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Resume proofreading checklist

Proofreading a resume is not just spell-checking. It is the final quality-control pass that catches trust-breaking mistakes before you apply.

Resume proofreading checklist

  1. Language: check spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and tense consistency.
  2. Structure: verify standard section titles, consistent date format, and parallel bullet structure.
  3. Content: remove duplicated claims and vague filler, and keep strongest evidence early.
  4. Final file: validate PDF export, line breaks, spacing stability, and links.

What to fix first

  • 1. Factual errors
  • 2. Inconsistent dates and titles
  • 3. Grammar and punctuation
  • 4. Duplicated or weak lines
  • 5. Spacing and export issues

Final-pass example

Before-and-after rewrite

Weak version

Weak final pass: "Fix one typo and send."

Better version

Better final pass: "Check dates, punctuation, bullet consistency, heading style, PDF export, and whether page one still leads with the strongest proof."

Why it works: The stronger version is clearer, more specific, and easier to trust.

Common mistakes

  • Proofreading only in the editor, not the exported PDF.
  • Missing tense inconsistencies across roles.
  • Leaving one odd date format in the middle of the page.
  • Checking spelling but not trust signals.

What proofreading should achieve

  • By the end of proofreading, nothing should distract from the content. The document should feel clean, deliberate, and reliable.

What to do after finishing this guide

Use this sequence to keep momentum and turn improvements into a ready-to-send resume.