On March 4th, we celebrated National Grammar Day, the foundation of good grammar, allowing us to speak well, write well, and encourage others to do the same. Founded by Martha Brockenbrough in 2008, National Grammar Day promotes awareness and understanding of proper grammar. Here are some practical ways from an executive recruiter perspective to improve your grammar skills this National Grammar Day.
Use Proper Grammar
Proper grammar in your resume shows you are detailed oriented and a professional candidate devoted to your work. Proper grammar communicates you took the time to list and describe your experience. A clear, concise resume grabs the recruiter’s attention and distinguishes you from other candidates. You can use tools like Grammarly, a browser extension, to proofread your documents for mistakes and ensure you keep a professional tone.
Proofread Your Emails
It is easy to type a quick email and send it without much thought. However, your messages should be respectful, professional, and thorough if you communicate with a recruiter or potential employer. If you use tools like Grammarly, turn on the feature for proofing emails. This tool will help to tweak your voice to fit your audience depending on if you want to sound professional, knowledgeable, friendly, or informative.
Read A Book
Reading a book may require a time investment but it is one of the best ways to expand your vocabulary and sharpen your grammar skills. And no, listening to an audiobook does not count as reading a book. You need to hone your grammar skills by using your brain to read the words. Here are some of our book recommendations to improve your grammar and stretch your brain:
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. & E.B. White
Everybody Writes by Anne Handley
Review Grammar Rules
If you have a nagging grammar rule that commonly stumps you, National Grammar Day is the perfect time to solidify it in your memory! Everyone struggles with at least one English grammar rule, whether it be the difference between “lay” and “lie” or the distinction between “there,” “their,” and “they’re.” Whatever your inhibition is, today is the perfect opportunity to nail down that rule. You can practice using it in a sentence, make a flashcard, or create a mnemonic to help you remember.
Proofread A Colleague’s Work
National Grammar Day isn’t just a day for improving your grammar. If a colleague or co-worker asks you to proofread their email, proposal, or resume, take a moment to review their work. Whether you are passionate about grammar or not, this holiday is the perfect opportunity to show care to your connections by pointing out their grammar mistakes.
