The internet is filled with platforms, softwares and websites that promise to create the perfect resume for people in no longer than a few minutes. The promise gets even better when most of these services claim to do so for a small fee or even no cost at all. Who would want to refuse?
Well, before you trust the first resume builder your algorithm throws at you, it’s nice to know if that really is the best option for you. The truth is that everything has its pros and cons, but resume builders are only really good for two things:
1. You Need a Resume Right Away
Let’s say you just got a job without a resume, but HR is formally asking for it and it has to be delivered today. In this case, it can be a good idea to use a resume builder, because carefully creating a resume that will help you find a good job takes time. And, if you don’t have the time nor do you need the job, then you should be good to go for now.
2. You Want a Visual Resume to Share on Social Media
If, right now, your goal is to value aesthetics over ATS (Applicant Tracking System) effectiveness, a resume builder could be a good idea. There are a lot of nice designs available on resume builders that might not be so recruiting system-friendly but sure look cool. If that’s the goal, then, again, you should be good to go for now.
If the scenarios mentioned above are not the case for you, then maybe you should reconsider using a resume building software. And here’s why:
They are Not ATS Friendly
Recruiters have come up with ways to hunt for the best applicants more easily. Well, ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is one of them.
ATS is software that recruiters and employers commonly use to track candidates during the hiring process. From time to time, they will search their database by keywords, and applicants that correspond to their search will pop-up. Then, they scan the resume to determine if the applicant is someone that they might want to consider or not.
And, in order for you resume to stand out, or even be selected, it has to match a few guidelines because this system gathers data from multiple sources, makes background calculations, and visualizes insights.
Some examples that might hold your resume back are:
- If the resume is not ATS friendly
- Not using the right keywords
- Using color ink
- Using too much shading
- Having tables, columns, and text boxes
A professional resume writer will make sure your resume fits ATS guidelines and standards so it stands out when recruiters are seeking applicants, whereas most software-built resumes are known to be ATS-unfriendly due to their designs. They might be pretty, but they are not effective.
They Won’t Help You Tell Your Story
Your story of experiences and achievements, obstacles and challenges you have faced and thrived upon is in your head, but it helps to have someone by your side who knows how to tell your story the way recruiters are going to want to read it. And that is not something an online resume building platform can help you with. The best way to do this is to be professionally assisted by a resume writer.
Aside from doing it professionally, resume writers are often present or former HR recruiters or career counselors. Also, they are, usually, educated and certified to do so. They know how the recruiting and hiring market works and deal with it every single day. If there is a secret to getting your resume noticed, they know it. Besides, professional resume writers keep track of changing industry standards from within. That means that they know what recruiters want to see and also understand what they do not want to see. And this goes beyond your skills, professional or academic background. They write resumes keeping in mind what recruiters expect to see in terms of formatting, typeface, and keywords. Does that sound like something a resume building platform can compete with?
Hidden Charges
What seems to be free, usually, has a way of surprising you at the end (and not in a good way). While these platforms apparently have no charge, most of the time, you will find out that they charge a fee when you are about to download your resume when it’s finished or a 30 day trial. And we all know how annoying that is.
You Will Have Trouble Updating in the Future
Most platforms will only deliver your resume in one format: PDF. What seems to be okay for a moment can, actually, give you further issues because you will not be able to update your resume and will have to start all over again.
The truth is that each specific scenario asks for a different solution. But there is no denying that, in this case, there are far more disadvantages to having your resume be done on a resume building platform rather than having it done professionally. And, remember: investing in your resume means to invest in your career.