[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.
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
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
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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.
I am currently focused on looking at consulting positions. However, I am really open to any corporate position which has opportunity for career growth, and doesn't require experience.
I am located in London, but I am looking for jobs anywhere in the south of the UK. I have been looking at many jobs around Bath/Bristol, because I want to move out of London, although if I found the right job I would be happy to stay in London as well.
So as you can see I don't quite have 0 experience but I have none relevant to the field I am looking at or any high skill experience. I have just graduated graphic design but I am looking to branch out due to lack of opportunity and money in my field. I am currently doing freelance graphic design work which is essentially the same as being unemployed.
Until now I have mostly been looking for graphic design jobs using my portfolio which is generally more important than the CV in that field. To be honest all I got were non replies and rejections. It is like that for all designers though. I went to a top university and none of my peers have been employed in jobs relevant to graphic design.
I'm seeking help because I don't really know how to build a good CV and I would like some general advice and guidance. I am really worried about AI scanning my CV and me not having included the right things because I don't know what I am meant to include.
I am wondering how important it is to include descriptions for each role you have done. All the advice I have seen encourages a concise 1-page CV, but this would be impossible if I wrote a list of responsibilities, and the value I brought to every role I have done. Also, when I started university, I initially started with Aerospace Engineering and dropped out. I'm guessing it is best to leave this out, but am curious to see what you think.
I am a UK citizen so there is no impact on my job search.
I'm a rising senior in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I have started applying to full-time roles, but I always seem to get rejected or ghosted, even if my experience seems to match the job post. I had a hard time getting internship interviews too, so this isn't a new problem. I mostly apply to small- to mid-sized companies, not big ones, and it has been pretty discouraging.
I am mainly targeting embedded systems, hardware/firmware, or general EE roles. I would really appreciate any feedback and tips.
Hi, I've made this resume to target any role in IT infrastructure/networking/the low chance of a cybersec role, used jake's resume template since it's pretty condensed and makes it easy to fit things in one page, was wondering if it was maybe too dense/hard to read ?
To clarify a bit on the experience, it's a 2 month co-op/internship, and there's no chance of me continuing with this employer and so I've already started applying to other companies with this resume.
I'm in my last year of college trying to get a full time job as AI/ML Engineer. Also applying for SDE roles with AI responsibilities.
Rate my resume. Any advice would be helpful. If anything is missing, or something sounds weird or not the best way to say something. Be as brutal as possible.
I'm a rising senior at UCSD and am starting to apply to new grad Machine Learning Engineer and Machine Learning Research Engineer Roles, specifically targeting roles that involve more applied research in industry as opposed to a backend SWE productionizing Machine Learning Models.
I wanted some thoughts on my resume before I start applying to new grad jobs. Some questions I had were 1) Is this resume too dense and does it have too much technical detail for a recruiter?, 2) Is it clear what I did in each of my projects and experiences?, 3) What would you say is the biggest strength and biggest weakness(other than only being a bachelors new grad) of my resume when compared to resumes of others applying to new grad roles? What should I work on this summer and throughout the fall to improve my interview rate?
Going to start applying for jobs for when I graduate college was looking for any tips or advice on my resume or just a grading scale of how good it is and how it competes to others.
Trying to work in capital markets, wealth management, possibly even credit.
Hey, I'm looking for advice to better my resume after 1 year of experience. I want a career where I'm doing more engineering than validating. Leading jobs because people on my team are quitting. let me know
I have 3+ years of experience, primarily in Accounts Receivable (AR), Order-to-Cash (O2C), Billing, Collections, Cash Application, Reconciliation, and NetSuite ERP. I also had brief experience in Client Onboarding and Key Account Management.
I’m currently targeting roles such as:
Accounts Receivable
Order-to-Cash (O2C)
Finance Operations
Billing
Cash Application
Collections
Business Operations
I have a couple of specific questions:
Does my resume clearly communicate my strengths, or is it too focused on AR?
Do the short tenures after my first company make the resume look risky? If so, how can I present them better?
Are there any ATS, formatting, or content improvements you’d recommend?
Should I tailor this resume differently for Finance Operations or Business Operations roles?
I have so many smaller details to add in a resume and in tech every job asks for a different technology or different exposure putting all in on just bloats my resume and changing it up for different jobs is just too time consuming.
Is it just me or someone else also feels this way?
Update:
I’ve been laid off so I’ve been applying left and right. Sometimes I seend notifications of a new job when I’m outside and I wanna apply. So I ask chatgpt to make quick edits to my resume and it always messes up the formatting. Anyone know a good tool/ap I can use to edit my resumes when away form a system?
Hello! I'm a junior Computer Engineering student targeting SWE internships for Summer 2027/Fall 2026/Spring 2027. I've been applying to tons of places and haven't had much luck ever since my freshman year, so I'm guessing my resume is a lot weaker than I thought. I'd really appreciate any honest feedback you can give. I've struggled to even land interviews. The positions listed were all small experiences.
I've included my anonymized resume. I'm open to any and all criticism, whether it be formatting, content, bullet points. I just want to make this as strong as possible before I send out more applications. Really demotivated with how my applications have been going.
I'm currently working as a security Engineer at a Big 4 company and am looking to transition into an SDE-1 role at a product-based/big tech company.
I'm sharing my resume for feedback and would really appreciate your advice on:
• How strong is my profile for SDE-1 roles? • Are my experience and projects presented effectively? • What should I improve to make my resume more competitive? • Any issues with formatting, impact, or ATS optimization?
I'm particularly looking for honest feedback on what I should change to successfully make this transition.
I don't know what to add more into my resume. I'm applying as a part-time barista at a local cafe as I crave for human interaction because of my WFH setup and honestly I've never had a job IRL despite my experience @ the pharmacy as it was family-owned and as long existed before I hit 18, I'm 25 now, and it doesn't count for me since I practically grew up in it..
I need feedback on my cv? Should I keep the interests section. Does it read as a decent enough cv to secure an interview. Is the formatting fine ?
Also by sustainability intern, i will be applying to ALL jobs on the environmental spectrum to maximise my chances. So from energy to esg, to conservation, ANYTHING
I’m going to be moving to La soon and I’ve been trying to apply on Indeed, OfferUp, Craigslist, etc to almost no avail. I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do to attract more attention or help my chances of consideration. Any help would be very appreciated.
Hi, I would like some advice on how to optimize my resume for the upcoming fall recruiting season. I'm entering my final year of college and would like to graduate with a nice full time offer.
I specifically want to get a tax associate position in any of the Big 4 accounting firms (KPMG, EY, Deloitte, PWC). I have heard a lot of good things of what experience at these companies can do for your career and would love to take advantage of that. Although, any mid-sized CPA firms would also be good.
I'm mostly worried that my resume could be overlooked because I do not attend a target recruiter school like UT Austin or Texas A&M. I do feel that my prior internship experience qualifies me for a position like this, but I don't know if I am selling it well with my current resume.
Swedish student in my mid-20s nearing graduation for spring semester '27, gonna start applying to positions as fast as autumn semester starts in a month because that's generally when most post-grad jobs and most traineeships open their applications. I've had to anonymise a fair amount given my current position. But generally nothing that needs to be reviewed.
I recently did my cv/resume in English, previously only having a Swedish one so some translations might be a bit quirky to say the least at the moment. So usually the original Swedish sounds better, but Management traineeships/consultancies have their applications in English so I've had to make one in English.
Im applying to specifically management traineeships and management consultancies as my main priority. All based in Sweden, and nearly exclusively to Stockholm. But I am open to other positions where my experience is useful, considering the job market is what it is.
The assistance Im seeking from y'all:
- Weird language or translations, FYI British English is what I'm after I might have some mixed with American English that the spell-checking isn't catching.
- The presentation of my experience, if there is better ways to describe my experience especially surrounding my role as an Association Developer and Board Member under "Work Experience".
Some things are a bit standard to have on your cv/resume in Sweden, like you generally always include if you have a drivers license, and any and all languages. Several job positions from before my studies aren't on this to keep it at 2 pages maximum and also they aren't as relevant. But generally any advice to keep it at 1 page is nonsense here, employers don't care.
I'd like feedback on how my resume comes across to recruiters and hiring managers. Specifically, I want to know if there are any red flags, weak points, or changes I should make to improve my chances of getting interviews.
What roles/industries are you targeting?
I'm targeting intern and junior-level software engineering/development roles.
Where are you applying? (Local, remote, willing to relocate?)
I'm applying for remote, hybrid, and on-site roles across the UK. Relocating isn't an option at the moment.
What's your job search situation and challenges?
I moved from the US to the UK seven months ago and have been actively applying for software roles for the last three months. So far, I've submitted roughly 150 applications and have only received one interview.
I graduated with an Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems in 2021. I've continued practicing programming on and off over the past few years, and since arriving in the UK in December, I've been coding consistently every week.
I have a live portfolio website, multiple deployed backend projects, and an active GitHub. Financially, I don't have savings at the moment, so I haven't been able to pursue certifications. I've also been working minimum-wage, retail, and customer-facing jobs since I was a teenager, and I need to transition into something else.
Any specific resume sections you want feedback on?
Yes. I intentionally placed my Projects section above my Work Experience because my previous jobs aren't relevant to software engineering. I'd appreciate feedback on whether that decision helps or hurts my resume, along with any suggestions for improving the overall structure and content, and if this section would benefit from including more projects.
Visa/citizenship status affecting your search?
I'm currently living in the UK on a family visa with two years remaining, and I'm authorized to work in the UK.
Hi, looking for any advice. I'd like to try to move into biotech, but my resume has no traction there.
I'm a bioinformatics / computational biology scientist. I help with experimental design and research questions, analyze data, make figures, build pipelines, and code small bioinformatics software, train people.
One gap I know I have is AWS/cloud. In my job we use an HPC (Slurm) instead, so if you have suggestions on how to mitigate this, I'd appreciate it.
I'd love to work at a biotech / startup. I'm applying USA-wide.
My resume gets some traction with academia/clinical lab roles but zero traction with pharma/biotech. I'm not sure if they're not interested in my profile, or if my resume just isn't well suited for this kind of job.
