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Your computer's spell-check function can be "grate." But as you can see from this example, it doesn't always catch words that are spelled correctly but used incorrectly. Therefore, it's critical that, after running spell check, you closely proofread your job-application materials for easy-to-overlook — but potentially troublesome — errors. Trust me, it's "vary" important and will "bee" well worth your "thyme."

"CURRENT JOB: Paralegal at a personnel injury firm."

We hope that they offer good health insurance.

I assume this next candidate meant to use the word "references":

COVER LETTER: "I have several professional and personal referees."

Do you carry a camera for slow-motion replay?

The following applicants took it upon themselves to simply make up words:

COVER LETTER: "I was implemental in expanding the business."

Were you also instrumental in expanding the business?

COVER LETTER: "I'm currently gamefully employed."

Maybe he's a professional athlete — or a gambler.

"JOB DUTIES: I cook breakfast, lunch and dinner and make expressos."

Is that coffee served "extra" fast?

Speaking of inventing words, I'm finding that more and more applicants have gotten into the bad habit of "verbing": the art of adding "ing" to the end of a noun or adjective. The trend is also known as "verbification," and some examples I've seen recently include "experting" and "computering." While powerful action verbs can add flavor, stick with the ones in a dictionary.

"SKILLS: Keyboarding."

Sounds like a winter sport.

Here are some "interesting" errors:

COVER LETTER: "My written communications are always concise and clearing."

Yes, but you could have been even more clear.

"EDUCATION: I'm pursing a bachelor's degree in business administration."

What a difference a "u" would have made.

Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm, and author of Human Resources Kit For Dummies, 2nd Edition.