As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
This is especially true when it comes to your resume.
When you send out your resume, you’re showing the recruiter more of yourself than you realize.
This is why you’ve got to be so careful with your writing.
Here’s 8 proofreading tips that will help you make a good first impression and get the job.
1. Take The Time For Proofreading
When you proofread, the best thing to do is to take your time over it. If you rush, it’s easy to miss mistakes and send out resumes that look half finished. The best thing to do is set aside some time once you’re finished writing, and really take the time to look over your resume carefully.
2. Don’t Depend On Spell Check
Spell check is a great invention, and you should absolutely run your resume through it to catch the most obvious errors. However, remember that as good as modern spell check programs are, they aren’t able to catch everything. Use it once, then be sure to read through your resume to catch any remaining errors manually.
3. Print Out Your Resume
It’s easier to proofread your resume if you change the format you read it in. Try printing your resume out to proofread it, rather than reading it on a screen. As well as this, use a colored pen to mark the changes you want to make, so you can see them easily.
4. Use Tools To Help You
There are lots of tools online that will help make the proofreading process easier. Give some of these a try when you’re proofreading:
- Via Writing: This site can help you with grammar and writing, thanks to the guides it posts up for you.
- Elite Assignment Help: This service offers proofreading help which you can take advantage of.
- State Of Writing: This site has many writing guides, that cover every aspect of writing.
- Ox Essays: Collaborate with the writers at this service to get the most out of your resume.
- Pro Writing Aid: This sophisticated proofreading tool can help you see the improvements that can be made to your writing.
- Grade On Fire: This service, as recommended on Huffington Post, can help you get your resume proofread by professionals.
- UK Top Writers: This site offers a writing community that can help you proofread effectively.
5. Read Your Resume Aloud
As well as printing your resume out, try reading it out loud. You may feel somewhat silly, but it can help you hear where your readers may stumble. If you trip over words in your resume when reading them, it’s a sign that you need to edit them.
6. Check Your Links
More often now job applicants are using hyperlinks in their text, to send the reader to extra content. If you’re using them in yours, be sure to click them and check they work properly. It’s a small check, but it’s one that will make the recruiter’s job a lot easier.
7. Have A Friend Read It
As the writer, you’ll miss a lot of errors as you’re so close to the work. After all, you know what it was meant to say. Ask a friend to look over your resume, and ask them to point it what errors they find. You’ll be surprised at how much they can find.
8. Make Several Passes
Finally, don’t try and catch every error at once. Instead, make several passes, and look for a different error every time. For example, on one pass you can look for spelling errors, and on another you can look for grammatical mistakes, and so on.
These 8 tips will help you get the most out of your resume, and ensure that no errors are present when you send it off. You’ll be sure to make the right impression if you follow these tips and proofread carefully.
About the Author:
Mary Walton is an editor and online tutor. She helps with content proofreading at Assignment writing service, the website for Australian students.