up with seven nearly identical files, conflicting edits, and no idea which one you actually sent to which employer.

What I think works better, at least for someone with a decent amount of experience, is building one strong base resume first, one that clearly lays out your experience, strengths, and results. Then tailoring just means adjusting the positioning: emphasize the most relevant experience, reorder a few bullets, tighten the summary, use language that connects your background to the role. The underlying career story doesn't change.

But I'm honestly not sure everyone agrees, and I could be wrong for certain fields or career stages. I had just recently applied to a role in and industry that I had been out of for 7 years, but I re-ordered my work experience and updated some bullets to be more current and I just had my 3rd Interview yesterday.

Do you keep one strong base resume and adapt it, or do you build a separate version for every application? What's actually worked better for you?


r/resumes 2h ago

Technology/Software/IT [2 YoE, Software Development Intern, Software Engineer / AI Engineer, United States]

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2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m currently on OPT and have been actively job hunting for the past few months. So far, I’ve applied to more than 750 software engineering roles, but I still haven’t been able to land an offer.

I’ve had a handful of interviews, but most applications either end in rejection or receive no response. At this point, I’m genuinely trying to understand what I may be doing wrong.

A little about me:

  • Master’s in Computer Science
  • Around two years of professional software engineering experience, along with internships and production-level personal projects
  • Target roles: Software Engineer, Backend Engineer, Full-Stack Engineer, AI/ML Engineer, and Forward Deployed Engineer
  • Tech stack: Python, Java, Node.js, React, TypeScript, SQL, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, Redis, PostgreSQL, FastAPI, LLMs, RAG, AI agents, LangGraph, and GitHub Actions

I’ve also built and deployed my own AI product from scratch, contributed to open-source projects, maintained an active GitHub profile upto 2.4k+ contributions in this year, and regularly reached out to recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn.

I’ve revised my resume multiple times, asked for referrals, customized applications, and practiced both coding and behavioral interviews, but the results haven’t improved much.

For those who have gone through something similar, especially international students on OPT, what do you think may be the biggest issue?

Is it the current job market?
Do employers see OPT and immediately assume future sponsorship?
Is my experience not strong enough?
Am I targeting too many different roles?
Or is there something else I may be overlooking?

I’m looking for honest feedback, even if it is difficult to hear. I’ve attached an anonymized version of my resume as well. If you were a recruiter or hiring manager, what would make you reject me, and what would make you interview me?

For anyone who went through a similar situation and eventually found a job, I’d also appreciate hearing what made the biggest difference.

Thanks in advance. I really appreciate any advice.


r/resumes 3h ago

Technology/Software/IT [14 YoE, Full Stack Developer, Senior Software Engineer, United States]

2 Upvotes

First and foremost, thank you for your time to anyone willing to help me out!

I'm currently a Full Stack Developer, but most of the work in my current position is with front-end technologies. I'd say something like 80% front-end, 20% back-end, and the back-end is usually SQL-related with some API work. The "Company 2" from 2012-2017 was truly everything from server administration and database design to frontend and ui work.

I've been targeting everything from non-senior Full Stack Developer positions to Senior Frontend and Senior Software Engineer roles. I'm applying to local as well as remote positions, but my primary goal is remote work (which, thankfully, I have as my current job for at least another 6 months on a contract).

My issue is that my resume very rarely seems to even make it to a screening call, even in roles that seem to match extremely well. I've used ChatGPT to try to help with formatting and wording, particularly trying to get through any AI screening, but now I'm worried about perhaps too much AI-ness in it? I really have no idea what the problem is or where to look for improvements.

I have had a couple of technical interviews that blocked me, and I think it was because those positions specifically were heavily back-end focused on technologies I haven't used in a decade. I don't seem to have an issue getting TO the technical interviews once I get a phone screen/character interview.


r/resumes 22m ago

Technology/Software/IT [2 YoE, AI Engineer, AI Engineer, Lebanon]

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Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm currently an AI Engineer at a company in Lebanon, and I'm looking to apply abroad (Germany, Ireland, the GCC, Australia). I feel like I rarely ever hear back after applying abroad, and I want to see how I can fix it (if there's anything to fix).

Generally, I apply to AI Engineering roles that match my skills and the technologies I've used in the past through LinkedIn, and I've reached a point where I wonder if recruiters are even reading my CV.

Is it a skill/experience issue, a sponsorship issue in general, or a CV issue where I'm not advertising myself properly?


r/resumes 1h ago

Retail/Customer Service [8+ YoE, Unemployed, Customer Success, Remote]

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Upvotes

What should I improve here? I'm not getting any interviews.


r/resumes 1h ago

Science/R&D [0 YoE, Graduate Student Researcher, Data Analyst/Statistician (Pharma/biotech), United States]

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Upvotes

Master resume : )

I recently graduated, and I've been applying very broadly. I've sent out ~120 applications since mid-May with 3 interviews for risk analysis (2x rejected because I didn't know SQL -- taking a course now, 1x ghosted). I'd love to work as a biostatistician, but I'm not picky because my current work is unpaid. I don't think my experience reads well for entry-level industry positions, and I'm not sure how to get my foot in the door. I edit the resume down to a page and tailor it to the job posting when submitting. I also don't include any theory courses for industry positions.

Thank you for taking a look, and I appreciate your time and advice.


r/resumes 2h ago

Discussion How do you handle updates to your LinkedIn profile if you’re still employed?

0 Upvotes

This was a question that was posed to me a couple of weeks ago during a call.

She asked me if rolling out LinkedIn profile updates would raise suspicions with her current employer that she might be about to jump ship.

It got me thinking - have you ever run into an issue with your employer over updates you made to your LinkedIn profile?


r/resumes 2h ago

Retail/Customer Service [2 YoE, Unemployed, Hospitality/Retail, UK]

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0 Upvotes

Struggling with no interviews and dreading going back to the constant grind of job applications. Left my last job to focus on my business and my final year. Any advice? Be as harsh as needed. I’m planning to hopefully print some out and take them to my local area small businesses tomorrow. Cheers


r/resumes 2h ago

Technology/Software/IT [5 YoE, Firmware Engineer, Engineer, United States]

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0 Upvotes

I’m sure this resume could use a lot of work but I’m not sure what to add to it or change. I know the market is rough right now but I’ve been applying for a lot of jobs that I should easily qualify for and never hear back from anyone. I’ve tried tailoring some of the wording to keywords that applications mention and that doesn’t seem to help.


r/resumes 3h ago

Technology/Software/IT [0.5 YoE, Software Engineer, Switch to product based company, India]

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0 Upvotes

r/resumes 3h ago

Consulting/Professional Services [8 YoE, Unemployed, Information Management/Research Analyst, United States]

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1 Upvotes
  • I'm attempting to transition from librarian roles to adjacent positions in information management, knowledge management, and research analyst jobs. I'd like to find something that's more corporate adjacent because library roles just don't pay enough in my HCOL area.
  • I'm located in the the United States, and I'm mostly applying to jobs that are either remote, or local. My partner has a job here that they couldn't get very easily elsewhere, so I'm hoping to avoid relocating. Obviously most librarian jobs aren't remote, and the local ones want me to commute over an hour each way for jobs that pay 60k, so I'd like to avoid that (not that I've turned anything down, but it's not appealing).
  • I was happily employed by the federal government in a pretty good job, but I lost that because of DOGE and Elon Musk, and I've been applying for jobs unsuccessfully ever since May of 2025. I was paid through September of 2025 because I took the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), so I've listed that date as my final date of employment.
  • I've applied to over 550 jobs, and I've 32 interviews. However, 5 or 6 of these were AI screenings, so I'm not sure if those even count. Out of the 32 interviews, only around 6 or 7 were for non-librarian jobs (that's counting the AI screenings too).
  • I'm looking for help because I'm not getting called back on any non-librarian job interviews, even when I match the job description.
  • U.S. citizen, no no visa issues.

r/resumes 3h ago

Sports & Entertainment [0 YoE, Freelance Booking Agent, Assistant at Major Record Label or Talent Agency, United States]

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1 Upvotes

Fresh college grad, always was unsure as to what I wanted to do career wise while I was in college. After running my own venue and booking for independent touring agencies/artists, I think a career as a Talent Agent or A&R Manager would be very cool. Have been applying to to some basic assistant jobs since start of June, trying to network as much as I can. Haven't received an interview yet. Only interested in NYC jobs (in which I currently reside). Don't expect any crazy pay, just want a foot in the door opportunity.

Any advice on phrasing, formatting, and just general thoughts regarding content would be appreciated. Thank you!


r/resumes 8h ago

Hospitality [0 YoE, Unemployed, Any Hospitality Job, United Kingdon]

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2 Upvotes

! is just used to censor things


r/resumes 1h ago

Question As a trans man in Canada, I am wondering if I can use my preferred name on my resume.

Upvotes

I havent gotten my name legally changed yet but I am in search of a job. I have a resume but I am not certaina s to whether or not I am required to provide my legal name on it or not. I would much rather keep it just as my preferred name.

If I do have to put my legal name on my resume, how should I go about it? I know some people would put their legal name and then their preferred name in brackets or quotations, but I would prefer to just have a little spot (possibly in the summary) saying what my legal name is and thats it. Thoughts?


r/resumes 5h ago

Technology/Software/IT [2 YoE, SWE for Ai/DataPlatform, SWE for Ai/DataPlatform, EU]

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1 Upvotes

r/resumes 6h ago

Technology/Software/IT [0 YoE, Unemployed, IT Support, United States]

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0 Upvotes

I've been applying to jobs (300+) for 4 months now and gotten nowhere. I posted on here maybe a month ago, changed up my resume, and still nothing. I look on Indeed, ZipRecruitor, Glassdoor, and company websites. I apply for any entry-level IT role (help desk, field tech, computer support, etc.) and other adjacent roles sometimes in-person, hybrid, and remote. I've tried tailoring my resume, applying early, emailing recruiters/hiring managers, etc etc etc. I've gotten interviews only from Best Buy/Geek Squad, but they didn't succeed. As you can see, I don't have any actual work experience. At this point, I think that is the biggest cause of all the rejections (and many more ghostings) I've been getting. I'm seriously about to give up and apply for minimum wage jobs (Walmart type of jobs). But, maybe there is something missing in my resume that can give me one last push to try to break into the IT field.
Please help me improve my resume and maybe give advice about the current job market or IT careers. Thanks.


r/resumes 7h ago

Healthcare/Medical [4 YoE, Vet Surgeon, Non-Clinical Role, England]

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1 Upvotes

I posted in r/CVwriting already and got some initial pointers but now looking for some, hopefully, harsher criticism.

I am currently a veterinary surgeon looking to diversify out of clinical veterinary medicine and into something non-clinical. I am primarily keen on jobs in the charity sector, for causes associated with animals, the environment, or research. Jobs I have applied for include Research Grants Officer, Advocacy Officer, Policy and Public Affairs Assistant, Healthcare Engagement Manager...usually jobs where verbal/written communication, medical knowledge, and relationship building are main talking points from job adverts. However, I have also looked at various human Clinic/Practice manager positions and medical writing positions.

I understand that I'll have to tailor some parts of the CV for each individual job, but I am looking at overall advice on how I've now reworded parts of my CV. It was rather weak, vague, and buzz-wordy before.

Any advice is much appreciated.

*Edited c/CVwriting to r/CVwriting


r/resumes 7h ago

Discussion Hi all! Check out the season 3 premiere of my resume writing comedy webseries.

1 Upvotes

Berlin-based filmmaker Christopher Cherney and I made this silent short about resumes & careers. It’s part of a series I’ve been working on exploring the work I do with people from all over the world and every industry imaginable.

Perhaps r/resumes might appreciate it.

https://vimeo.com/1211801772


r/resumes 8h ago

Consulting/Professional Services [4 YoE, Consultant, Consultant, Russia -> USA]

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone! Would like to hear your advice.

I am a business consultant from an ex-Big4 company operating in the RU/CIS region. I'm currently considering relocation to the US (I am a citizen), so I'm actively searching for a job.

I've attached my resume. I tailor it (including the Skills section) for each specific job opening, but my experience remains the same between resumes.

The problem is that I'm not getting any responses from recruiters. I'd like to understand what the problem might be, since I've already tweaked my resume several times.

Perhaps the problem is that when I list Moscow as my place of work, my resume gets automatically filtered out by the ATS?
I'm concerned that I can't simply write the global Big4 company name (without the location) because the Russian division was demerged from the global network in 2022 and became a separate legal entity unrelated to the global company. However, most alumni continue to use the global company's name in their resumes for recognition purposes.

e.g. I cannot write "KPMG" (instead of "KPMG, Moscow") because the recruiter might think I'm from the global network, and during the interview it will eventually turn out that I worked in Russia, and that might be considered a lie. Not the best result in my situation.

A small addition

  1. I apply for more than just consulting positions
  2. I also apply for lower-level positions (but not internship positions, of course)
  3. At the top of the resume, my US address and phone number are listed, not Russian's one.

TIA


r/resumes 8h ago

Finance/Banking [1-2yrs of self directed experience, part qualified, entry level analyst, lahore Pakistant]

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0 Upvotes

Need reviews on the resume. Maybe rate it out of 10. And ik its a screenshot and not very professional but thats what i had to work with.


r/resumes 9h ago

Question ​[0 years, none, office administrator, London] KCL STEM student looking to escape hospitality into Part-Time Office / Admin work – Advice or CV Feedback?

1 Upvotes

​Hi everyone,

​I’m a 3rd-year Electrical Engineering student at King's College London trying to move from hospitality/retail into part-time office admin, data entry, or operations.

​I already have actual admin and e-commerce experience (front-desk receptionist duties, client comms, order fulfilment, Excel/Word), but I keep getting rejected for basic office roles. I suspect my customer service history is pigeonholing me.

​What are the best agencies or boards in London for flexible part-time office work around uni hours?

​Any quick feedback on my CV (attached) to make it look purely corporate/office-focused?

​Thanks!


r/resumes 10h ago

Technology/Software/IT [0 YoE, Low Voltage Technician, Embedded Engineer, United States]

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0 Upvotes

r/resumes 19h ago

Technology/Software/IT [1.5 YoE, New CS Grad, AI Engineer, United States]

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5 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m a new CS graduate (May 2026) with about 1.5 years of experience working at a startup. I’ve applied to over 180 roles in July, but so far I’ve mostly received rejections or no response, so I’m trying to figure out what I should improve on my resume.

I’ve created four tailored versions for different roles: Forward Deployed Engineer, startup-focused roles such as AI Engineer, Founding Engineer, and PM, new grad/general Software Engineer roles, and AI Engineer roles.

I wanted to share my AI Engineer resume first since I’ve been seeing many roles in this area.

I’d really appreciate any honest feedback on the content, formatting, positioning, or anything else I could improve to help my resume get through the initial screening and lead to more interviews.

Thanks!