How to proofread your resume to perfection

Writing your resume, especially for the first time, can be a stressful experience. Figuring out what format to use, what details to include and how much detail to offer can be hard. The most important part of writing a great resume is making sure it’s clear, concise, and free of mistakes. Here are eight proofreading tips that will help you to ensure your resume is perfect and ready to submit:

1. Print your resume out on paper so you can review it

When something is on a screen we don’t read it as closely as when it’s on paper. Try printing out your resume so you can read it like you would a book. Print it double-spaced and use a highlighter and pen to make notes as you go through it, slowly and carefully.

2. Read it out loud

Reading out loud might feel silly but it can sometimes highlight problems that you might not have noticed otherwise. Maybe one particular sentence is too long, or a word is repeated too many times. Reading your resume out loud will help you to notice these issues and fix them.

3. Mix it up

Okay, here’s a slightly crazy suggestion: Try reading it backwards. Not literally backwards, but maybe try reading it from the end first. Or try printing it on colored paper. Experiment with printing it in different formats. By seeing your resume presented differently you’re more drawn to any errors. Don’t just use one of these tricks: use them one after the other, or combine them.

4. Give it some time

When we read something right after writing it, it can be difficult to be critical. Give your resume some time to mature and come back to it with a clear head. You’ll be amazed by how many things you’re ready to change after letting it cool off.

5. Customize it for the job

This is so, so important. Sure, the position you’re applying for may be similar to others you’ve applied for. But every position means different things to different companies, and different hiring teams will list different requirements as most important. “Carefully read the job listing, or the company’s mission statement, and rearrange your CV to highlight the features that will most impress the hiring team,” says Curtis Welch, a recruiting consultant at Uktopwriters.

6. Make sure it’s properly structured

Every few years there are changes in laws, best practices, and even styles that affect how your resume is perceived and read. Make sure you’re aware of these changes and your resume is up to date.

7. Save and print in standard formats

No matter what crazy fonts and colors you used as part of your proofreading process, make sure your resume is plain and professional when it’s sent. Most hiring teams are incredibly put off by odd font choices, brightly colored letters, or the use of emojis.

8. Ask for a second opinion

After a while it can be hard to be critical of something you created on your own. If you’re looking at your resume and feel that it’s perfect, get a friend, relative, or professional proofreader to look through it. A fresh pair of eyes might detect mistakes that you couldn’t.

This article was first published by Golden Key partner Vault: http://www.vault.com/blog/resumes-cover-letters/8-resume-proofreading-tips/

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