Tiny Typos Can Add Up To a Big X On Your Résumé

-- Find another pair of eyes. Get someone to proofread your résumé. Seriously, don't dismiss this simple tip that you probably know already. Do I have to repeat again how tough this job market is? Don't send out a single résumé or cover letter without having someone read it over for you.

-- Put the résumé down and come back to it later with your own fresh eyes. Take a break and review it when you're less harried.

-- Print a copy. Please don't skip this suggestion. It's so easy to overlook errors after staring at a computer monitor for a long time. My husband often uses a ruler and places it below each line he's reading.

-- Read your résumé aloud. I've read my share of these things, and sometimes I scratch my head wondering what in the world the candidate was trying to say.

-- Review your résumé from the bottom up. Starting from the back and moving forward will help avoid skipping over certain sections.

There's a Web site you should visit: http://www.resumania.com. The term "resumania" was coined by Robert Half, who founded the staffing company. The company has posted résumé and cover-letter errors its clients have found and solicits authentic examples from online visitors. Here are some blunders submitted to the site (some of the Web postings are blooper legends):

Education: "Studied public rations."