Everyone knows that you should proofread your resume. So why am I repeating this advice? Because, as a recruiter, I see resumes with typos, spelling errors, incorrect word usage and punctuation mistakes more often than I should.

We all make mistakes at one time or another, but a resume isn't the place to do it. This is your first (and often only) chance to make a positive impression on an employer. Even if you have outstanding experience and an impeccable education, it only takes one careless mistake to show that you aren't focused enough to ensure this very important document is flawless. Unfortunately, that could mean the difference between making the cut or not.

The good news is, by carefully checking your resume using the following list, you should be able to correct any goofs before it reaches a recruiter's desk.

1. Use your word processing program's spell check feature as a first line of defense.
   This should catch the most obvious blunders, but it can't be your only method of proofreading.


2. Deliberately and carefully read your resume.
   Don't just scan it quickly -- print it out and read it.
3. Wait a day or two and proofread your resume again.
   Seeing it with "fresh" eyes may uncover hard-to-spot problems.
4. Ask at least one other person to review your resume.
   This step is crucial to catch errors that you may have overlooked while viewing the same document repeatedly.
5. Have at least one native speaker review your resume if it isn't written in your primary language.
   Ask a native English-speaker to check the English version of your resume, a native Spanish-speaker to check the Spanish version, etc.

Is your resume error-free? Log in now and make sure!

- Sharon L., Recruiter

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