Resume Proofreading Tips Every Job Seeker Must Know

Cover Letter Tips for Older Job Seekers Over 50

Before you send out your resume, one final step can make or break your chances: proofreading. A polished, error-free resume shows hiring managers you’re detail-oriented, professional, and serious about the job. Even a minor typo can make you seem careless and cost you a callback.

Here’s how to proofread your resume effectively—plus a checklist to ensure it’s job-ready.

Why Resume Proofreading Matters

Your resume is your personal marketing tool. It introduces you before you walk into an interview. If it’s riddled with grammar mistakes, formatting issues, or incorrect dates, employers may assume you lack professionalism. Think of proofreading as quality control—it ensures your first impression is flawless.

How to Proofread Your Resume

Start by reading your resume slowly from beginning to end. Check for spelling, grammar, and formatting issues. Then, use spell check—but don’t rely solely on it. Automated tools can miss things like correctly spelled but misused words (“their” vs. “there”).

Try reading it backwards sentence by sentence. This forces your brain to slow down and helps catch errors you might otherwise overlook.

Resume Proofread Checklist

Use this quick checklist to catch the most common resume errors:

Spelling and Grammar

  • Read every word—spell check won’t catch “form” instead of “from”
  • Avoid unfamiliar words
  • Ask a friend to review it
  • Use present tense for current roles, past tense for previous ones
  • Capitalize proper nouns, and keep number formats consistent

Punctuation and Formatting

  • Use one space after periods
  • Avoid exclamation points and comma splices
  • Keep punctuation consistent and within quotation marks
  • Match all date formats
  • Use action words like “led,” “created,” or “managed”

Style and Layout

  • Don’t crowd the page—use white space
  • Stick to 1-2 clean, readable fonts
  • Avoid excessive bold or italics
  • Make sure your contact info is clear and updated
  • Use standard 2-letter abbreviations for states (e.g., NY, CA)

What to Leave Out

  • Salary history
  • Personal info (age, gender, marital status)
  • Overuse of stylistic formatting
  • Irrelevant or outdated experiences

Final Resume Tips for Success

  • Use consistent spacing between sections
  • Double-check your contact information
  • Don’t justify the text—let the right edge be uneven for readability
  • Avoid printing on both sides of paper (for physical copies)

Why It’s Worth It

Proofreading may seem tedious, but it shows you’re detail-driven—a quality every employer appreciates. Taking the time to refine your resume can boost your chances of landing interviews and standing out in a competitive job market.

Want more job search tips, resume hacks, and career advice? Explore our blog section to keep your edge sharp and your goals within reach.

Author

Established since 2009, Jobs Section has emerged as the leading staffing solutions provider that has set a proven track record for matching the right people to the right organization within the shortest time. With our vast network of resources, extensive databases and defined recruitment processes, we have been successfully bridging talented job seekers of the highest caliber to employers who only want the best in their teams. In our relentless pursuit of excellent service, we have adopted best practices and dynamic growth strategies in expanding our operations across country.