How to Edit and Proofread a Resume
As the United States enjoys a recovery from the harsh economic recession of the past four years, employers are creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs every month. If you are an individual looking to re-enter the workforce or simply a worker hoping to find a new and better job, no tool is more important to your quest than a strong resume. Small grammatical errors, typos, formatting errors and other blunders can represent a black eye on any resume, so it is important you make a strong first impression. Read on for some helpful tips on how to proofread and edit a professional resume.
First: Spell checking
It seems obvious, but the first problem some resumes encounter is simply misspelled words. Use spell checking software on your word processor and make sure to double check your work manually by rereading every word and phrase multiple times. Remember, a spell checker can sometimes miss a word that is spelled correctly but used in the wrong context (such as "there" and "their").
Second: Consistent formatting
Another important step is ensuring that the resume has consistent formatting. This includes consistent use of margins, indentation and fonts. Make sure that every piece of your text uses a consistent pattern; for example, if you have the job title for one position in bold, make sure that other corresponding job titles are also in bold. Ensure that the font size remains the same in different areas for your resume, too.
Third: Eliminate fluff
A very common mistake is loading a resume with generic descriptions and vague phrases, including "excellent communication skills." Present your experiences in clear, concise terms and give concrete illustrations of your skills and responsibilities. Flowery language belongs in poems and literature; resumes should use clear, concise and simple language because they are your chance to show your ability to present information effectively.