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Always check your resume for errors

By MAX MESSMER

Scripps Howard News Service

I came across the resume of a recent college graduate who got off on the wrong foot by listing the key "education cources" he had completed. While misspellings and grammatical errors can dim anyone's chances of securing a job interview, these mistakes are particularly damaging to professionals applying for their first job in the so-called real world.

The less experience you have, the less hiring managers have to assess your ability to succeed with the firm. That means they will take an especially close look at your application materials for clues about your professionalism, attention to detail and ability to communicate. Before submitting your resume and cover letter, ask a trusted friend or professor to review your documents. These recent grads didn't:

"EDUCATION: Studied public rations."

Must be a new major.

"OBJECTIVE: To get an opportunity to proof what I know."

Step one: Proof your resume.

"JOB DUTIES: Faxed documents to attorneys over sees."

We see a problem.

Here are some more amusing mistakes from the Resumania archives:

"WORK HISTORY: I have many tears' experience in sales."

But you stayed with it, and that's what counts.

"SKILLS: I am able to wok well with computers."

Do you bring your own soy sauce?

COVER LETTER: "I am often described as out going."

So you want to be incoming?

COVER LETTER: "I feel my rigorous education and subsequent internship have prepared me for any obstical I might encounter."

Except for the challenge of finding misspelled words.

RESUME: "I'm willing to travel threw out the states if necessary."

We'll throw you a line if we have any openings.

Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm, and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies.