Avoid Passive Voice Mistakes in Your Resume to Enhance ATS Preference

Passive voice often creeps into resumes, making them less impactful and harder for ATS to read. Recruiters prefer clear, direct language that showcases achievements. If your resume relies heavily on passive constructions, it may hinder your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.

Issue #1 – Lack of Responsibility

Why this hurts

Using passive voice can downplay your role in achievements, making you seem less proactive.

Example

• Weak: "Sales were increased by 20% in Q1."
• Stronger: "Increased sales by 20% in Q1."

How to fix

• Revise sentences to showcase your direct actions.

Issue #2 – Ambiguity in Achievements

Why this hurts

Passive constructions can lead to vague descriptions that confuse ATS and recruiters.

Example

• Weak: "Projects were managed successfully."
• Stronger: "Successfully managed projects to completion."

How to fix

• Be specific about your contributions and outcomes.

Issue #3 – Missed Action Verbs

Why this hurts

Passive voice often omits strong action verbs that highlight your capabilities.

Example

• Weak: "The team was led to victory."
• Stronger: "Led the team to victory."

How to fix

• Use active verbs to convey leadership and initiative.

Issue #4 – Weak Impact on Results

Why this hurts

Passive voice can make results sound less impressive and noteworthy.

Example

• Weak: "Revenue was generated through the campaign."
• Stronger: "Generated $50,000 in revenue through the campaign."

How to fix

• Quantify your results and make them stand out.

Issue #5 – Confusing Sentence Structure

Why this hurts

Passive constructions can complicate sentence meaning, confusing ATS and readers alike.

Example

• Weak: "The report was completed by me ahead of schedule."
• Stronger: "Completed the report ahead of schedule."

How to fix

• Simplify your sentences by eliminating unnecessary words.

Issue #6 – Overuse of Passive Constructions

Why this hurts

Relying too much on passive voice can dilute the strength of your statements.

Example

• Weak: "Tasks were delegated to the team."
• Stronger: "Delegated tasks to the team."

How to fix

• Mix active and passive voice sparingly to maintain clarity.

Issue #7 – Failing to Highlight Skills

Why this hurts

Passive voice can obscure specific skills that are critical to your application.

Example

• Weak: "Training was provided to new employees."
• Stronger: "Provided training to new employees."

How to fix

• Clearly present your skills and the actions you took to utilize them.

Issue #8 – Neglecting the Reader's Perspective

Why this hurts

Passive voice can make your resume less engaging and harder to follow for the reader.

Example

• Weak: "Feedback was received from peers."
• Stronger: "Received feedback from peers to enhance project outcomes."

How to fix

• Write from the reader's perspective to maintain interest.

Entry

Entry-level candidates often use passive voice due to a lack of confidence. Phrases like "Was involved in" should be replaced with stronger action verbs such as "Contributed to."

Mid

Mid-career professionals may unintentionally dilute their achievements. Changing from "Was recognized for" to "Received recognition for" can make a significant difference.

Senior

Senior applicants should emphasize leadership and impact. Instead of saying "Initiatives were led by me," they should state, "Led initiatives that improved efficiency by 30%." This clarity showcases their direct influence.

• Use active voice to describe achievements.
• Highlight your direct contributions clearly.
• Quantify results wherever possible.
• Review sentences for clarity and directness.
• Seek a second opinion on your resume with Mistakes.cv.

Don't let passive voice mistakes undermine your resume's effectiveness. Ensure your achievements shine through with clear, active language.

Consider a detailed review with Mistakes.cv to identify and correct any passive voice issues, enhancing your chances of landing that interview.