When you’re job searching, your resume is your most important tool. It’s the first thing employers see, and it’s what they use to decide whether to invite you for an interview. With so much riding on your resume, you want to ensure it’s as strong as possible. Many job seekers make the mistake of using an online resume builder instead of creating their resume from scratch.
Online resume builders are websites that allow users to create resumes quickly without having to start from scratch. Before you use an online resume builder, take the time to assess all of the positives and negatives that come with it. While these tools seem convenient and easy to use, they can do more harm than good in the long run.
This blog post will provide you with all the information you need to make a well-informed decision and understand why it’s better not to use an online resume builder.
1. Limited Templates and Customization Options
Most of the templates offered by online resume builders are generic and don’t allow for much customization. This means that your resume won’t stand out from other candidates’ resumes and may be overlooked when employers scan through piles of applications.
Secondly, even the most basic customization options can be surprisingly expensive; in some cases, you may pay more for a few extra features than you would if you had just hired a professional resume writer. In short, by using an online builder, you run the risk of coming across as generic or unprofessional.
2. Little or No Expert Guidance
Resume building can be challenging, and a professional helping you out is invaluable. However, an online resume builder won’t provide any assistance in making your document more attractive and stand out. This means you could easily make a mistake that could cost you the opportunity to get the job you want.
In addition, you won’t receive any advice on ensuring your resume is optimized for keyword searches and online applicant tracking systems.
3. Lack of Professional Design
One of the biggest drawbacks is that they lack professional design. Your resume may not look as polished and professional as it could. An online resume builder may be unable to create a visually appealing or professional-looking document. Most of the resumes created using these tools are generic, bland, and unappealing. Moreover, some of these sites may also contain outdated design elements and information that won’t be compatible with modern hiring practices.
4. Prone to Errors
Online resume builders can make mistakes due to auto-fill features that only sometimes check for accuracy. This can lead to the wrong information in your resume, resulting in future potential employers being presented with incorrect information. In addition, these builders can also contain typos, grammatical errors, and other mistakes, which can be seen as unprofessional.
5. Inefficient Formatting
Online resume builders are not designed to provide efficient formatting options and will likely leave you with an unorganized document. This could have a negative impact on employers who are looking for a resume that is aesthetically pleasing and well-structured.
An automated tool can only produce a perfect document if it fully understands the nature of the job you’re applying for and what employers will be looking for.
6. Unreliable Security
Many online resume builders do not provide reliable security measures to protect your personal information or confidential documents. If you are using a free online resume builder, you may be risking sensitive data falling into the wrong hands.
Using an online resume builder may put your personal information at risk since many require you to enter sensitive information such as your Social Security number or bank account details to create a profile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, online resume builders can be a tempting option when you need a quick document, but ultimately they don’t provide the necessary tools for creating a professional and unique resume. The disadvantages associated with online resume builders far outweigh the convenience and cost-efficiency that they offer. Before you decide to use an online resume builder, carefully consider all of the potential risks involved.
It’s better to create or edit your resume manually by enlisting the help of a professional resume writer. This will ensure that your document is well-structured, visually appealing, and contains accurate information that employers are looking for.