The Best 7 Free Resume Review / Critique Services

Many resume-writing companies offer a resume review service, either paid or three. So, what does reviewing a resume entail?

Professional resume writing services work with hundreds of clients daily, so they know what makes a great resume. Reviewing a resume involves good writing, flawless grammar, punctuation, and composition, and the resume’s style, aesthetics, structure, and specific fit for a particular job.

ATS is also fundamental. Isolating the correct keyword match between a resume and ATS technology is crucial for it to be ATS machine-readable. But why is ATS crucial today?

Resume Writing Vs. Resume Review

Resume writing and resume review are different services that cater to distinct needs during the job search process:

Resume Writing:

Resume writing involves hiring a professional writing service to modify an existing resume or create one from scratch. The initial stage focuses on gathering information. The writer meets with clients to learn about their experiences, skills, and career goals. Stage two involves creating the first draft. 

The writer makes a resume that positions clients in their industry and highlights their strengths. After the client makes corrections and additions, the writer implements them for a second draft. This process goes through “a rinse and repeat process” until a satisfactory final product is produced.

Resume writing companies offer other services, including cover letter writing, crafting a LinkedIn profile or business page, or an executive bio. Some companies also provide career coaching or reverse recruitment services, where recruiters work with clients to apply for jobs on their behalf.

Resume Review:

In contrast to resume writing, which is about producing a satisfactory final product, reviewing a resume involves evaluating an existing document. The resume writer, in this case, the editor, notes strengths and weaknesses and then makes specific recommendations to improve the resume. 

What is the Resume Review Process?

The reviewer bases their evaluation on specific criteria: clarity, effectiveness, relevance, industry fit, and, of course, the client’s career goals.  Then, they offer advice on restructuring, rephrasing, or drawing attention to resume sections that emphasize the client’s strengths.

Who are Resume Reviews for?

Resume review services are less expensive than resume writing services. They are ideal for people with finished resumes seeking recommendations for optimization. Here, resume writing companies offer constructive feedback on existing resumes. Choosing between resume writing and reviewing depends on a client’s needs, budget, and confidence in their existing resume.

Why is it Crucial for a Resume to be ATS Optimized? 

Reviewing a resume to ensure it is optimized has become crucial because many hiring management teams, particularly larger enterprises, use ATS software to manage and filter incoming applications.

Here are a few points on the importance of ATS software optimization:

Enhance Your Visibility:

Like elsewhere in the digital age, the priority is making monotonous processes faster and more automated. Picture this: Every job application gets hundreds and sometimes thousands of applications nationally and sometimes globally, depending on the role and eligibility.

Considering this, it’s not hard to see the advantage of ATS software in sifting and disqualifying large volumes of applications. ATS Software works by automatically scanning and ranking resumes based on their keyword match to job descriptions. A fully optimized resume increases your visibility and chances of being seen by human hiring personnel.

Increase Your Chances of Passing Screening:   

ATS software is handy for screening resumes, especially for sifting through promising versus not-so-qualified candidates to assess whether their keywords match the job description. Optimizing your resume for ATS helps increase its visibility.

Industry Standards Alignment:  

ATS software screening has become an integral part of the hiring process in many industries. An optimized resume gives you a better chance of aligning your resume with industry standards. 

Give Yourself a Competitive Advantage:

Having a competitive advantage during the hiring process can only benefit you. An optimized resume can give you a competitive edge, avoid being overlooked due to formatting or keyword issues, and increase your chances of a first interview.

What Should Your Resume Review Include?

Assessing the Format:

A resume editor will evaluate your resume’s formatting to ensure it looks professional and reads well. The correct formatting should include the font style. We recommend using Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, Arial Narrow, or any other clear font.  Aspects like font size, margins, and appropriate spacing go towards consistent formatting and are crucial throughout the document.

Does the Content Flow?

Conciseness, relevance, and engagement are crucial for any content, especially resumes. Resume editors will check that your objective career paragraph is to the point, compelling, and appropriate to your career stage and goals. As already stated, including keywords must ensure you pass through the first stages of the job process.  

Identify and Highlight Achievements:

Your core career accomplishments are as significant as your job duties, if not more so. They help you stand out from others in your field. Any numbers, statistics, or dollar amounts reflected in profits, cost savings, or improvements will likely catch the eye and give you a competitive edge.  

Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling:

Paying attention to the finer details on your resume will help you in the short and long term. Ugly typos, incorrect grammar, or punctuation can harm your chances and an otherwise great resume. Editors iron out any mistakes and increase your chances of success. 

Consistency is Key

Consistency throughout your resume, including style, language, and formatting, is crucial.

A professional editor will ensure consistency in tense (past, present, or continuous), job title, and date format, and bullet points are the same throughout.

Impression:

Consider the overall impression of your resume. Are you demonstrating your strengths and qualifications, and does it reflect the strengths of your candidacy? Ensure you get as many eyeballs as possible to review this, including friends, family, or career advisors, to get an objective opinion. 

 How to Get a Free Resume Review

There are various ways to get your free resume review:

Online Resume Review Tools: 

Some websites offer free review tools to evaluate and analyze your resume and provide constructive feedback on what needs improving. Some examples include:

• Resume Check
• Resume Worded
• Top Resume

Career Centers and Services:

Depending on your location, your area may have specialized career centers that provide this as a job-seeking service. Some universities, colleges, and public libraries also will review your resume.

Ask Your Professional Network:

It is a good idea to ask your professional network, including former colleagues and industry contacts, to review and provide feedback on your resume.

Job Fairs and Career Workshops:

Why not attend local job fairs, career workshops, or networking events? They often have career professionals who will be happy to review your resume and give feedback.

Recruitment Agencies:

Some recruitment agencies will review your resume for free to attract potential candidates. Why not contact your local recruitment agency and ask if they offer this service? 

Government Employment Services:

Many government-run employment offices offer a free resume review service, so it may be a good idea to contact your local employment or workforce development agency to learn more.

Online Communities:

Join an online community or industry-related forums or job search. You may be able to do an exchange, where each member reviews another’s resume.  

It’s essential to consider a credible source for free resume reviews, as you need reliable feedback.

Why You Need a Resume Critique

A resume critique isn’t just about having someone take a red pen to your resume. It’s about gaining a fresh, professional, unbiased perspective on your most important career document. Here’s why it matters:

Subjectivity and Bias: 

We’re often too close to our work to see its flaws objectively. We’re emotionally attached to what we create, making self-editing less effective. A critique from a qualified third party can provide the objectivity and insight needed to improve your resume.

Technical Accuracy: 

Our brains often fill in gaps or overlook mistakes because we know what we intended to say. A critique can catch these errors and ensure your resume is technically sound.

Relevance and Impact: 

A good critique goes beyond grammar and formatting. It evaluates how well your resume presents you as a candidate and whether it effectively addresses the hiring manager’s needs, which can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.

A Better Resume, Better Chances: 

A well-crafted resume can make all the difference in today’s competitive job market. A critique can help you polish your resume and stand out from the crowd.

Whether you critique your resume or use an online service, the goal is to ensure it is the best it can be. After all, a better resume means better chances of getting that interview and landing your dream job.

Our Top 5 Resume Review Companies

#1 Superstar Resume

Superstar Resume offers a free review of your resume or LinkedIn. One of their qualified editors will evaluate your resume according to industry standards, recommend improving the structure, engagement, keywords, and content, and suggest corrections or additions.

They will proofread, error-check, and optimize your resume for free. Their valuable advice will help you create a captivating document tailored to your dream position crafted by accomplished HR professionals.

SuperStar Resume’s Review includes:

• ATS Compatibility
• Keyword Optimization
• Writing & Mechanics
• Style & Organization
• And a 100% money-back guarantee! For all future orders.

Hundreds of successful Superstar Resume clients have landed jobs at dynamic, emerging companies and industry giants like Amazon, Marriott, Microsoft, IBM, and Walmart. 

#2 Career Agents

Career Agents offers a professional resume review service to help job seekers improve resumes and increase their chances of landing interviews. Their team of experts provides personalized feedback and recommendations to enhance your resume’s content, format, and relevance.

• Submission

Submit your resume to Career Agents for evaluation.

• Analysis

Their professional writers and career coaches analyze your resume for strengths and weaknesses.

• Feedback

Receive detailed feedback and recommendations to improve your resume’s effectiveness.

• Revision

Implement suggested changes to enhance your resume’s quality and impact.

• ATS Optimization

Career Agents optimizes your resume to ensure it passes through Applicant Tracking Systems, increasing its visibility to recruiters.

• Final Review

A final review ensures that all feedback has been incorporated and that your resume is polished and ready to impress potential employers.

#3 Monster Jobs Resume Review Service

Monster Jobs offers a comprehensive resume review service designed to enhance your resume and improve your chances of landing your dream job. Their service includes a detailed resume analysis by industry experts who provide personalized feedback and recommendations to make your resume stand out to employers. They also offer ATS optimization to ensure your resume passes automated systems and reaches human recruiters. With Monster Jobs’ resume review service, you can feel confident that your resume is professionally reviewed and optimized for success.

• Submission: You submit your resume for review through the Monster Jobs platform.
• Analysis: Industry experts analyze your resume, focusing on format, content, keywords, and overall effectiveness.
• Feedback: You receive personalized feedback and recommendations to enhance your resume, including suggestions for restructuring, rephrasing, or emphasizing certain sections to improve its impact.
• ATS Optimization: Your resume is optimized to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems, increasing its chances of being seen by human recruiters.
• Final Review: A final review to ensure that all feedback has been incorporated and that your resume is ready to impress employers.

#4 Find My Profession Resume Review Service

Find My Profession provides a thorough resume review service designed to enhance your resume and improve your chances of landing your desired job. Their expert team analyzes your resume’s format, content, and effectiveness, offering personalized feedback and recommendations. They also optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems, increasing its visibility to recruiters. With Find My Profession’s resume review service, you can expect expert insights, improved visibility, and a resume that stands out to employers.

The resume review process at Find My Profession consists of several key stages:

• Submission: You submit your resume for evaluation on their platform.
• Analysis: Industry experts at Find My Profession examine your resume, paying close attention to its format, content, and overall effectiveness.
• Feedback: Following the analysis, you receive personalized feedback and recommendations to enhance your resume. This could involve suggestions for restructuring, rephrasing, or emphasizing specific sections.
• ATS Optimization: Find My Profession optimizes your resume to ensure it passes through Applicant Tracking Systems, thus increasing its chances of being seen by human recruiters.
• Final Review: Before completion, a final review is conducted to ensure that all feedback has been incorporated and that your resume is well-crafted and ready to make a strong impression on potential employers.

Resume Review Companies Worth Mentioning

#5 Let’s Eat, Grandma

Let’s Eat Grandma offers a professional resume review service to help job seekers improve resumes and stand out to employers. Their team of experts provides personalized feedback and recommendations to enhance the content and format of your resume, ensuring it effectively showcases your skills and experience.

#6 Resumeble

Resumeble’s comprehensive resume review service is tailored to help individuals refine their resumes and increase their chances of landing interviews. Their professional writers analyze resumes for strengths and weaknesses, providing detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement.

#7 ZipJob

ZipJob’s comprehensive resume review service is designed to help individuals create resumes that effectively showcase their skills and experience. Their professional writers analyze resumes for content, structure, and relevance, providing detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Bottom Line: The Best Resume Review Companies

The best resume review companies offer comprehensive services that include expert analysis, personalized feedback, and ATS optimization. They help job seekers improve resumes and increase their chances of landing interviews. Whether you want to refine your resume’s content, format, or overall effectiveness, these companies provide valuable insights and recommendations to help you stand out to employers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Review Services

1. What is a resume review service?

A resume review service is a professional service that evaluates and provides feedback on your resume to help you improve its effectiveness. The service may include an analysis of your resume’s format, content, relevance to the job market, and suggestions for improvement.

2. Why should I use a resume review service?

A resume review service can help you identify areas of improvement in your resume and enhance its effectiveness. This can increase your chances of landing interviews and ultimately securing your desired job.

3. How does a resume review service work?

To use a resume review service, you typically submit your resume online through the service’s platform. A team of experts then analyzes your resume and provides personalized feedback and recommendations for improvement.

4. How long does it take to get my resume reviewed?

The time it takes to get your resume reviewed can vary depending on the service provider and their current workload. Some services may offer expedited review options for an additional fee.

5. What should I look for in a resume review service?

When choosing a resume review service, look for a provider offering personalized feedback, a team of experienced professionals, and a track record of helping clients improve their resumes and land interviews.

6. How much does a resume review service cost?

The cost of a resume review service can vary depending on the provider and the level of service you choose. Prices typically range from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the review’s complexity and the reviewers’ expertise.

7. Can a resume review service guarantee that I will get a job?

While a resume review service can help improve your resume and increase your chances of landing interviews, it cannot guarantee that you will get a job. Ultimately, securing a job depends on many factors, including qualifications, experience, and interview performance.

8. What are some common mistakes that resume review services identify?

Common mistakes that resume review services may identify include spelling and grammatical errors, formatting issues, lack of relevant keywords, and ineffective presentation of skills and experience.

9. How often should I have my resume reviewed?

It’s a good idea to have your resume reviewed whenever you’re actively seeking a new job or make significant updates to your resume. Regular reviews help ensure that your resume is always up-to-date and tailored to your career goals.

10. Can I use a resume review service for a specific job application?

Yes, many resume review services offer customized reviews for specific job applications. This can include tailoring your resume to match the job description and highlighting relevant skills and experience.

11. Can I trust the feedback from a resume review service?

Yes, you can generally trust the feedback from a reputable resume review service. However, carefully reviewing the feedback and considering how it aligns with your career goals and objectives is always a good idea.

12. How can I find the best resume review service for my needs?

To find the best resume review service for your needs, consider factors such as the provider’s reputation, the expertise of its reviewers, the level of service it offers, and any additional features or benefits it provides. Reading reviews and testimonials from past clients can also help you make an informed decision.