One of the most critical aspects of job hunting is writing a solid resume that will grab the attention of potential employers. A great resume will not only list your qualifications and experience but also highlight what you can do for employers, making you stand out from the competition.

If you're unsure where to start, plenty of resources are available to help you write a killer resume. A resume builder can be a great tool, as it will walk you through the process step by step and ensure you don't forget any vital information. There are also sample resumes available online that can give you an idea of what employers are looking for.

That said, resume builders and sample resumes only go so far. For your resume to make it into the “YES, interview” pile, you have to have a top 2% resume. We have dedicated this article not only to sharing the advantages of a resume builder but also its limitations.

When writing your resume, tailor it to each job you apply for. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that being open to different types of work and therefore having a general resume will make your job search easier. Generic resumes are more likely to end up rejected than ones tailored to the industry and position. In addition, be sure to proofread your resume before sending it off—typos and grammatical errors detract from—if not ruin—your chances.

Qualities of a Good Resume

1) Clear and concise

A good resume is clear and concise. This means that it is free of grammatical and punctuation errors and gets straight to the point. It should also be easy to read without any unnecessary flourishes. A resume is not a piece of creative writing, so there is no need to use fancy words or verbose descriptions.

2) Focuses on key information

A good resume focuses on key information relevant to the position you are applying for. A well-written resume will tell a potential employer everything they need to know about you to decide whether to hire you. The information should not be too general or too specific. Be sure to include your contact information, work experience, accomplishments, education, publications, certifications, trainings, awards/honors, volunteerism, and skills.

3) Demonstrates why you are the best candidate for the job

The purpose of a resume is to sell yourself to an employer, showing them how you meet their needs and are the best candidate for the job. Your resume should be well written and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. You should also show how your work benefits your employers.

What Is a Resume Builder?

A resume builder is an online tool that helps you create a professional resume. It guides you through the process of creating a resume step by step and provides you with all the tools and resources you need to build it.

A resume builder is an excellent choice for job seekers who are unsure where to start or how to create a professional resume. It can also be helpful for experienced job seekers who want to update their resumes.

Most resume builders offer a variety of templates to choose from, so you can find one that fits your needs. Make sure you have the sections you need, such as skills, work history, education, and more.

Once you've created your resume, you can download it as a Word or PDF document or print it out. (Word is better, as you’ll need to revise it, and also Word is more easily read by resumes scanners. Only use PDF when requested to do so.) You can also share it with potential employers or recruiters through email or social media. But you need to know the pros and cons of using a resume builder.

Step One to Getting Your Edge for Success

Watch YES President Katherine Metres Akbar on The Top 5 Resume, LinkedIn, and Interview Strategies for Job Search Success.

Resume writing services - President Katherine Akbar

Using a resume builder—Pros

Professional look

A resume builder can give your resume a professional look that will make a nice first impression on employers. With a resume builder, you can create a resume tailored to the specific job you are applying for, which can help you stand out from the competition.

A resume builder can also help you to organize your information in a way that is easy to read and understand. This can make it simpler for employers to find the information they are looking for and help you get the job you want.

Saves time

Writing a resume manually can be quite time-consuming. It requires a lot of effort and attention to detail. A resume builder can help you create a professional and polished resume faster than you would need to do it all by yourself. However, you still have to get all the content and proofreading right.

A simple resume builder can relieve some of the stress and frustration of writing a resume from scratch. With a resume builder, you can create a well-designed resume without worrying about the formatting or layout.

Customizable

Resume builders offer customizable options that allow you to create a resume that reflects your unique skills, experience, and qualifications. This can be helpful if you're unsure how to format your resume or what information to include.

Additionally, many resume builders offer pre-written content suggestions and tips on how to write an effective resume. This can be especially helpful for those new to the job market or who don't have a lot of experience writing resumes.

Makes your resume accessible

If you're someone who likes to have their resume available at all times, a resume builder may be for you. That’s because you can update your resume on the go and ensure it's always up to date.

The resume is stored online, meaning you don't have to worry about losing your resume if something happens to your computer. You only need an Internet connection and can access your resume from anywhere. It's also easy to share your resume with potential employers since you only have to send them a link. Then again, as soon as you email your resume to anyone (even yourself), you’ll have a copy of it accessible from there if your computer is lost or stolen.

Includes all the information

It's human to forget some information while jotting down points in a resume. This is especially so when you are hurrying to complete the document. A resume builder can help you overcome this by providing prompts for the information you should include. Additionally, a good template will format your content correctly so that it is easy to read.

Most people know that first impressions count. This is also true when it comes to resumes. If your document is hard to read or contains formatting inconsistencies, this may make potential employers move on to the next candidate. A resume builder can help you create a polished-looking document that makes a great first impression.

It doesn't require experience

The resume builder format is simple and easy to understand for those who have never written a resume before. This makes it an ideal option for individuals with limited work experience.

The resume builder walks users through each section of a standard resume, providing instructions and tips on what information to include. This makes the process of creating a professional-looking resume much less intimidating.

Even beginners can create a well-written resume using a resume builder. It doesn't require any special skills or experience.

Which Resume Builder Is Best for You?

Here are a few things to consider:

Ease of use

A resume builder should not be complicated to use. Creating a resume should be straightforward so that anyone can do it, regardless of their technical skills. You should be able to easily find the options and features you need without having to search through many menus. The resume builder should be friendly and intuitive, so you can get started immediately without feeling overwhelmed.

Export options

Most resume builders allow you to download or print your resume once you're finished. Some also let you export your resume to a specific format, such as PDF or Word. This is essential, as you will most likely need to submit your resume electronically and may want to have physical copies on hand at in-person interviews. You can also usually export your resume as a plain text document, which can be helpful if you're applying for a job that requires you to paste your resume into an online application.

Flexible editing

A good resume builder should offer flexible editing options. This means that you should be able to easily add, remove, or rearrange sections of your resume. You should also be able to change your text's font, size, or style. Just don’t get too creative here—think “classic.”

Customer support

There is a chance that you will need some help when using the resume builder. The customer support team should be able to answer any questions or problems that you may have. They should respond to you promptly.

These are just a few things to consider when choosing a resume builder. Make sure you take your time and choose the one that's right for you.

Do You Need a Resume Builder?

The answer is maybe. A resume builder can be a helpful tool for creating a good entry-level resume. It can help you format your resume correctly, choose the right words to describe your experience and skills, and ensure that your resume is free of errors.

If you are not sure how to create a resume or what information to include, a resume builder can be a good place to start.

Using a Resume Builder—Cons

These days you can expect hundreds of resumes to be submitted for a job posting. Less than 2% of these resumes will be considered for invitation to an interview. No matter how fancy is the resume builder you use, if it doesn’t get you in the 2% pile, your time and money were wasted.

The reason a resume builder cannot usually get you into the 2% pile is that a resume builder is not a top resume writer who specializes in marketing people for jobs. Employers don’t care how fancy your resume is or even about all the great stuff you have done in the past, if they don’t see a direct correlation between your accomplishments and what they are looking for. For that you need your resume to be a powerful marketing tool. Your resume needs to get the employer excited that you will save the day for them.

So, if a resume builder cannot do that, what are your options?

Conclusion: Resume-Writing Services to the Rescue

At YES Career Coaching & Resume Writing Services, we offer a comprehensive resume writing and editing service that includes strategic input from multiple writers. Your work history will be thoroughly examined against the job you are applying for. Our resume writers will then ask specific and thoughtful questions so they can connect the dots between your past accomplishments and the employer’s needs—which gives you a distinct competitive advantage.

Even if a resume builder uses artificial intelligence, it cannot raise the questions that come from the years of experience of our writers, not to mention their top-flight training by award-winning writer Katherine Metres Akbar. Your answers to their questions will result in a high-quality, impactful resume. Also, the process will help you be better prepared with answers to interview questions so you can land your dream job.

If you’d like to consider having our help with building your resume from start to finish (even if you’re considering a resume builder), please take advantage of our free Career Success Consultation to learn more. We can identify gaps and opportunities to make sure your application stands out and gets into the top 2% pile, so you get interviewed—guaranteed.