After 4-6 weeks of job seeking, take stock of what strategies are working and where you can fine tune your efforts. Evaluating the effectiveness of your resume is a great place to start. Use these three evaluation methods to identify what's working and places for improvement.

#1 Assess your progress

How has your resume worked for you thus far? The goal of the resume is to get an interview. Take some time to review what you have applied for and how often you are getting interviews. 

a. Are you getting results in one industry or role, but not another? Spend time analyzing if it's the market, your experience, or your resume presentation. 
b. Not getting as many interviews as you'd like? Make an appointment with a Walter Center career coach for an in-depth look at your application materials. 
c. Celebrate your successes! Getting an interview means your resume did it's job!

#2 Ask your network

Identify 2-3 people in your network who have experience looking at resumes (like a former supervisor or an HR professional). Request a resume review and ask the following questions: 

a. When glancing at my resume for 30 seconds or less, what stands out?
b. What do you learn about my skills and experiences from my resume?
c. What do you think I could do to improve my resume? 

#3 Get feedback from AI

AI can't do a better job than you at writing your resume, but it can help you improve and customize your document. Generate actionable feedback by providing AI (like ChatGPT or Microsoft co-pilot) with a resume, job description, and the following prompts: 

a. What are three ways I can make my resume more compatible with ATS systems?
b. What are three examples of bullet points that incorporate job description key words with measurable results?
c. Review my resume and provide three ways I could further customize it to the job description. 

Highlight Your Skills 🌟

According to the National Association of Employers Job Outlook 2025,64% of employers conduct skill-based hiring. Be sure you are marketing all the skills you gained through your College of Arts and Sciences degree. 

Follow the Walter Center 📲 

Looking for more tips, hiring events, or career advice? Connect with the Walter Center for Career Achievement on LinkedIn! 

Take Action 🏃

Walter Center career coaches are eager to help maximize your resume. Make an appointment with a career coach for one-on-one help with your resume or other aspects of the job search!

Already figured out your next steps?

If you've already figured out your next steps, congratulations! Please  report your outcomes  through 12Twenty.