Proofreading is a specialized skill and MS Word only gets about one third of the job done. So if you were relying on the spell check feature to finish your proofreading don’t even dream of using that resume just yet. Most resume services offer editing and proofreading as part of their services. So you don’t have to go it all alone. One simple email will usually do the trick. Realistically your resume should be perfect as it represents you to a potential employer. But the least I can do is give you some helpful shortcuts here. Should you wish to go it on your own here is a list of common pitfalls you will want to check for:
o First take your time. Remember to set it aside for a while and give it an objective look a day later when you are more detached. Start by reading it aloud slowly word by word and see if it all makes sense. While you are doing this ask yourself is this what my employer would want to see?
o On your second review read out loud, you will look for spelling errors and punctuation errors. You may find it easier to read from the bottom up for this as you can slowly isolate each word.
o Is the format visually attractive? Could it be improved? I always recommend printing your documents before beginning proofreading. The flat no glare nature of paper allows all the errors to be seen. This is twice as effective as using the computer screen by the way.
o A tip that works is to have a skilled proof reading partner, or use a ruler to only read one line of text at a time. Slower is better, as two gaffs that slip through could lead to rejection.
o Make sure your punctuation and spacing is consistent throughout by scanning at arms length.
o Check for common trouble spots like Homonyms, there & their for example, spelling of all proper names, wrong words like using: or rather than of, brain rather than Brian as this will be always missed by the spell checker.
o Check for missing letters that still makes a word and other typos. When you need your and the r is left off the end it still makes a correctly spelled word, but it doesn’t work in the sentence.
o Check for errors in logic. Critical, make sure you focus only on the meaning of what you read.
o Omissions are one of the most common errors. The writer will often miss these as they know what they meant of course. Hence the importance of a proof reading service or at least an editing partner.
o Numerical typos in addresses, phone numbers, emails, and dates again the spell checker will not help. You must individually verify each and every one of these.
o Grammar check: If you visit or call your grammar seek professional writing and proofreading help as your resume and cover letter are your sole representation in securing an employment interview.
o The Gregg Reference Manual or The Associated Press Stylebook are must read reference manuals.
But if you are not already familiar with them it would be best to seek professional help. Most folks are not aware that proofreading services are affordable. It is not something you can do in a hurry.
o Beware of the MS Word program’s tendency to make the first letter in every line capitalized if the auto-correct option is on.
o To avoid common cut and paste problems make sure you use only the space bar and arrow keys to format your text the way you want. The purpose of a cut and paste box for a resume and a cover letter is to destroy all formatting (MS Word smart quotes, Tabs, Text boxes, multiple columns etc. are lost.)
Carefully consider the penalty for a faulty or mediocre resume and cover letter in your job search. Please know and understand all the best writers routinely use editors and proofreaders. It is not really that difficult to get help if you need it. Consider for example a recent search of the term: Resume Writers returned more than 43,000,000 results from Google. I often recommend the study of a popular book on proofreading, even if you possess great writing ability already. As this free info article is only designed to be helpful in pointing the way. College courses in proofreading have several prerequisites so don’t dive into shallow water from a tall cliff. The whole goal is to make your resume as polished and professional as possible.
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