One of the most critical steps to a successful resume is effectively proofreading your final document. Here are 15 tips for successful proofreading.
Give proofreading your complete attention. Remove any distractions to focus on the document you are reading.
Delay proofreading. If you can, leave some time between writing your resume and proofreading.
Print it. You will be surprised by the difference reading your resume on paper versus the screen makes. You will pick up on errors previously missed and be able to check for formatting errors.
Read it out loud. Our ears often catch mistakes that our eyes miss. This technique also helps you spot awkward sentences and rough transitions.
Be on the lookout for homonyms. Homonyms are words that share the same spelling or pronunciation but have different meanings. For example, complement/compliment, their/there/they’re, discreet/discrete
Check your contractions and apostrophes. People often make mistakes with contractions and apostrophes. For example, its and it’s, your and you’re.
Check punctuation. Pay attention to capitalised words, missing or extra commas, and full stops misused.
Pay particular attention to your bulleted lists. Your punctuation needs to be consistent for each item in the list. When each item is one or more complete sentences, use a full stop. Leave full stops off bulleted lists if it contains single words or simple phrases.
Read it backwards. After working with the same document, we become blind to our own mistakes. This occurs because our brain automatically corrects wrong words inside sentences.
Don’t forget to check the formatting, including headings, fonts and spacing. Don’t only focus on the text. After proofreading the body of your text, check your titles for spelling and formatting errors. Ensure you have consistent formatting across the document and plenty of white space.
Look to the left. Cover half of your printed resume to examine the left side of your page. Make sure you start each achievement story with a strong action word.
Double-check your numbers. You don’t want to overstate or understate your achievements.
Check for consistency. Make sure you use numbers or symbols consistently. For example, dates are in the same format, and headings and spacing between sections are consistent.
Repeat the process. There is no such thing as too much proofreading when it comes to your resume. Proofread multiple times with a break in between.
Have someone else proofread. Always get at least one other person to read your resume. Even the best proofreader is not infallible. Someone independent will pick up mistakes you have become blind to.
Related:
Cover Letter Mistake: Wordiness
