Online Resume Builders: Should You Use Them?

Should you use online resume builders or makers?

Today, we’re discussing online resume builders and why they may not be the best option for job seekers.

You’ve probably seen ads on google for “online resume builders.” They offer a quick, online tools to cut and paste your information into a website. There are a ton of services out there. Zety, MyPerfectResume, Resume.com, Canva, VisualCV just to name a few. They all offer templates, the ability to load your personal information onto their website, as well as tips and suggestions along the way. Seconds later, you have yourself a resume. Wow!

Well, as we all know, there is no such thing as a free lunch.

While online resume builders may seem like a convenient and cost-effective way to create a resume, they often fall short when it comes to highlighting a person’s strengths and tailoring their resume for a specific job.

Be Wary of Online Resume Builders

One of the main issues with online resume builders is that they rely on templates and generic language that may not accurately reflect a person’s unique skills and experiences. This can be especially problematic for job seekers who are looking to stand out from the competition and showcase their value to potential employers.

Another issue with online resume builders is that they don’t always consider the specific requirements and preferences of a particular job or industry. This can result in a resume that doesn’t effectively communicate a person’s qualifications or suitability for a specific role.

Always Tailor Your Resume to a Specific Job

Frankly, tailoring your resume is critical to stand out from the other numerous job applicants. When employers review a stack of resumes, they are typically looking for candidates who have the skills and experience that is most relevant to the job. Moreover, they are scanning resumes quickly, so you only have seconds to make an impression and show that you could be the “one.”

By tailoring a resume to a specific job, you demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of the position and its requirements, as well as show that you have the qualifications and experiences necessary to succeed in the role.

This results in making a stronger impression on a potential employer and increasing your change of getting an interview.

Be Even More Careful of Free Online Resume Builders

If they are not charging you, then the website is making their money somewhere else, perhaps by selling your personal information to third party partners or advertisers. In addition to opening the flood gates to receiving targeted online ads, selling your data may result in unwanted emails, phone calls, or other solicitations that you may not be interested in.

It’s important to read the terms of service and privacy policy for any free resume builder you use to understand how your personal information is being collected, stored, and used. You may want to consider working with a resume writing service, like at The Career Counter, who will create a customized resume while also protecting your personal information

Six Reasons to Avoid Online Resume Builders

Let’s talk through some additional reasons to avoid these online, automated tools:

1. Limited Customization

Online resume builders typically offer limited customization options, relying on pre-designed templates that may not be suitable for all job seekers and career circumstances.

2. Generic Language

The language used in online resume builders is often generic and formulaic, which can make it difficult for you to effectively showcase your unique skills and experiences.

3. Lack of Personalization

These automated resume makers do not offer personalized feedback or guidance on how to improve a resume, which can result in a resume that does not effectively communicate a job seeker’s value to potential employers.

Many employers use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to automatically screen resumes before they even reach a human recruiter or hiring manager. By some accounting, over 98.8% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS, while 66% of large companies and 35% of small companies rely on them.

ATS uses algorithms to identify and rank resumes based on the keywords and phrases used in the job description and other criteria, such as work experience and education. By optimizing a resume for the ATS, you increase the chance that your resume is selected for further review by a human recruiter or hiring manager. This involves considering the using keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job opening, as well as ensuring that the formatting and structure of the resume are compatible with the ATS.

Online resume builders may not offer the ability to optimize resumes for ATS, which can result in resumes never even being seen by a human.

4. Lack of Expert Guidance

Online resume makers also do not offer the expertise and guidance of a certified, professional resume writer, who can provide valuable insights and advice on how to effectively showcase a job seeker’s strengths and experiences. While algorithms are getting better, they do not replace the decades of experience an expert writer has in showcasing accomplishments and strengths.

5. Uncaught Errors

Online resume builders can sometimes contain errors or formatting issues that may not be immediately apparent to job seekers, resulting in a resume that does not effectively communicate your value to potential employers.

Long Live Humans

That’s why we recommend working with a professional, certified resume writer who can help you create a customized resume that highlights your unique strengths and aligns with the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

A professional resume writer can work with you one-on-one to understand your career goals, accomplishments, and skills, and then craft a tailored resume that effectively communicates your value to potential employers. They can also provide valuable insights and advice on how to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS).

While working with a professional resume writer does require a non-zero investment of time and money, I would argue this is a worthwhile investment in your career. By creating a strong, tailored resume that effectively communicates your value to potential employers, you can increase yor chances of getting an interview and ultimately landing the job you want.

Summary

Overall, while online resume builders may be a convenient and cost-effective option for creating a resume, they often fall short when it comes to effectively showcasing a job seeker’s value and suitability for a specific job. Working with a professional, certified resume writer can help you create a customized and effective resume that increases your chances of getting an interview and ultimately landing your dream job.

So if you’re ready to take your resume to the next level, consider working with us. At The Career Counter, our expert writers and coaches can help you achieve your career goals.

Contact us today to learn more!

  • Lee Cristina Beaser

    MS, CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer)

    Lee brings over two decades of expertise in guiding individuals towards career success. Having helped thousands of professionals in a wide variety of industries, she has a deep understanding of the intricacies of the job market. Lee founded The Career Counter, a platform dedicated to providing busy people, especially moms returning to the workforce, with tools and services tailored to their unique career goals.

    Our Founder has over 20 years of experience helping people like you