Proofreading

 

Effective Proofreading

Proofreading means examining your text carefully to find and correct typographical errors and mistakes in grammar, style, and spelling.

The Writing Center @ The University of Wisconsin - Madison

I cannot stress the importance of proofreading enough. Before you submit any document, make sure that you check for errors and correct them. It would do wonders to different matters, be it official or personal.

We often overlook important details, miscalculate findings, made wrong assumptions because we missed out some details or facts, and many other things. Does it surprise you that employers will look at your applications and submitting them without proofreading could have consequences?

I'll take one example from my own job application. When I applied for many kinds of jobs (yes, I've been there, done that. I worked since the day after I finished SPM), one of the main reasons that I got those jobs or called for interview was due to my application and resume that were proofread. If you ever tried applying for the Teach for Malaysia fellowship, you'll notice that they asked you to proofread your application. Well, I did have to write short essays in the online application and that taught me to be brief, succinct, and show evidence. Do Google for the STAR method.

Another example is from my university life. Reports, assignments, presentations and VIVA are part and parcel of university life. I'd be lying if I said I didn't learn or do anything. Those activities actually require you to double check, proofread your work before submission. It will be more presentable, easily digested if errors are kept at minimum since potential misinterpretation are kept at bay.

So reports, assignments, presentations and VIVA actually prepares you for your working life because there are deadlines to keep and you'll need all the confidence and discipline (from committing to deadlines, proofreading your work, etc.) to present and submit your work.

Once you've entered the working life, bosses no longer have the time to double check your work (that's your own job now - discipline) and you'll need to present your work. If you haven't checked your work before presenting it, it will be evident when you present.

On that note, that reminds me to write on presentations and how to do it correctly.

So I hope this article reminds you to proofread. If English isn't your strong point, maybe get someone to check for you. Besides, two heads are better than one. Two pairs of eyes might catch something you'd miss if done alone!