Avoid Poor Readability: Key Writing Mistakes That Hurt Your Resume

Poor readability is a common pitfall that can significantly impact your chances of landing an interview. Resumes that are difficult to read can frustrate recruiters and confuse ATS systems, leading to missed opportunities.

In this article, we will explore how writing mistakes related to readability can cause rejections and provide actionable fixes to enhance your resume's clarity and effectiveness.

Issue #1 – Overly Complex Language

Why this hurts

Using complicated words or jargon can alienate readers. Recruiters and ATS prefer clear, straightforward language.

Example

• Weak: This position necessitates an individual with a multifaceted skill set.
• Stronger: This position requires someone with diverse skills.

How to fix

• Simplify your language to ensure clarity.
• Use common terms that are easily understood.

Issue #2 – Long, Complicated Sentences

Why this hurts

Long sentences can confuse readers and dilute your message. Recruiters may lose interest if they have to work hard to understand your points.

Example

• Weak: My responsibilities included managing multiple projects, coordinating with teams, and ensuring timely delivery of objectives.
• Stronger: I managed projects, coordinated with teams, and ensured timely delivery.

How to fix

• Break long sentences into shorter, more digestible ones.
• Focus on one idea per sentence.

Issue #3 – Poor Formatting

Why this hurts

Poor formatting can lead to confusion and make your resume visually unappealing. ATS may also misinterpret poorly formatted content.

Example

• Weak: Dates and experiences mixed together without clear separation.
• Stronger: Clear sections with bold headings for each job title and dates.

How to fix

• Use consistent formatting for headings and bullet points.
• Ensure ample white space to improve readability.

Issue #4 – Inconsistent Terminology

Why this hurts

Using different terms for the same concept can confuse readers. Consistency is key to maintaining clarity.

Example

• Weak: I’ve worked on projects, assignments, and tasks.
• Stronger: I’ve worked on various projects.

How to fix

• Choose a term and stick with it throughout your resume.
• Be clear and concise with your language.

Issue #5 – Lack of Bullet Points

Why this hurts

Dense paragraphs can overwhelm recruiters. Bullet points improve readability by breaking down information into manageable pieces.

Example

• Weak: Responsible for project deadlines, team coordination, and client communication.
• Stronger:
  • Managed project deadlines.
  • Coordinated team efforts.
  • Communicated with clients.

How to fix

• Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities.
• Limit bullet points to 3-5 per section for clarity.

Issue #6 – Unclear Job Titles

Why this hurts

Unclear or vague job titles can mislead readers about your actual role and responsibilities, making it harder for them to assess your fit.

Example

• Weak: Worked as a manager in a tech firm.
• Stronger: Project Manager at XYZ Tech Solutions.

How to fix

• Clearly state your job title and the company name.
• Include relevant dates for context.

Issue #7 – Grammatical Errors

Why this hurts

Grammatical mistakes can create a negative impression, suggesting a lack of attention to detail, which is critical in professional settings.

Example

• Weak: I manage teams and projects, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Stronger: I manage teams and projects, ensuring deadlines are met.

How to fix

• Proofread your resume multiple times.
• Consider using grammar-checking tools for additional validation.

Issue #8 – Ambiguous Achievements

Why this hurts

Vague achievements fail to showcase your true impact. Recruiters look for quantifiable results that demonstrate your capabilities.

Example

• Weak: Helped improve sales.
• Stronger: Increased sales by 20% within six months.

How to fix

• Quantify your achievements with specific metrics.
• Clearly state the impact of your contributions.

Entry

Entry-level candidates often struggle with clarity. Avoid vague descriptions and ensure concise points to improve readability.

Mid

Mid-level professionals should focus on quantifying achievements while maintaining a clean format to enhance readability.

Senior

Senior candidates need to showcase leadership and impact clearly. Use bullet points and strong action verbs for readability.

• Use simple language and avoid jargon.
• Break long sentences into shorter ones.
• Maintain consistent formatting throughout.
• Utilize bullet points for clarity.
• Proofread for grammar and clarity.
• Quantify achievements where possible.

Don’t let poor readability jeopardize your job applications. A clear, concise resume is your ticket to getting noticed.

Use Mistakes.cv to identify and fix hidden readability issues, ensuring your resume shines in both ATS and human eyes.