THIS WEEK
On the subject of spelling errors etc...
Nothing is worse than bad spelling on your C.V. Nothing will let you down more than obvious spelling errors.
There is no room for bad spelling, bad grammar or slang in a C.V. Such errors show carelessness and will not impress the reader/employer. If your C.V. has errors, then you and only you are at fault for allowing such a document to be circulated.
When you have completed your C.V. there are a few final steps to take before you give it to anyone.
Use the spell checker on your P.C. That's just O.K. for a start but your spell check may well let, there pass when it should have been their
or - too/to
or - too/two
or - great/grate, etc..... etc.....
or - the z in organization and other words like it. This side of the planet we tend
to use the "s" instead of "z".
So the only sure checker is you. But don't put total trust in yourself. You have just spent hours trying to produce the document, making changes here and there and at this stage you are probably now almost "snow blind" with regard to your C.V. layout, spelling and grammar. You have been staring at it for hours and errors will pass you by, so read it through very carefully line at a time, very slowly. Correct as you go.
One of the biggest mistakes made is using upper case for almost everything. Upper case is only for headings, persons, places or specific things.
When you are finished.............. READ IT AGAIN and it's guaranteed, you will still find more errors.
Now when that's done get someone else to proof read it for you. And I bet they too will find more errors.
This is very important because nothing reflects so badly on you as misspellings or poor grammar on your C.V.
There is a free web site called "PaperRater". It's a proof reader and give you good feed back not just on spelling but also grammar and your use of words. Again its not infallible but it is an extra layer of security that may turn up that little something that passed you by earlier.
Also please remember that you C.V. will probably be read on a PC screen, so be sure it looks right. Now print your C.V. and see how it looks on paper. Often it's quite different and the items you highlighted in the screen are not so obvious in hard copy. Correct as required
Sometimes on hard copy the black text, especially on bold heading can look very stark on white paper. Try changing full black to two or three shades away from 100% black and the result will often be softer and more pleasing.
The very best of luck.
'Top-Tips' are short extracts from the Jobdoctor's Career Change Manual which is freely available to all our clients.
Should you have any queries we would be delighted to hear from you where we will be happy to explain how we could be of further assistance and always remember:
In the current highly competitive job market, only those who prepare and sell themselves to their full potential will be short listed.
Only those with the most professional approach will have any chance of success!
PCC provide private tailored assistance and advice to those wishing to adopt a professional and structured approach to their career change.
The services provided by PCC include Corporate Outplacement, Career Change, Career Transition, C.V. Preparation, Interview Technique Training, Job Search Strategies, Psychometric Testing, Career Planning, Private Individual Career Management, Online Support, Coaching, Self Employment and Retirement options.
