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Five Resources to Help Correct Resume Grammar Errors

It is critical to correct all résumé grammar errors. Résumés, cover letters, or any job-related need perpetual scrutiny to ensure an error-free document. The below resources can help anyone achieve perfection, or at least close to it.

Grammarly.com

Grammarly is an online grammar corrector that will identify more than 150 common errors if you purchase a paid subscription. Out of the many online grammar checkers, this checker will alert the writer to plagiarism issues. Grammarly offers detailed explanations of why corrections may need to be made, plus examples to compare. I had a chance to try the paid subscription version and found it to be worth the money (ok, I was privvy’d and received an exclusive deal to try it). It catches your usual “your and you’re,” “co-workers and coworkers,” and “it’s and its” errors. I did not expect it to offer extensive synonym suggestions, and catch small article errors. Grammarly sees bullet points as errors and is perfect for bloggers who won’t have to worry about Microsoft codes from Grammarly. I was also pleasantly surprised that it caught so many passive voice phrases. I consider it a superb tool for any writer, especially for writing a résumé.

Polishmywriting.com (After The Deadline)

After The Deadline is advantageous for shorter bits of writing, and not specifically for résumé writing. Although, it would be a strong complement to using any grammar and spell check, especially in catching passive voice errors. The limited correction suggestions are somewhat comparable to Word (Oh, the check puts accents on résumé. Just saying!).

The other issue in using this checker is the word suggestions for synonyms.

In this case, “identify” was underlined and ATD offered synonym replacements: find, name, and show. I suppose if you want additional simplicity in your writing it’s helpful, but for resumes may be a hindrance for keyword usage. I would still recommend it as a way to have a second pair of eyes you normally wouldn’t have.

The Elements of Résumé Style by Scott Bennett

Many résumé writers use this constantly, and I take it almost everywhere I go. I haven’t memorized all the latest trends or practices, and this book helps as a quick reference. It contains grammar usage rules, lists of action verbs, statements, position descriptions, and words and phrases to avoid.

This week, another résumé writer that I knew asked me an opinion on a résumé of the use of italics. I verified in Mr. Bennett’s book that italics is not a correct résumé practice unless you are citing a publication. Some résumé writers whine about how résumés are not true formal writing, as the rules suggests. The truth is that résumés lean towards, if not epitomize, formal writing rules. This book helps the writer hit the mark.

Strunk and White: The Elements of Style

This book is another travel companion I take anywhere that I work away from home. Most people who struggle with condensing sentences should skip right to the “Elementary Principles of Composition” chapter. This gives you the down and dirty in trimming the excess and unnecessary words. I’ll admit it is not an easy read, which is why studying it is futile.

This book can help concisely write highly technical passages. Although technical descriptions are lengthier than ordinary descriptions, the reader doesn’t need a book to read.

Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

I recommend this publication because it is an entertaining version of Strunk & White with a palatable presentation. You can download her podcast tips on iTunes (there are at least 100 tips currently loaded). If you have high and middle school age children, they can benefit from listening to the podcasts.

The last three publications are small books you can carry around and are less than $10 through Amazon. You can find them at the library if you don’t want to purchase them, although I recommend buying each of them.

Oh Yeah, about the giveaway

Congratulations to Marlene Garth in winning a copy of the The 11 Laws of Likability by Michelle Tillis Lederman. However, I HAVE ANOTHER COPY to giveaway. You can win a copy by simply doing one of three things.

You can read my review of the book, and either comment on the review link, Re-Tweet the review link and add @MarkADyson, or post the review link on Facebook and tag me at Facebook.com/Mark.A.Dyson.

I would like to announce a new winner on Thursday’s post, so good luck to all. It is a valuable book for job seekers in expanding one’s thinking about networking for business and jobs. Being “liked” is the center of all successful transactions and partnerships, and Michelle offers workable strategies to achieve “likability.”

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

The Dangers of Launching a Non-Competitive Job Search

In 2011, like today, competition for jobs –fierce! If you are not preparing for a competitive job search, then you plan to fail. If you don’t mind being ignored, maligned, or discarded then write, talk, and sound like everyone who wants the same job you do. Just keep using the same strategies, words, and font size on your résumé. Is this your plan to thrive, and arrive?

The Employment Doors Are Cracked Open, Not Wide Open

Employers are savvy in their approach to exclude low-hanging job seeker fruit. It’s not creative, but unqualified candidates are sifted like flour:

1. The unemployed are excluded from opportunities. If you read Catherine Rampell’s article July 26, 2011, outraged is what I felt:

A recent review of job vacancy postings on popular sites like Monster.com, CareerBuilder and Craigslist revealed hundreds that said employers would consider (or at least “strongly prefer”) only people currently employed or just recently laid off.

Rampell, C. (2011, July 26). New York Times.

2. Age and gender discrimination becoming hard to detect or prove.

However, employers are subject to sex and age discrimination laws, which are often implicated when someone is fired for being fat or unattractive. This is the argument being made in the lawsuit filed by the Resorts casino waitresses.

Rabiner, S. (2011, April 6). Findlaw.com

These instances are two of many concerns, depending on the individual’s willingness to compete. That means one must shed light on his or her best attributes to remain competitive.

The Fastest, Biggest, and Strongest is Not The Winner

It is easy to apply to a lot of jobs on Sunday morning in the job section. Well, it used to effective once upon a time because we believed job hunting was a numbers game. Times have changed.

No excuses are acceptable for incorrectly applying to jobs you qualify for or don’t fit. In either case, you’re disqualified. No reason for not researching company culture, or not addressing a cover letter to a person.

Are you the one who claimed to be Internet savvy on your resume? Mmmm…interesting.

Here is an excerpt from an article printed in The Dominion Post the demonstrates this point:

Thorndon Antiques and Collectables owner David Harcourt received 200 applications after advertising for a retail assistant in Wellington, but found that many of them were not really seeking the advertised job.

At least 30 applicants said they wanted to be a teacher or an artist.

“I suggest there are two possible ways for applicants to deal with this problem,” he said in an email to all 200 jobseekers. “One is to hide the fact that you don’t really want the job but are applying only because you have nothing better to do, or because you won’t get the unemployment benefit unless you make such applications.

“However, a far better course, in my view, would be not to apply at all.”

He thanked them all for applying but offered some further tips. He advised them to double-check spelling and grammar, avoid describing themselves as “bubbly” and include details on education.

“Many applicants said little or nothing about their schooling . . . I was rather dismayed at this, so here is some friendly advice from a complete stranger: if you have no or little education, go back to school now.”

One of the 200 applicants, Canadian Amanda Priebe, said she thought the response was outrageous, and she felt insulted at its “disrespectful, arrogant tone”.

Cowlishaw, S. (2011, July 5) Dominion Post

The Bottom Line: If You’re Not Conducting a Competitive Job Search, You Feel Entitled…sort of

I think that this writer wrapped up being competitive at least in interviews up very nicely:

How do you ace a job interview? Here are some tips.

Recognize that when you interview for a job, employers are looking for evidence of four things: your ability to do the job, your motivation, your compatibility with the rest of the organization, and your self-confidence. If you understand how all those things play into an interviewer’s questions (and an employer’s hiring decisions), you’ll have a better chance of getting hired.

Koonce, R. (1997). How to ace a job interview. Training & Development

There are too many other candidates with your qualifications, that possess “strong communications skills,” and has “an excellent track record.” How many of you display a professional Linked In profile? How many job seekers host a local 30-minute show on a college or National Public Radio spot in their city? Which one of you blogs or possess a website that displays knowledge and expertise?

I would say, very few.

You may think of others ways other than the suggestions above, and that’s OK. Just don’t forget that someone wants to finish if not ahead of you, but, instead of you.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Does That Job Promotion Belong to You

Editors note: Jewel Anderson is the CEO of Virtuous Careers, Inc. in Atlanta. Her company offers free resume and career counseling services. She is our guest blogger for today.

A promotion is one the best things that could happen to anyone’s career. I’m 25, non-college degree, and I make $60,000 a year. Staying in Buckhead, I was living my life. It wasn’t until I wanted career growth, that I realized, I would not be in the same place next year.

I remember as if it was yesterday. Working for Mattress Firm, I had grown a lot. I was a Market Recruiter, and top sales-writer. In March of last year, I applied for the Corporate Recruiting Position at the company. I prepared so well for this interview. I had a presentation and even did mock interviews with my District Manager. I was ready. So I thought.

For three weeks, I waited for the results. Would I move to Houston or stay in Atlanta? I was ready to take the next critical step in my career. I receive the phone call. With eager anticipation, I answered the phone, and the words hit me.

“Unfortunately, Jewel, we went with another candidate. Jewel, you did very well, but you had the least amount of professionalism and have bad communication skills.”

Never thought those words would change my life. Just like anybody, I was distraught, confused and disappointed. At this juncture of my life, I realized I wanted more than what the company I was working for could offer me.

Have you ever felt you wanted to grow, but didn’t know how? That’s where I was. The career became a job, and the passion I had was leaving me. It became hard for me to get up and go to work. So I began to do some searching. I turned to God.

I am a true believer that God will always tell you what to do. He guides you and when you have a relationship with him. You hear his voice as if you are in the room with your parents. He comforts you in despair and praises you in the good times. I began to fast. During my fast, I searched for Purpose. During my search, I learned there is a purpose in everything. I had been working Mattress Firm for 3 years. What was my purpose? Why was I there? I wanted to quit, especially since I didn’t get the position I wanted.

Sometimes we work a job for so long, it becomes a routine. In that routine, we forget to realize that we are still learning. In my routine, I had learned what it was like to have a mindset of a recruiter. I had seen resumes over and over again. I had interviewed numerous people. I had developed a passion for helping others become employed. I realized that there was the purpose for me at Mattress Firm. So I stayed.

In the marketplace as an employee, you feel unappreciated, or over looked. You may feel that you are wasting your time, and need to move on to a new position. Before you move or decide to leave ask yourself this questions.

Will I move out of my emotions or purpose? Whenever you are emotionally removed, the outcome is always distressing. You either move before your time, or move into something worse. When you move out of purpose, everything falls into place. A new job is in alignment. It could be a promotion or just a new environment. You are ready and prepared for your next position.

This blog is about character. Ask yourself, am I prepared to leave my current situation. Do I have everything I need to go to the next level? Was that truly my promotion?

The scripture reads in Psalm 75:6-7,

“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

Everything has a time and a season, and at this point in my life it wasn’t time.

Be encouraged!!!

Jewel Anderson’s company has placed over 50 jobseekers since Jan. 1, 2010, through resume writing, and career counseling. Founded by Jewel Anderson, VIRTUOUS Career Services is a consulting non-profit organization that provides discounted rates for Resume Evaluations, Resume Education, Interview Preparation, and Career and Vision Counseling.