Too many people rely on Microsoft Word’s built-in spell check system. Each day, we view CVs with errors which could have been prevented by proofreading. Common errors we see in CVs include:
martial instead of marital
Manger instead of Manager
liased instead of liaised
Other areas to watch out for:
Putting the wrong word in the wrong place, such as “their” and “there”
Not using a capital letter for “I”
Putting “i” and “e” the wrong way round, e.g.: “freind”, rather than “friend”
Missing out letters (often in the middle of words)

Many people find it hard to spot mistakes when reading text on a computer screen, so it’s a good idea to proofread your CV after printing it out on paper. Also, consider asking someone else to check over your CV for errors.
Proofreading tips:
Be methodical and check one line at a time
Cultivate a healthy sense of doubt – if you know you make certain mistakes, keep an eye out for them
Don’t start proofreading your CV straight after writing it
Concentrate on one word at a time
Read what is ON the page, not what you THINK is on there (maybe the hardest part of proofreading)
Try reading your CV aloud – this often helps spot errors
Proofread your CV in a quiet environment, away from any distractions
Spend as much time as possible proofreading your CV
Thembani C is a Recruitment Consultant with CVPeople Africa. They specialise in recruitment and related consultancy in Africa. Visit their website www.cvpeopleafrica.com
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