LaunchPad - INW

Spokane Regional Networking, Social Media, Professional and Business Development

Proofreading Exchange for Job Seekers/Writers/Etc

Hey LPINW Crew,

I had this thought today and I figured that I would throw it out to the group and see what resonates.

When it comes to resumes and cover letters, most of us struggle in two ways:

1. Reflecting and writing about yourself in a professional, poignant manner.

2. Rereading your work and finding the errors your brain has already created.

As a rule of thumb, it's never the optimal solution to be proofreading your own work, and I have all too often made simple grammatical or punctuation errors, missed them after proofreading my work 5 times, and then have it pointed out to me later (now, go ahead, proceed to start finding the errors in this post).

The point is, I understand many of the people on LPINW are actively seeking new work, and writing and turning in resumes and cover letters without having someone read over it first. I have my wife read over most of my important documents to save me from myself, but know everyone doesn't have that support (or patient of a spouse).

What I'm proposing is that if people were interested, we could create some sort of proofreading group, member list, or agreed process to reach out (just ask in the group chat box).

I know that I would be happy to give some time to others to help them make a best first impression, and could once in a while, use it myself.

Open for discussion.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jeff Schindler: Photographer on December 7, 2011 at 4:03pm

Hello Ryan,

What a great thought. I know I could benefit.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Arnold on December 7, 2011 at 4:19pm

Thanks Jeff. Always feel free to hit me up if you need a second pair of eyes.

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Permalink Reply by Kerri McIntosh on December 13, 2011 at 10:22pm

Sounds great! As someone who began college as an English major, I am all in favor of the written word being examined by others, even my own work. Sometimes I like a phrase and inadvertently use it a couple more times before I am done. Bad girl! So this would be a fantastic thing to do.

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Permalink Reply by Doug Nadvornick on December 14, 2011 at 10:04am

Ryan,

I'm happy to serve as a sounding board/extra set of eyes as well. I've been an editor and writer throughout my professional career. I know the advantages of having another person whom you trust who will look at your work and offer constructive criticism. You can reach me at doug.nadvornick@wsu.edu.That goes not just for Ryan, but for other Launchpad members who need an edit.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Arnold on December 14, 2011 at 4:58pm

Kerri, Doug, Jeff-

Great! I'm glad to hear others would be into the idea. It sounds like everyone who responses is open to the idea of exchanging, so I'd say let's let this thread be our database for people willing to participate and feel free to reach out to anyone else unless otherwise mentioned. If there is a larger response in the next few days, I can always start a group for us to join up for others who might miss this thread but want in later.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Nemes on December 19, 2011 at 1:51pm

Great idea Ryan!

Add me to your "database" of proof-readers too! I've found when I help others proof their projects, I end up being challenged or learn something new. Not to mention, I do it automatically in everything I read. It always amazes me to find errors in published writings! (not forums/boards so much) Thinking, don't they have anyone proof it before publishing and selling it?! Love to proof and you can never go wrong having someone else preview the message you are conveying, even if it's error-free.

As I finished the NxLevel course others wanted someone to look over their business plan. I heard the comment, "I haven't been able to look yours over yet, but I will get to it!" My thought was, understandably, they want a person who can address any missing elements or give deeper insight into the plausibility of their concepts and ideas and that is not necessarily me. However, I kept quiet. But wouldn't it be beneficial to have another business person with proofing/grammar skills, familiar with your project (i.e. business plan) take a look too? It's possible I could catch some errors or ask clarifying questions in areas that could be reworded, before the busier mentor even started.