Typos in a resume

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Q: I submitted my resume to a posted job. I realized after I sent it that it had 2 typos on it. Spell check didn’t work and find all the mistakes. I am both embarrassed and annoyed. I can’t repeat this. I am unemployed and can’t live on unemployment. I am nervous about my job search. What should I be doing?

A: Anytime a hiring professional reads a resume and there are mistakes, and glaring mistakes, like a typo, a candidate’s resume is moved to the “no interest pile.” Other issues might be the use of different fonts, spacing or just a sloppy resume. It is important to take the time to carefully read and re-read your resume. A resume sends the first impression of who you are as a candidate.

Here are some tips:

1. It is often helpful to review your resume a few hours after you have created or updated it. I call it giving it a “fresh look.” I would also print your resume. You want to make sure that it is aligned, that the margins look ok when printed, and the format is consistent and visually appealing.

2. I always suggest reviewing a hard copy. We sometimes make mistakes on paper vs. on a screen.

3. A second set of eyes can help. A second set of eyes can sometimes offer suggestions that maybe you didn’t consider. One detail that I always look at is the tense of verbs. For example, if you are using a past tense for your current role, I will often suggest using the present tense. For example, “Hire a new deployment team to…” or “Manage a new compensation specialist to… “ For a current role, I would re-think using the past tense. For a past role, instead consider “Presented” or “Sold.”

4. I think it is helpful to read your resume to a friend, family member or colleague. How does it sound? Sometimes when a hiring team is evaluating a candidate, one person may read your resume to their colleague. How does it sound when read out loud? If it sounds choppy, consider some additional editing.

5. Ensure you are sending the final version of your resume. Sometimes we have different versions on our laptops. I know I have sent draft versions of documents to colleagues. Make sure it is your final version. Save the final version and double check that the final version is the one that you share with hiring managers, or the company of interest.

6. Remove any fonts of companies. An ATS (applicant tracking system) sometimes is unable to properly scan logos. When a hiring manager reviews the resume, which has been scanned by the ATS, it appears as a black box.

7. Follow the directions of the employer. Do they ask for a cover letter? Are they requesting that you submit your resume in MS Word? Do they state that you should send it as an attachment?

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

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