How do you spot and avoid resume typos?

1 Why resume typos matter

Resume typos matter because they show a lack of attention to detail, professionalism, and communication skills. Hiring managers and recruiters often use resumes as a screening tool, and they may discard your resume if they find any errors. Resume typos can also indicate that you are not serious about the job, or that you don't care enough to proofread your work. Resume typos can also affect your personal brand, as they can make you look sloppy, careless, or incompetent.

2 How to spot resume typos

Proofreading your resume multiple times and utilizing various methods and tools is the best way to spot typos. For example, reading your resume aloud or having someone else read it to you can help catch any awkward phrasing, grammar, or punctuation errors. Additionally, printing out your resume and reading it on paper can help you notice any formatting, spacing, or alignment issues. Furthermore, using a spell checker and a grammar checker is beneficial, but don't rely on them completely. They may miss some errors or suggest incorrect changes, so double-check their suggestions and use your own judgment. Finally, if you can afford it, consider using a resume review service or a professional resume writer for feedback, suggestions, and corrections to improve your resume.

3 How to avoid resume typos

To prevent typos in your resume, start writing early and don't rush it. Focus on one section at a time and avoid any distractions. Utilize a clear and consistent format, font, and style that follows the guidelines of your industry. Incorporate keywords and action verbs that match the job description and requirements, and include numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements. Make sure to maintain the same tense, voice, and perspective throughout your resume, avoiding any switches between past and present, active and passive, or first and third person.

4 How to fix resume typos

If you find any typos on your resume, don't panic. You can easily fix them as long as you are careful and thorough. It's helpful to make a list of the errors, starting with the most obvious ones, and prioritize them by importance and frequency. The find and replace function in your word processor is useful for correcting any repeated or common mistakes. It's also important to review your resume after making changes, and make sure you didn't introduce any new errors. You can also highlight the changes in a different color or font for comparison. Save your resume in different formats like PDF, DOCX, or TXT to make sure it looks professional in each format. Finally, sending your resume to a trusted friend or mentor for proofreading can help you spot any errors you missed and get valuable feedback.