What do you do if you receive criticism on your resume without getting defensive?

CV advice is highly subjective, it definitely depends upon the person giving the advice and from which viewpoint they are coming from, either helpful friend, recruiter, or interviewer. If the feedback is coming from a recruiter, work with that recruiter to create a version of your CV that they could work with. You can always keep multiple versions of your CV, they are all valid! If anyone is suggesting changes, you need reasons for the changes and do your own due diligence to fact-check what they are telling you - some advice may be out-of-date, whereas they might be telling you something you don't know. There is no upside to getting defensive, just listen - you can always disregard advice if you feel there is no merit to it!

First, listen to the criticism. Is the criticism accurate? Possibly after listening to the criticism you can identify that parts (or all) of the criticism are false. You can offer a correction and provide the truth. If the criticism is accurate, acknowledge it first. Then, think about how you can spin it into being something positive. Perhaps you can mention how it’s something you’ve already identified and working toward resolving or improving. Share a 30-60-90 day action plan for improvement. You could also acknowledge the criticism and admit that it’s something you’re working on improving. Sometimes being humble enough to admit a weakness can be powerful.

When writing a CV for a client, it is important for both parties to take a collaborative approach. By sharing and taking into consideration each others viewpoints, ideas and preferences from the outset, a rapport can be built and conflicting issues can be avoided. The likelihood is there will need to be a number of proofs, but two heads working in partnership are far more likely to achieve the best result - quickly.

As a resume writer, I often receive constructive feedback on the first draft. Remaining open to suggestions, I incorporate the amendments without defensiveness, ensuring satisfaction for both parties.

If you receive criticism on your resume without getting defensive, approach it with an open mind and willingness to learn. Listen attentively to the feedback, seeking to understand the specific areas for improvement. Resist the urge to take the criticism personally and instead view it as an opportunity for growth. Ask clarifying questions to gain further insights and suggestions for enhancement. Thank the person providing feedback for their input and express your commitment to making necessary revisions. Finally, incorporate the constructive criticism into your resume to strengthen it and showcase your adaptability and receptiveness to feedback.

It's natural to feel defensive when receiving criticism, but try to remain calm and composed. Take deep breaths if you need to and focus on maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.

Your resume is a reflection of your entire career, so it is easy to become defensive if you receive negative feedback. Let me tell you this... *Most* of the time the person giving the feedback is only trying to be helpful. So, resist the urge to punch them in the face (I kid, I kid), and take a bit of time to reflect on what they said. And what they meant by what they said. You may even be able to incorporate some of that advice to really make your resume a stronger marketing document.

When getting criticized about your resume, make sure to remember that you shouldn't mix your emotions, converting them into a personal grudge, just because of criticism. Instead, pay attention to what's been directed to improve your resume. Ponder upon whether that suggestion is valid to consider to improve. If so, how?

Reflecting calmly on the critique involves taking a step back to evaluate the feedback objectively. Acknowledge any emotions that arise, but then focus on analysing the feedback constructively. Consider the validity of the points raised and how they align with your career goals. Approach the reflection process with a mindset of growth and improvement rather than defensiveness.

A wise trainer #Dannyclarketraining I knew taught us to manage the stages of receiving feedback. They are:- Denial - No I never.... Explanation/ Excuse - Ive been busy.... Justification - well no harm done... Acceptance- OK thank you Correction. ..Dont repeat! The first three steps should be internalised quietly. the forth should be polite and it is the fifth stage (the correction) that is important. Since communication is about how the receiver hears your message any feedback should be taken seriously and with the spirit intended. Of course you could just say "Sod off what has it got to do with you but I'm not sure that really works!

If someone gives you a bit of harsh criticism on your resume....Well, that is just part of the game. Try to hear them out before you get defensive, angry, and resistant to change. Maybe ask a few clarifying questions to try to elicit deeper insight into how your resume is being perceived.

feedback should be taken as Opportunity for improvement. The context & implications must be understood properly & actions to improve must be taken

Always take time to absorb information and determine the nature of the criticism. If it is unprofessional that is one thing. I have tweaked my resumes dozens of times based off unknown strangers and trusted professors and I finally have a resume that just can be proud to send to prospective agencies and employers. None of us are perfect and if you allow feedback and so long as that feedback is constructive and designed to help you take that for what is worth. In life there are going to be individuals and applicants who will never be receptive to constructive feedback and that is on them. If you want results the. Be willing to accept that your resume and job duties might not be as well written as you think.

Job hunting is an emotional rollercoaster, there are some highs, along with serious lows. Staying positive and motivated isn't a separate thing, it is part of the process, so managing this well is vital, your motivation is what drives your job hunt. If someone gives you what might be considered negative feedback, just thank the person! Then, think about it. Is there something you can take away and use it to improve your process? Great, do it. You are allowed to disregard some advice if you feel it is either unjustified or not required, you can just brush it off and move on! You have to have a bit of a filter. Some advice penetrates and you can apply it - some advice you have to discard - you need resilience to do this!

For a proper growth & development Criticism & feedbacks must be taken in a positive stride. We must try to understand the message being conveyed to us and act on the same. This will definitely improve our personality

Approaching criticism with a positive attitude and a growth mindset is essential. Instead of viewing it as a setback, I see it as a stepping stone towards creating even stronger, more impactful resumes in the future.

Stay positive by: 1. Embrace feedback as growth opportunity. 2. Value constructive criticism. 3. See it as chance to refine resume. 4. Trust in good intentions behind feedback. 5. Focus on showcasing strengths effectively. 6. Stay motivated for career advancement. 7. Appreciate feedback to foster positive relationships. 8. View setbacks as growth opportunities. 9. Stay forward-looking and focused on progress.

No one like being criticised. It's how you take it that matters. Remaining positive through it all can only help. Is the criticism valid? Can you do something practical about it? It's worth consulting someone who knows a thing or two about CVs to make sure that the criticisms are well founded. If not, they can be dismissed, and you can move on.

Constructive criticism helps us in known the shortcomings & we must accept the same with a positive approach and efforts should be there to put the same in implementation and this will definitely help in a long run

Adjusting your CV after feedback: Identify specific areas for improvement. Update your CV accordingly, focusing on clarity and relevance. Consider restructuring sections for better flow. Tailor content to align with job requirements. Highlight achievements and skills more effectively. Ensure consistency in formatting and style. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors. Proofread thoroughly for errors. Iterate and refine until satisfied with the result.

A friend once puzzled me. He said that every apple pie was the best apple pie. He explained that all pies were great, but no one wants to offend their grandma or a host by saying their pie was just "alright." Therefore, he had a policy of always saying that every pie he was ever given was “the best pie ever.” On the other hand, other people have the exact opposite attitude. No matter who makes the pie or how good it tastes, it can never compare to their Grandma's. When it comes to resumes, some people will say that your resume is perfect no matter what. This is polite, but not helpful. Others always find flaws if your resume doesn't match their exact preference. Doesn't mean they are right. Accept criticism, but don’t fixate on it.

feedbacks are important ingredients to improve on the resume. Feedbacks must be taken in a positive way and should be looked upon as building blocks for a good resume. It may definitely add values .

Consider seeking feedback from multiple sources to gain a more well-rounded understanding of how your resume is perceived. Different perspectives can offer valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement.

Although this is difficult to do try not to take the criticism personally. This is feedback on information that you have presented and not you as a person. You may not agree with the feedback (and that is perfectly acceptable) BUT you may be able to take some of the feedback and use it to improve what you have presented. Lastly, be grateful that the person took the time to provide you with some comments, this will not always be the case.

Receiving criticism on your CV? Stay open-minded. Listen without defensiveness. Digest the feedback objectively. Ask clarifying questions. Embrace the opportunity for improvement. Make adjustments proactively. Align changes with career goals. Stay positive throughout the process. Best of luck ??

I always ask if the client would like any changes implemented then I would be happy to do so. Some clients I have worked with have obvious mental health issues or have recently been made redundant and I always remain calm and open to new ideas. Sadly, not everyone is cooperative. However, as a CV writer who has helped thousands of people into work over the years, I have to remember that I am good at what I do and not to let anyone bring me down.