Overcome Grammar Mistakes That Lower ATS Resume Scores Today

Grammar mistakes can be detrimental to your resume's success. They not only reflect poorly on your attention to detail but can also confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters. This article explores how these mistakes impact your chances of landing an interview.

Issue #1 – Subject-Verb Agreement

Why this hurts

Incorrect subject-verb agreement can confuse both ATS and recruiters, making your qualifications unclear.

Example

• Weak: The team are working on the project.
• Stronger: The team is working on the project.

How to fix

• Always ensure that the subject matches the verb in number and person.

Issue #2 – Misplaced Modifiers

Why this hurts

Misplaced modifiers can lead to misunderstandings about your skills and experiences.

Example

• Weak: I almost wrote the entire project in a week.
• Stronger: I wrote the entire project in a week.

How to fix

• Place modifiers close to the words they modify to avoid confusion.

Issue #3 – Incorrect Tense Usage

Why this hurts

Inconsistent verb tenses can make your career timeline unclear to ATS and recruiters.

Example

• Weak: I manage a team of five.
• Stronger: I managed a team of five.

How to fix

• Use past tense for previous jobs and present tense for current roles.

Issue #4 – Spelling Errors

Why this hurts

Spelling mistakes can lead ATS to overlook crucial keywords, affecting your resume’s visibility.

Example

• Weak: I am proficient in managment.
• Stronger: I am proficient in management.

How to fix

• Utilize spell check tools and proofread your resume multiple times.

Issue #5 – Inconsistent Formatting

Why this hurts

Inconsistent formatting can confuse ATS and disrupt the flow of information for recruiters.

Example

• Weak: Job Title, Company Name, Date
• Stronger: Job Title | Company Name | Date

How to fix

• Keep formatting consistent throughout your resume for clarity.

Issue #6 – Using Passive Voice

Why this hurts

Passive voice can make your achievements seem less impactful, affecting the overall effectiveness of your resume.

Example

• Weak: The project was completed by me.
• Stronger: I completed the project.

How to fix

• Use active voice to make your accomplishments more direct and powerful.

Issue #7 – Excessive Jargon

Why this hurts

Overuse of jargon can alienate recruiters and confuse ATS, which may not recognize specific terms.

Example

• Weak: Leveraged synergies to optimize workflows.
• Stronger: Improved efficiency by optimizing workflows.

How to fix

• Use clear language and explain any necessary jargon.

Issue #8 – Run-on Sentences

Why this hurts

Run-on sentences can overwhelm both ATS and recruiters, making key information difficult to digest.

Example

• Weak: I have experience in project management I have led several successful projects.
• Stronger: I have experience in project management. I have led several successful projects.

How to fix

• Break long sentences into shorter, clearer statements.

Entry

Entry-level candidates often make basic grammar mistakes, such as subject-verb agreement and spelling errors. These can significantly impact their perceived professionalism.

Mid

Mid-level professionals may struggle with tense consistency and excessive jargon, which can obscure their achievements.

Senior

Senior-level candidates should avoid complex sentence structures and ensure clarity to effectively convey their extensive experience.

• Proofread for common grammar mistakes.
• Use ATS-friendly language and formatting.
• Ensure consistency in tense and verb forms.
• Check for correct subject-verb agreement.
• Limit the use of jargon.

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