How to avoid damaging resume typos

Q: I applied for a job recently and was not hired for the role. I was told that my resume was “filled” with typos. I found one or two but the resume certainly was NOT “filled” with typos. I used spell check but it didn’t catch all the mistakes. How can I avoid this in the future?

A: Typos are a red flag to any hiring professional. Job seekers should take a number of steps to avoid them. Here are some suggested steps:

1. Use spell check but don’t rely on spell check. Spell check will catch most, but not all typos. One word that is frequently used on a resume is manger, when it should be manager. Spell check doesn’t catch that because manger is a word.

2. Put the resume down and give it a fresh look at a later time. Sometimes we don’t catch our own mistakes because we have reviewed the document over and over and we are not as sharp as we were hours ago. Make sure that you give it a fresh look.

3. Print a copy. Sometimes we struggle with catching errors online.

4. Ask a trusted friend to review your resume. Someone who hasn’t reviewed it several times will often catch obvious mistakes that you may have missed.

5. Many proofreaders suggest reading the document out loud. Read slowly and read every single word.

6. Know what words are your hurdles. Many of us repeat the same mistake over and over. Double check those words a few times.

7. Save it! I have had candidates submit a rough draft with their edits included. Save the final version and make sure that final version is the one that is sent to the hiring professional.

Lastly, I recommend doubling the time you think you need to develop or edit a resume. You don’t want to be rushed!

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.