Your resume is more than just a list of jobs it’s your personal sales pitch. In many cases, it’s the first (and sometimes only) impression you get to make on an employer. But here’s the catch: even if you’re the most qualified candidate, grammar and formatting mistakes can instantly turn a strong application into a forgettable one.
Think of it this way: would you trust a company brochure filled with typos or sloppy design? Probably not. The same logic applies to your resume. Let’s look at the most common grammar and formatting mistakes people make and how you can avoid them with a few simple fixes.
1. Typos and Spelling Errors
This is the most obvious one, yet it happens all the time. A single typo can make you look careless.
Why it matters: Hiring managers often review hundreds of resumes. Typos give them an easy reason to move yours into the “no” pile.
Fix it:
- Run your resume through spell-check, but don’t rely on it completely.
- Print it out and review it carefully mistakes pop out more on paper.
- Ask a friend to proofread. A second set of eyes always helps.
Pro tip: Don’t just look for misspelled words; check for misplaced commas, missing periods, and inconsistent capitalization.
2. Mixing Past and Present Tense Incorrectly
It’s easy to slip into writing some job descriptions in past tense and others in present tense even within the same role.
Why it matters: Inconsistent verb tenses make your resume look rushed or poorly thought out.
Fix it:
- Use present tense for your current role (e.g., “Manage a team of five”).
- Use past tense for previous jobs (e.g., “Managed a team of five”).
- Keep it consistent throughout.
3. Overusing Personal Pronouns
Your resume should focus on what you’ve done not on “I” and “me.”
Why it matters: Recruiters already know you’re talking about yourself. Too many “I” statements make your resume harder to scan and feel less professional.
Fix it:
- Instead of “I created a new filing system,” write “Created a new filing system that reduced paperwork by 30%.”
- Start bullet points with strong action verbs (e.g., “Developed,” “Organized,” “Increased”).
4. Awkward or Wordy Sentences
Sometimes, in an attempt to sound “professional,” people write long, complicated sentences that say very little.
Why it matters: Hiring managers spend seconds scanning your resume. Long sentences hide your achievements instead of highlighting them.
Fix it:
- Keep sentences short and direct.
- Focus on results, not filler.
- Example: Instead of “Responsible for the implementation of strategies that led to significant growth,” say “Implemented new strategies that increased revenue by 15%.”
5. Inconsistent Formatting
Formatting might sound small, but it makes a big difference. Things like switching fonts halfway through, uneven spacing, or misaligned bullet points instantly look unprofessional.
Why it matters: Employers may not consciously notice good formatting, but they’ll definitely notice bad formatting.
Fix it:
- Stick to one clean, professional font (Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman).
- Use the same font size for body text and slightly larger for section headings.
- Align everything properly and keep bullet points consistent.
Remember, your resume should be easy to skim, not a puzzle to figure out.
6. Overusing Capital Letters
Some candidates capitalize random words like “Managed Projects for Company” or “Worked With Clients.”
Why it matters: Random capitalization makes your resume look sloppy and hard to read.
Fix it:
- Only capitalize proper nouns (company names, job titles, software names).
- Keep everything else in standard case.
7. Poor Use of Bullet Points
Bullet points are meant to make your achievements stand out but too many or too few can ruin that effect.
Why it matters: Long paragraphs overwhelm hiring managers, while one-word bullet points look lazy.
Fix it:
- Use 3–6 bullet points per role.
- Start each with an action verb.
- Keep them roughly the same length for balance.
Example:
- Increased online sales by 25% through targeted marketing campaigns.
- Managed a $200K annual budget with zero overspending.
- Trained and mentored five junior employees.
8. Ignoring White Space
Some candidates cram too much text onto one page, leaving no breathing room. Others space things out so much that their resume feels empty.
Why it matters: White space makes your resume easier to read. Without it, employers might not even try.
Fix it:
- Use margins of about 1 inch.
- Leave space between sections.
- Avoid giant blocks of text.
9. Forgetting Consistency in Dates and Job Titles
One role might list dates as Jan 2020 – Feb 2022, while another says 2020–2022. Or job titles may look different from line to line.
Why it matters: Inconsistency can confuse recruiters and make your resume look messy.
Fix it:
- Pick one format for dates and stick with it.
- Double-check that job titles are written consistently.
Final Thoughts
Your resume is your chance to show not only your skills but also your professionalism. Grammar and formatting mistakes may seem small, but they send a big message: that you don’t pay attention to detail.
The good news? These are all easy fixes. With a little extra time and care, you can make your resume stand out for the right reasons.
Think of it this way if your resume looks sharp, polished, and error-free, you’re already ahead of many candidates who didn’t take the same care.
