Can I Send My Resume Twice Due to Errors Made?
Have you ever found yourself in that ‘oh-no’ moment after hitting ‘send’ on your resume, only to spot a glaring mistake? Don’t worry; it’s not just you. I’ve been there, and many other people have experienced this as well - fretting over whether it’s okay to resend a corrected version. Let’s talk about how to handle this common predicament.
Why Accuracy Matters in Your Resume
First, let's understand why it's crucial to have an error-free resume. Your resume is often your first impression with a potential employer. It represents you, your professional capabilities, and your attention to detail. Errors, no matter how small, might make it seem like you don't care enough to check your work. This might lead to your resume being passed over, even if you're the perfect candidate for the job.
Realizing the Mistake
So, you've sent your resume and then spotted a mistake. It's a sinking feeling, but don't panic. You're human, and humans make mistakes. The good news is, there's usually a way to fix it.
Should You Send Your Resume Again?
The short answer is: it depends. If the error is minor, like a small typo, it’s not worth drawing attention to it by resending your resume. But, if the error is noticeable – say, a wrong phone number or a missing section – it's usually a good idea to correct it and resend.
How to Resend Your Resume
If you decide to resend your resume, here's how to do it gracefully:
Own Up to the Mistake: Be honest in your follow-up email about why you're resending the resume. A brief explanation in your email can go a long way. For example, "I realized that I accidentally omitted my latest work experience in my earlier resume and am resending the updated version.”
Stay Professional and Courteous: Don't let your embarrassment or frustration show in your email. Keep your tone professional and polite.
Double-Check Before Sending: Make sure that your resume is now perfect. It's a good idea to have someone else look over it as well.
Keep it Brief: Your email should be concise. You've already had your first introduction, so there's no need to repeat everything.
Send it to the Right Person: If you sent your first resume via an online application system, it might be challenging to resend it through the same channel. In such cases, try finding a contact email or use LinkedIn to reach out directly.
Related: 10 Things Recruiters Are Tired of Seeing on Resumes
Learning from the Experience
Mistakes are part of the learning process. This experience is a reminder to be more vigilant next time. Here are a few tips to avoid similar errors in the future:
Proofread Thoroughly: Always proofread your resume multiple times. Look out for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues.
Use Tools: There are many tools available that can help you catch errors. Grammar checkers and spell checkers are great, but they're not foolproof. Use them, but don't rely on them entirely.
Get a Second Opinion: Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes can catch what you missed. Ask a friend or family member to review your resume.
Customize Carefully: If you're customizing your resume for different jobs (which is a great practice!), be extra careful. It's easy to make mistakes when you're making several changes.
Take Your Time: Rushing often leads to mistakes. Give yourself enough time to prepare and review your resume before sending it out.
A Blessing in Disguise?
Here’s a thought – resending your resume might actually work in your favor. It’s a chance to show you're thorough and care about how you present yourself. Plus, your follow-up might get more attention than your first submission.
Mistakes happen, and it's okay. The key lies in how you handle them. By being honest, professional, and thorough, you turn a mistake into an opportunity to showcase your professionalism and commitment to quality.
