As a career coach working with professionals across Colorado—and particularly in Colorado Springs—one of the most overlooked but essential skills is knowing how to properly review your resume. Whether you’re preparing your first one, returning to the job market after years, or transitioning between industries, reviewing your resume the right way can be the difference between landing an interview and getting overlooked.
A resume is your personal marketing tool. But in today’s competitive job market, especially in growing cities like Colorado Springs, a resume must do more than list your experience. It needs to tell your career story clearly, professionally, and convincingly. If you’re unsure whether your resume is working for you, consider working with a trusted Resume service in Colorado Springs.
Here are 5 essential things to look for when reviewing a resume—whether it’s yours or someone else’s.
1. Does It Clearly Align With the Job Target?
One of the biggest mistakes I see as a coach is when resumes are too generic. Your resume should reflect the specific job you are applying for—not just your work history. Ask yourself:
- Does the resume use language from the job posting?
- Are the skills and experiences relevant to that role?
- Is the job title in the summary the same or similar to the job being applied for?
For example, if you’re applying for a project manager role in a Colorado Springs-based tech firm, make sure your resume reflects leadership, time management, and industry-specific terminology.
If tailoring your resume feels overwhelming, consider getting help from a Resume service in Colorado Springs that knows how to match your resume with local job opportunities.
2. Is the Formatting Clean and Easy to Read?
You have about 6–10 seconds to catch a hiring manager’s attention. A resume cluttered with blocks of text or inconsistent formatting will get skimmed—or worse, skipped entirely.
When reviewing formatting, check:
- Consistent use of font size and spacing
- Logical structure: Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, etc.
- Bullet points for responsibilities and achievements
- Professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
Make sure it’s visually scannable. If you’re not sure whether your resume has the right layout, getting a second opinion from a Resume service in Colorado Springs can make all the difference.
3. Are the Achievements Clear and Measurable?
A strong resume doesn’t just list tasks—it highlights results. Employers in Colorado Springs want to know not just what you did, but how well you did it. Each role on your resume should show how you added value.
Here’s what to look for:
- Are there metrics (percentages, dollars, time saved, etc.)?
- Do the bullet points start with strong action verbs (e.g., “Led,” “Increased,” “Implemented”)?
- Are soft skills backed up by examples?
Instead of “Responsible for customer service,” try:
“Managed 20+ customer inquiries daily, improving satisfaction scores by 15% over six months.”
Not everyone is naturally good at identifying or wording their achievements—this is where a professional Resume service in Colorado Springs can help you shine.
4. Is It Free of Errors and Inconsistencies?
It might sound basic, but spelling mistakes, inconsistent dates, or formatting slip-ups can cost you interviews. Hiring managers in Colorado, particularly in cities like Colorado Springs, are looking for attention to detail. If you overlook the basics on your resume, they may assume you’ll do the same on the job.
Review for:
- Spelling and grammar
- Consistent use of past/present tense
- Matching bullet styles and punctuation
- Accurate and updated contact information
Even high-level executives sometimes miss small but critical errors. That’s why many professionals choose to run their resumes through a Resume service in Colorado Springs for a thorough quality check.
5. Does It Tell a Cohesive Career Story?
Every resume should read like a story—with a beginning, middle, and a clear current goal. That doesn’t mean you have to include everything you’ve ever done. It means your resume should reflect where you’ve been and where you’re going professionally.
Ask these questions:
- Does the summary align with the rest of the resume?
- Do the job transitions make sense?
- Is there a clear upward (or focused) progression?
This is especially important for mid-career and senior-level professionals, where career changes, promotions, or lateral moves may need context. A Resume service in Colorado Springs can help package your career in a way that flows naturally and shows your progression.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Resume expectations can vary depending on the region. Employers in Colorado Springs may prioritize different experiences, certifications, or even formatting than those in other markets. That’s why working with a local Resume service in Colorado Springs is often more effective than using a generic resume builder.
Professionals based in Colorado Springs benefit from services that understand the local hiring market—including industries like aerospace, tech, healthcare, education, and government. Whether you’re new to the job market, transitioning careers, or aiming for executive roles, local insight matters.
Final Thoughts
A resume review isn’t a one-time event—it’s something that should happen every time you apply for a new opportunity. Job markets are shifting, expectations are evolving, and your resume should reflect your most recent and relevant accomplishments.
If you’re ready to make your resume work harder for you—or if you just need a second opinion—working with a trusted Resume service in Colorado Springs is a smart investment in your career.
Whether you’re applying to a large employer like Lockheed Martin, a healthcare provider like UCHealth, or a growing startup right here in Colorado Springs, your resume is your first impression. Make it count.
And if you’re unsure where to start or what to change, don’t guess. Let a professional Resume service in Colorado Springs help you put your best foot forward.