CV Essentials: The benefits of proofreading

What is the most important aspect of the CV? Your employment history, your skills or your personal interests? Collectively, all sections of your CV work towards building a picture of yourself for the employer to weigh up against the role they are advertising.

... and what about the benefits of proofreading? The format and presentation will make it more readable, and a concise length will still pack a punch if the quality is there. However, we all know how easy it is to skim past those crafty spelling or grammatical errors.

Would spelling errors dissuade my CV readers?

Written communication is fundamental for many job roles; even if it isn’t a content heavy role. Would an employer hire someone who can’t demonstrate, or proof read, important information about themselves?

Perhaps they will be so impressed with your experience and potential, they will forgive a small error. But, why take that chance to begin with? You don’t know the employer, and a pet peeve of theirs could be spelling and grammar. You really wouldn’t want to lose an amazing rolebecause you didn’t proof read your application.

What are the best ways to proofread my CV?

• Read with fresh eyes – Whether you update a section, or rewrite the whole CV, do not send it immediately. Leave the document for a while, and return to it with only proof reading in mind. The task of writing the CV is an important job in itself, so divide your focus. Returning to the CV after you have written it, with fresh eyes, makes proof reading the prime focus.
• Hard copy – If possible, print out the first copy to give yourself a different view of the CV. Your attention span differs between screen and paper so it’s a great way to spot errors and potential changes, armed with a trusty highlighter.
• Read it aloud – Reading the words and sentences allows you to hear exactly how it sounds. It will be easier to find a sentence that doesn’t flow, or a word that definitely isn’t correct grammatically, if you can hear yourself reading the CV.
• Take it one sentence at a time – Read through slowly, re-reading sentences after you have finished them. It pays to be careful!
• Use your mistakes to your advantage – Is there always that one word you spell wrong? Or a word you never use in the right context? It will help you to look out for potential pitfalls that usually trap you!
• Call in a favour – Any friend or family member who can spare a quick moment to read through, completely impartially, will help. The more honest the better and a real plus is someone who really makes a deal out of spelling and grammar.

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