1. Including successive sentences beginning with the same word
Number of errors per 100,000 résumés: 13,332
Make sure to vary your writing. Recruiters don't want to have to slog through a repetitive résumé.
2. Using the filler phrase 'in a ... manner'
Number of errors per 100,000 résumés: 6,543
It's best to just cut out filler phrases.
3. Leaving out possessive apostrophes
Number of errors per 100,000 résumés: 5,452
Don't forget to include the possessive apostrophe.
4. Forgetting to add commas after conjunctive or linking adverbs
Number of errors per 100,000 résumés: 5,257
One way you can sidestep this issue is to avoid using lots of clunky clauses on your résumé altogether.
5. Leaving in an agreement error between a numeral and a singular countable noun
Number of errors per 100,000 résumés: 4,465
Proofread your work to avoid this simple typo.
6. Messing up hyphens
Number of errors per 100,000 résumés: 3,413
Make sure you're not forgetting or misusing hyphens.
7. Using an indefinite article instead of a definite article before a superlative
Number of errors per 100,000 résumés: 2,675
Indefinite articles like "an" and "a" introduce unspecific nouns, whereas definite articles like "the" introduces a specific noun.
8. Word repetition
Number of errors per 100,000 résumés: 2,064
Run your résumé through spellcheck to see whether you've accidentally written out the same word twice in a row. Or better yet, give it a second read yourself.
9. Use of 'a' vs. 'an'
Number of errors per 100,000 résumés: 1,796
Remember, use "an" before words that start with vowels or a mute "h" and "a" before words that start with consonants.
10. Using words like 'admit,' 'appreciate,' 'avoid,' and 'enjoy' with a base form of a verb (instead of the gerund form of a verb)
Number of errors per 100,000 résumés:1,470
Saying that you are "accustomed to write" is incorrect. The correct version of this sample sentence is "accustomed to writing." Adding "ing" allows the verb to function as a noun.
11. Nouns, pronouns, and verbs don't agree
Number of errors per 100,000 résumés: 1,273
The subject and verb in a sentence must agree — either they should both be singular or they should both be plural.
