You're navigating conflicting feedback on your resume. How can you uphold your personal brand?

1 Assess Feedback

When you receive conflicting feedback, your first step is to evaluate the source of each piece of advice. Consider the industry expertise and hiring experience of those providing input. Feedback from a seasoned professional in your field might carry more weight than generic advice from someone less familiar with your industry. Aligning your resume with industry-specific expectations can help maintain your personal brand while making necessary adjustments based on credible feedback.

2 Prioritize Clarity

Your resume's primary goal is to communicate your qualifications and achievements clearly. When feedback clashes, focus on clarity and how your resume presents information. Does the layout make it easy for hiring managers to find key information? Are your accomplishments quantified and well-explained? Clarity also means using industry-relevant jargon appropriately—ensuring that your personal brand speaks the language of your desired field without alienating non-specialist readers.

3 Balance Trends

Resume trends come and go, and while it's important to stay current, you shouldn't lose your personal brand in the process. Consider which trends align with your career goals and personal style. For example, a creative professional might adopt a more innovative design, while someone in a conservative field might stick to a traditional format. Strike a balance by integrating modern elements that enhance rather than overshadow your personal brand.

4 Embrace Consistency

Consistency in your resume strengthens your personal brand. This includes consistent formatting, writing style, and tone throughout the document. If feedback suggests changes that disrupt this consistency, weigh the potential benefits against the risk of diluting your personal brand. A cohesive resume reflects a well-defined professional identity, which can be more impactful than adopting every piece of advice.

5 Reflect Values

Your personal brand is also a reflection of your values and work ethic. When revising your resume, consider which changes align with these principles. If certain feedback resonates with your core values—such as a commitment to transparency or excellence—it may be worth incorporating. Conversely, if a suggested change feels inauthentic to who you are as a professional, it might be best to disregard it.

6 Decision Time

Ultimately, the decision on how to update your resume rests with you. Take the time to reflect on all the feedback and decide which pieces are most beneficial for your personal brand. You might find a way to merge different pieces of advice into a cohesive whole or choose to prioritize certain suggestions over others. Remember, your resume is a personal statement about your professional journey—ensure it remains true to who you are.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?