Does Grammar on Your Resume Really Matter?

Does the grammar you use on your resume really matter? After all, hiring managers are going to spend less than twenty seconds looking at it.

The short answer: yes!

Of the many reasons a recruiter will condemn a resume to the NO pile, grammar, word choice, and spelling are all at the top of the list.

Whether you’re an experienced author or writing your first resume, it’s easy to get tripped up by grammar mistakes. Here are some of the most common errors made on a resume to watch out for:

File Name

The name of your resume file matters. It’s the very first thing a recruiter or hiring manager sees when you send out your resume, so make sure the file name includes your name and the word “resume.” Always double check if there is a specified file format, such as .pdf or .doc and save accordingly. Missing this step shows you can’t read instructions or follow directions.

Inconsistent Tense

When referring to your current job position, use present tense – you’re still working in that position. When referring to previous positions you’re no longer in, use past tense. Be sure to stick with the correct tense throughout your entire resume; switching tenses randomly looks unprofessional and signals you didn’t proofread very carefully.

Possessives and Contractions

A common mistake is confusing words of possession with contractions of two other words. Confusing these two different kinds of words gives the impression you might not be qualified for the position. For example: “your” is possessive, signifying ownership. The word “you’re” is a contraction of the words “you” and “are” and implies action.

Homophones

Homophones are two words that have different spellings and meanings, but sound the same. These words will be overlooked by spellcheck, because spelling isn’t the problem. The problem is misusing the word, which will only be caught by an informed proofreader. Misusing words such as “two,” “too,” and “to” shows you lack attention to detail.

Pronouns

Save space and skip using first-person pronouns such as “I.” Your name should already be at the top of your resume, which tells the recruiter it’s about you. Avoid third-person pronouns such as “he/she” when referring to yourself as well. Instead, start sentences or bullet points with an action verb.

Abbreviations

Abbreviations aren’t universal, even when they’re career specific. They’re also informal, which isn’t something you want to portray in a formal resume. The exception to this is the use of industry jargon. Using industry jargon adds to your credibility and demonstrates industry-specific knowledge.

Complex Sentences

Recruiters aren’t going to take the time to decipher a long, complicated complex sentence. Instead, divide the points into separate sentences of their own and eliminate extra unnecessary details.

A good rule of thumb is to remember a recruiter will generally do a preliminary scan of your resume within eight to fifteen seconds of looking at it before deciding whether it goes in the YES, NO, or MAYBE pile.

Simple mistakes like grammar, word choice, or spelling errors will jump right off a page and ensure your resume goes straight into the NO pile; those mistakes not only show a lack of attention to detail, but also that you don’t take enough pride in your work to proofread for mistakes. Don’t miss out on a chance at landing your next job position due to an easily avoidable mistake.