How do you balance feedback on your resume between a networking contact and a professional association?

Your networking contacts often know you personally and understand the nuances of your industry. When they review your resume, their feedback is usually grounded in practical experience and tailored to what hiring managers in your field are looking for. Take their advice seriously, especially regarding the relevance of your skills and experiences, as well as industry-specific jargon that might resonate with potential employers. However, remember that their suggestions are based on individual opinions and experiences, so weigh them against broader standards and trends to create a balanced and effective resume.

▶️ Prioritize relevance: Tailor your resume based on feedback that aligns with your career goals. If a networking contact suggests adding project details, while the association recommends showcasing certifications, integrate both to emphasize your skills. ▶️ Validate credibility: Networking contacts may offer practical insights, while professional associations provide industry standards. Cross-check their advice to ensure your resume is both appealing and compliant. ▶️ Blend perspectives: Combine personal stories from networking contacts with the professional tone from associations. For example, "Led a team of 5 in a major banking transformation project" showcases both experience and professionalism.

Networking contacts can indeed provide invaluable feedback on your resume. Their insights are grounded in practical experience and tailored to the specific nuances of your industry, making their advice particularly relevant. They often understand what hiring managers are looking for and can help you highlight the most pertinent skills and experiences. Additionally, they can guide you on using industry-specific jargon that resonates with potential employers. However, while their suggestions are beneficial, it's essential to remember that they are based on individual opinions and experiences. Therefore, you should weigh their advice against broader industry standards and trends.

To balance feedback on your resume from a networking contact and a professional association: Evaluate Expertise: Consider the expertise of each source. Networking contacts may offer industry-specific insights, while professional associations provide standardized, broad advice. Identify Common Themes: Look for overlapping suggestions from both sources, prioritizing changes that are universally recommended. Relevance: Tailor feedback based on relevance to your career goals and the specific job you’re targeting. Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your resume iteratively, combining practical, industry-specific tips with professional standards. Ask for Clarification: Seek further details if feedback from either source is unclear or contradictory

Networking contacts often provide subjective feedback based on their own experiences and preferences. They might offer insights into how your resume comes across personally or suggest changes based on industry trends they've observed.

Professional associations typically provide feedback based on established industry norms and expectations. They can offer insights into how your resume compares to others in your field and what recruiters or employers might look for.

Understand the context from which each source is providing feedback. Networking contacts may focus on personal fit and career trajectory, while professional associations emphasize industry norms and best practices.

All feedback is welcome❗ BUT, be careful ⚠️ Everyone seems to be an expert If you listen to everyone You'll end up doing Hokey Cokey 👉 Putting something in 👉 Taking it out 👉 In, out, in, out, shake it all about Best of luck 🍀

Take note of common themes or recurring suggestions from both sources. This helps you identify areas of improvement that are widely recognized as important.