Resume Proofreading

Your résumé must be error-free. Just one misspelled word or punctuation error can ruin all your hard work. Several hiring managers won’t call a candidate whose résumé contains typos.

You should proofread your résumé four times for four areas: spelling, spacing, punctuation and content.

Print the résumé before you proofread it. This makes it much easier to read. You’d be surprised how many errors become visible on a printed page versus a computer screen.

Here's a proofreading checklist:  

• Punctuation. Read the résumé BACKWARDS, looking for missing or incorrect punctuation, such as commas, dashes between dates, apostrophes, etc.
   
• Layout. Are the upper and lower margins even and pleasing to the eye? Is there white space throughout the document, or is the text too dense? Print the résumé and show it to friends for their comments.

• Contact information. Verify your name, address, ZIP code and phone are correct.
   
• Facts and figures. Check all years and numbers in the résumé and cover letter. Do they add up? Are they consistent?
   
• Clarity and content. Read the résumé aloud for awkward, missing or extra words.
   
• Spacing. Make sure the space between each sentence and section is the same.
   

• Spelling. Use your word processor’s spell checker AND read it yourself. Most misspelled words occur in the headings and in software/business names.
   
• Punctuation. Read the résumé BACKWARDS, looking for missing or incorrect punctuation, such as commas, dashes between dates, apostrophes, etc.
   
• Layout. Are the upper and lower margins even and pleasing to the eye? Is there white space throughout the document, or is the text too dense? Print the résumé and show it to friends for their comments.

To continue, click here: Resume Printing

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