Creating a resume is not easy, especially a good one. Once the resume format, contact information, work experience, skills and education section is ready, proofreading resume is next on the list.
As job seekers only have 7.4 seconds on average to make an impression on recruiters, your resume must be proofread to ensure that your resume passes the initial stage and land on the “Interview” section.
Ever wondered why proofreading resume is so important? Here are 4 simple reasons why it is crucial for your job application process.
The Importance of Proofreading Resume
1. It ensures that your resume is free of wrong information
The main idea of proofreading resumes is to correct and/or remove grammatical and spelling errors in your resume.
If there are spelling errors in your resume, particularly in your contact information section, these basic mistakes may result in losing your dream job.
Imagine applying for your dream job, going through tough interview questions and never hearing back from the company because you’ve misspelt your email address or added a number to your mobile number.
That is why proofreading resume is important. It ensures that you’ve included the right information, in the right way.
2. Careless mistakes do happen
Making careless mistakes is a common thing, especially since no human beings are perfect. You may have typed each word carefully when creating your resume. However, a few mistakes may have slipped your eye and it’s okay.
The important thing is that you make efforts to identify and correct the mistakes BEFORE the hiring companies do. You’d be surprised not many candidates go the extra mile to check their resumes before submitting them. Ensure that you proofread every single section on your resume.
You could also ask for a favour from your family members or friends to proofread your resume. Their neutral perspectives may help you identify awkward phrases or careless spelling mistakes that you’re unable to.
3. Your resume is an extension of yourself
Think of your resume as a golden key to your dream company. If your key fits the front door’s criteria, you’ll then be permitted to enter for the interview sessions.
It is also an extension of yourself. The entire resume includes your lifelong experiences, skills and qualifications. Because it provides crucial first impressions of you to whoever reading it, your resume must be free of errors.
When hiring managers discover careless grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, it gives the first impression that the applicant is not professional, not attentive to detail and not serious in the job application.
Imagine receiving a resume that fits all the technical criteria for that job position, but it is messy and full of errors. If a two-page resume is full of imperfections, how would an engineering project be?
That said, the company would not be willing to entrust a role to said applicant. To err on the safer side, we’d highly recommend proofreading resumes.
4. It helps your resume to be ATS-compatible
The Applicant Tracking System looks for ATS-compatible resumes that contain specific keywords that the ATS is programmed to look for. If a resume fulfils the criteria, it is then passed onto the next stage.
An ATS-compatible resume cannot be full of grammatical and spelling errors. ATS is even more unforgiving than humans when it comes to this issue. A slight spelling error would render the entire keyword or even crucial phrases useless.
This is because misspelt keywords would completely get ignored by the system. Thus, it is crucial to proofread resumes before sending them to an ATS. Alternatively, you may use an ATS simulator like this one.
If the ATS resume checker is unable to read important information on your resume, it is a sign for you to further proofread and optimise your resume to pass the ATS compatibility test.
Final Thoughts
The process of proofreading resume is not difficult but often neglected. In order to ensure that your job application process goes smoothly, proofreading resume is one of the many ways to ensure your success.
Need help on job interviews next, or thinking of creating your own video resume? The Job Majestic platform has all the career guidance you’ll need to achieve a successful career.
