Proofread your resume using our tried-and-true tips

Did you just cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s on your resume? Are you planning to send it out now? Wait a moment. No matter how carefully you think you crafted your resume, it is essential to proofread it before you send it out. Here are some helpful tips to make it easier for you:

Take your time

Rushing through the proofreading process is never a good idea. Give your brain some time to see and make note of the mistakes on your resume. Allocate a sizeable chunk of your time to proofread your resume thoroughly.

Read it out loud

Reading aloud helps you notice mistakes faster. You tend to notice more awkward phrasing, missing words, and wrong choice of words when you read your resume aloud.

Look at different formats

Be sure to proofread your resume in both .doc and .pdf formats. While everything looks normal and okay on a PDF version of your resume, you may find a lot of mistakes in a Word copy.

Check the clarity

The content of your resume should be presented in simple and concise language. Read your resume to determine if you have used overly complex language that disturbs the flow of the document.

Do a grammar and punctuation review

Your resume should follow grammar rules. Read the document carefully to spot any bad grammar and missing/wrong punctuation marks. There are online tools that can detect grammar and punctuation mistakes on your resume.

Tailor for the job

When you are proofreading, take a few minutes to check whether you have customized the resume for the job application. A tailored resume makes a better impact on the hiring process.

Do a spelling check

Spelling mistakes don’t make your resume attractive. Read your resume thoroughly to ensure that there are no misspelled words on the document. You can use an automated tool to check the spelling but be sure to follow up manually as well.

Pay attention to formatting mistakes

Have you used the same date format throughout your resume? It’s important to maintain uniformity in formatting when creating a resume. Look for any formatting mistakes that you may have made.

Get a second pair of eyes on it

Getting feedback is a great way to proofread your resume. Ask a family member, friend, or colleague to read your resume and review it. Ask them for constructive criticism on how you can improve the resume further.

Review for typos

Typographical errors are very common on resumes. Read your resume to spot if there are reversed letters, misplaced characters, or wrong characters.

Check the tenses

Your resume should be written in the past tense, except when you are describing your current role. Talk about your current job in the present tense but use the past tense to describe past qualifications.

Get the help of a tool

Proofreading tools will make your job a little easier. However, it’s important not to rely entirely on proofreading tools when you review your resume before a job application.

Review for accuracy

All the information you include in your resume must be accurate. Read and review your resume for accuracy. Ensure that the dates, titles, names, and contact information you have provided are correct.

Look at the alignments

Uniform alignments make your resume look neat. Allocate some time for looking at the alignment of dates, bullet points, and section headings of your resume.