Do you want to know how to improve your chances of impressing a hiring manager? If so, you need to learn how to go about polishing and to proofread your resume. Most job applications require you to turn in a resume. In most cases, this document will serve as a hiring manager’s first introduction to you.
When people fail to polish their resumes, they might end up making mistakes. Even tiny resume spelling errors might earn you a place in the discard pile.
Below, we’ll get into the top 6 tips you need to know about proofreading your resume. Keep reading to learn more and start making better first impressions!
1. Use a Proofreading Tool
Not making any typos on a document can prove difficult for even great writers. Sometimes, those mistakes slip through unnoticed, even after you’ve read the document over and over.
That’s where proofreading tools come in. If you install web extensions such as Grammarly, a computer will check your spelling. Then, it will highlight any areas you need to fix.
Be careful when using these, though. These programs come pre-configured and sometimes highlight properly-spelled words. When in doubt, you should always double-check.
2. Don’t Make Your Resume Wordy
If you want to make proofreading your resume easier, avoid getting wordy. First, few hiring managers have time to comb through paragraphs of text. A handful of succinct, well-crafted sentences will do the trick.
Second, the more you write, the more room for error you have. Make it easier on yourself by including fewer words. Edit out anything unnecessary.
3. Print It
Sometimes, the human eye catches mistakes easier when reading a physical document.
So, print your resume out. Then, go through it carefully with a pencil, adding in any edits you’d like to make.
4. Read Sentences Backward
One great way to check for spelling errors involves reading sentences backward.
This works because when we read sentences the regular way, our brains go on autopilot. For instance, the brain knows there’s supposed to be an “of” in the phrase “best of luck.” So, it might automatically supply an “of” in that phrase, even if someone failed to write it.
Reading backward forces the brain to focus on every word.
5. Read Aloud
Reading aloud gives you insight into the way your words flow. When you do this, ask yourself if your word choices sound natural.
If they don’t, edit them until they do.
6. Have Someone Else Proofread
For the best results, hand your resume to someone else and have them proofread it. The extra set of eyes might catch something you missed. Just make sure you choose someone who writes well themselves!
Ready to create the best resume? Use this online resume builder.
Go Beyond Proofreading Your Resume
Proofreading your resume constitutes one of many things you need to do to impress a potential employer.
If you’re still writing your resume, you should pay special attention to the way you present your experience. Make sure you talk about your achievements and back them up with data. You should also include resume contact information so the employer can reach out to you.
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