Understanding Resume Grammar Mistakes

Grammar mistakes in your resume can have a significant impact on your job application success. Recruiters often view these errors as a lack of attention to detail, which can lead to immediate rejection. Moreover, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may misinterpret poorly structured sentences, causing your resume to be filtered out before it even reaches human eyes.

It's essential to identify and rectify these errors to present yourself as a competent and professional candidate. In this article, we'll explore common grammar mistakes and provide actionable tips to help you polish your resume.

How Grammar Mistakes Affect Recruiter and ATS Evaluations

Recruiters often skim resumes quickly, and a single grammar mistake can lead them to question your qualifications. They may perceive you as careless or unprofessional, which diminishes your chances of landing an interview.

ATS, on the other hand, relies on specific formatting and clear language to parse your resume effectively. If your grammar is inconsistent or incorrect, it could confuse the system, leading to a lower score or outright rejection. Understanding how these systems work can help you tailor your resume accordingly.

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Common Resume Grammar Mistakes

Issue #1 – Subject-Verb Agreement

Why this hurts

Incorrect subject-verb agreement suggests a lack of attention to detail. Recruiters may question your communication skills.

Example

  • Weak: The list of projects were extensive.
  • Stronger: The list of projects was extensive.

How to fix

  • Ensure that the subject and verb in each sentence agree in number.

Issue #2 – Misplaced Modifiers

Why this hurts

Misplaced modifiers can confuse the reader, making your achievements unclear, which can diminish your impact.

Example

  • Weak: I managed a team of 10 successfully in the project.
  • Stronger: I successfully managed a team of 10 in the project.

How to fix

  • Place modifiers next to the word they modify to clarify your statements.

Issue #3 – Inconsistent Tense

Why this hurts

Using inconsistent tenses can confuse the reader regarding your timeline of experiences.

Example

  • Weak: I manage projects and led teams.
  • Stronger: I manage projects and lead teams.

How to fix

  • Stick to one tense for past roles and another for current roles.

Issue #4 – Overuse of Jargon

Why this hurts

Excessive jargon can alienate recruiters who may not be familiar with specific terms, leading to misunderstandings.

Example

  • Weak: I leveraged synergies to optimize deliverables.
  • Stronger: I collaborated with teams to improve project outcomes.

How to fix

  • Use clear, straightforward language that conveys your skills effectively.

Issue #5 – Incorrect Use of Apostrophes

Why this hurts

Apostrophe errors can make your resume look unprofessional, suggesting a lack of basic writing skills.

Example

  • Weak: The company’s profits increased.
  • Stronger: The company profits increased.

How to fix

  • Review the rules of apostrophe use, especially for possessives and contractions.

Issue #6 – Run-On Sentences

Why this hurts

Run-on sentences can dilute your message, making it harder for recruiters to grasp your qualifications.

Example

  • Weak: I managed projects I led my team to success.
  • Stronger: I managed projects and led my team to success.

How to fix

  • Break complex ideas into shorter, clearer sentences.

Issue #7 – Fragmented Sentences

Why this hurts

Fragments can lead to confusion, making your achievements seem incomplete or unclear.

Example

  • Weak: Successfully led the team.
  • Stronger: I successfully led the team.

How to fix

  • Ensure each sentence has a subject and a verb to convey a complete thought.

Issue #8 – Mixing Formal and Informal Tone

Why this hurts

A mixed tone can create inconsistency, leading recruiters to perceive you as unprofessional.

Example

  • Weak: I think I can help the team.
  • Stronger: I am confident in my ability to help the team.

How to fix

  • Maintain a professional tone throughout your resume.
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Resume Grammar Mistakes That ATS Can Misinterpret

ATS systems are programmed to look for clarity and consistency in resumes. Grammar mistakes can lead to incorrect parsing, affecting how your qualifications are presented. For instance, if your verbs are not in the correct tense or if you use excessive jargon, the ATS might struggle to understand your qualifications, leading to lower ranking in search results.

To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, focus on clear, concise language and correct grammar. Mistakes.cv can help you identify potential issues that you may overlook, ensuring your resume meets ATS standards.

Resume Grammar Mistakes by Experience Level

Entry

Entry-level candidates often overlook basic grammar rules, which can hurt their chances. Focus on clarity and simplicity.

Mid

Mid-level candidates should emphasize consistent tense and clear achievements to convey progression.

Senior

Senior candidates must avoid jargon and ensure their leadership skills are communicated clearly to attract recruiters.

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Quick Checklist for Grammar in Your Resume

  • Check for subject-verb agreement.
  • Avoid run-on and fragment sentences.
  • Use clear and concise language.
  • Maintain a professional tone throughout.
  • Proofread for punctuation errors.

FAQs About Resume Grammar Mistakes

Why are grammar mistakes so damaging on a resume?

Grammar mistakes can undermine your professionalism and attention to detail, leading recruiters to doubt your qualifications.

How can I ensure my resume is ATS-friendly?

Use clear language, avoid complex sentence structures, and check for grammar errors to ensure ATS can parse your resume correctly.

What common grammar mistakes should I look for?

Focus on subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and correct punctuation usage to avoid common pitfalls.

Can professional services help with grammar issues?

Yes, services like Mistakes.cv can provide a second opinion and help you identify hidden grammar mistakes.

How often should I review my resume for grammar?

Regularly review your resume, especially before applying for new opportunities, to catch any new mistakes.

Take the Next Step for a Flawless Resume

Don't let grammar errors hold you back from your dream job. A polished resume can make all the difference in a competitive job market.

Consider using Mistakes.cv for a thorough review to identify hidden mistakes and ensure your resume aligns with ATS standards.

Understand why grammar matters for your job success.

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