Articles - The Voice of Job Seekers

2 More Online Resources To Help Proofread Resumes

I have reviewed a number of resources to help proofread resumes or any job search document such as cover letters or email. Since typos, grammar, and spelling can decide your chances of nabbing an interview and positively branding yourself, these tools will bring you closer to perfection.

I have found 2 other resources both online that offers more choices to help you proofread any document, including your resume. Although I recommend finding someone who proofreads well, both of these could be used in conjunction with two keen and knowledgeable eyes:

PaperRater.com

Paper Rater is a FREE resource for proofreading various types of writing such as research, article drafts, and casual. It is unique because of how you can set up the proofreading guidelines according to grade level from 1st to post doctoral. It allows you to set a plagiarism setting to determine originality. There is a box for citations but overall does not say what standard such as APA or MLA styles are used.

I gave it a go with a couple of blog posts that I completed for future additions. I have checked the box for 10th grade just to see if there was a suggestion or a difference maker. The post was about 500 words long, no citations or links at the time, with and without checking the originality checker. Although the originality took longer, it was hardly noticeable.

Fortunately, I had very few errors, and in fact, picked up and highlighted the word “bodacious (shout out to Snuffy Smith).” Another interesting thing that may help some is how the grade level works for vocabulary. The checker states that my “vocabulary sophistication” was below my grade level (again this was the 10th grade measure), and that I should use more sophisticated words for clarity.

PaperRater is entirely free now and is entertaining adding a Premium service. This service could be improved by adding a résumé formatted checker that would embrace the unique Word formatting.

Previous Posts about editing and proofreading:

Five Resources to Help Correct Resume Grammar Errors

Three More Resources to Help Correct Resume Grammar Errors Part 2

3 More Resources to Help Proofread Your Resume

Intelligent Editing

Perfect It 2

PerfectIt 2 is allows you to test drive it for 30 days without giving your payment information. Like Grammarly (although not as expensive) charges for regular use ($49). Unlike Grammarly and many others, you can download the trial. I tested it on a client’s resume and was more detailed than I thought. As stated below, it will check the complete document first removing comments and Word corrections:

Then it will note changes in 23 different places. Then it will list the suggestions and asks you permission for the suggested changes.

Once the changes take place a report is produced of corrections PerfectIt made as seen below:

Overall, PerfectIt corrects in much detail. The cost of a year membership, I think its one of the great bargains you can find.

Are there suggestions that I didn’t think of. What are yours? Please comment below.

image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Book Review: A Student’s Guide to Surviving Facebook After College

Most job seekers that I have worked with do not consider reading books as part of his or her strategy to succeed to obtain a job. In fact, it is my opinion that most people are satisfied with muddling through rather than to strategically and methodically market themselves.

This is a book you should grab:

A Student’s Guide to Surviving Facebook After College by Joshua Waldman

You can skip this review if you do not own a Facebook page. But I encourage you to read it anyway because it applies to anyone with a social profile. Then again, if you do not have a Facebook page, upon finishing this book, you will obtain one.

The Joshua Waldman book offers tips on filling out a Facebook profile and encourages readers to participate in groups and pages that offer job tips, guidance, and networks. He makes a compelling case for using Facebook apps and making us aware of some I didn’t know that existed. Most people have heard of Branchout, but have you heard of “Hire My Friend” or “Career Friend?” No? Neither did I.

After reading this book you will reconsider your Facebook profile as a professional profile and hub and not a social playground. Many recent graduates and young professionals continue to lack judgment in posting messages and pictures (Waldman suggests Reppler, a Facebook app that acts as a “robot mommy for your social networks but I digress).

It is critical that the job search mission is easily derailed by careless postings whether by updates, postings, and pictures. I think even the pages that you “like” can have a negative impact on your profile. Waldman covers all things privacy and appropriateness expressing the importance of protecting image and perception from potential employers.

I encourage my readers to spend the $7.99 through Amazon, and subscribe to Careerenlightenment.com for the content Waldman (@joshusawaldman) provide readers.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Avoid Initiating the Age Issue at Job Interviews

A couple of weeks ago I received this question from a reader who is transitioning to a new career as a ‘mature’ jobseeker about job interviews.

“…my question for you is how do I answer the subtle and no so subtle questions of age from prospective employers? I’ve already got one the remark’ aren’t you a little mature for the position.”

Before I share my answer, I recommend that if you are a mature job seeker, that you never ever initiate the age talk during job interviews. It will come across as your issue or hang up, not theirs. Secondly, don’t assume that age is their issue with you. Even a clever way to bring age into the conversation may not diffuse uneasiness if the employer has an issue. Or uneasiness that you bought it up.

Here is my response to the reader. Again, this is an edited version of my response:

In regards to age, if you have opened the door on the age discussion during job interviews, then it would be a problem. If any part of your CV or resume indicates more than 15 years, the question will come up. Job seekers often feel that everything he or she has ever done has to go on the resume. The last 10 years with the most relevance should go on your resume.

The other place that could show your age is education. If you have the year you graduated from high school on your resume, I recommend removing it, in fact, since you have a college degree, your high school diploma is no longer relevant.

Now, regarding the age inquiry, employers look for ways to exclude candidates in subtle ways. My take on it comes from a client a couple of years ago who had gray hair, over fifty, yet had a robust personality. Her energy was so infectious interviewers dared not ask about age. My point is to consider how you come across. You should have a passion for your new degree, and you need to let that show at every opportunity.

Also, consider changing your energy level when you speak to employers over the phone, during interviews, and especially networking events and similar opportunities. It makes you appear younger without blackening the gray from your hair. Sound energetic, but not on steroids!

Let me ask you, do you get comments from your spouse, family, friends, or mentors that you come across “old?”

I too am mature, and at home, my wife comments that I still listen to “old music.” Yet when people meet me at professional events, workshops, meetings and the like, I talk about my profession with infectious zeal and fervor.

Many of my readers are young people and are the most interactive in-person. Energy makes all of the difference in the world, and your presence should exude what employers want in an employee.

Is there advice that you would like to add? Please share below.