Eliminate Grammar Consistency Mistakes to Enhance Your Resume and CV

Grammar consistency mistakes can significantly undermine the effectiveness of your resume. These errors not only reflect poorly on your attention to detail but can also lead to rejections from both ATS and hiring managers. Ensuring consistent grammar enhances readability and professionalism, which are crucial in a competitive job market.

Issue #1 – Inconsistent Tenses

Why this hurts

Using multiple tenses can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of your resume. Recruiters expect a clear timeline of your experiences.

Example

• Weak: Managed a team and often lead projects.
• Stronger: Managed a team and often led projects.

How to fix

• Choose a primary tense (usually past for previous jobs) and stick with it throughout your resume.

Issue #2 – Subject-Verb Agreement

Why this hurts

Errors in subject-verb agreement can make your qualifications appear less credible. ATS may flag inconsistencies, impacting the parsing of your resume.

Example

• Weak: The team are working on a new strategy.
• Stronger: The team is working on a new strategy.

How to fix

• Double-check that your subjects and verbs match in number and person.

Issue #3 – Misuse of Apostrophes

Why this hurts

Incorrect apostrophe usage can suggest a lack of professionalism and care in your application materials.

Example

• Weak: The company’s success are due to hard work.
• Stronger: The company’s success is due to hard work.

How to fix

• Review the rules for apostrophes to ensure correct usage.

Issue #4 – Inconsistent Bullet Points

Why this hurts

Using different styles or formats for bullet points can create a visually jarring experience, leading to distractions for the reader.

Example

• Weak: - Achieved sales targets. - Increased customer satisfaction.
• Stronger: - Achieved sales targets. • Increased customer satisfaction.

How to fix

• Choose one bullet point style and consistently apply it throughout your resume.

Issue #5 – Inappropriate Capitalization

Why this hurts

Incorrect capitalization can signal a lack of attention to detail, which might make recruiters question your professionalism.

Example

• Weak: worked with the Marketing Team.
• Stronger: Worked with the marketing team.

How to fix

• Capitalize proper nouns only and follow standard grammar rules for titles.

Issue #6 – Improper Pronoun Usage

Why this hurts

Using pronouns incorrectly can lead to confusion about who is responsible for actions, affecting clarity and professionalism.

Example

• Weak: The manager gave their report.
• Stronger: The manager gave his or her report.

How to fix

• Ensure pronouns match the nouns they refer to in gender and number.

Issue #7 – Fragmented Sentences

Why this hurts

Sentence fragments can disrupt the narrative flow and make your qualifications harder to understand.

Example

• Weak: Experienced in project management. Successfully led teams.
• Stronger: Experienced in project management, having successfully led teams.

How to fix

• Combine fragments into complete sentences that convey clear ideas.

Issue #8 – Overuse of Jargon

Why this hurts

While some industry terms are essential, overuse can alienate readers and confuse ATS systems.

Example

• Weak: Leveraged synergies for vertical integration.
• Stronger: Utilized resources to improve business processes.

How to fix

• Limit jargon and explain terms where necessary to ensure clarity.

Entry

Entry-level resumes often suffer from basic grammar mistakes like inconsistent tenses and improper punctuation. Focusing on these areas can significantly improve clarity and professionalism.

Mid

Mid-level professionals may struggle with complex sentence structures and jargon. Simplifying language while maintaining detail can improve ATS readability.

Senior

Senior candidates should ensure that their resumes reflect strategic language and consistent grammar to convey leadership effectively. Mistakes in grammar at this level can be particularly damaging.

• Ensure consistent tense throughout your resume.
• Check subject-verb agreement carefully.
• Use bullet points consistently in style and format.
• Limit the use of jargon for clarity.
• Review capitalization rules thoroughly.

Don't let grammar consistency mistakes hinder your job search. A thorough review can highlight potential issues and provide solutions. Use Mistakes.cv for a detailed analysis that ensures your resume is polished and ATS-friendly.

Start with a free evaluation today for peace of mind before your next application!