When submitting an international job application, grammar plays a crucial role in showcasing your When submitting an international job application, grammar plays a crucial role in showcasing your professionalism and attention to detail. Even minor grammatical errors can create a negative impression, reducing your chances of landing an interview. This checklist outlines seven critical grammar mistakes to avoid in resumes and cover letters, helping you present a polished and error-free application. For tips on choosing the right tone and language, check out our article on language tips for your job application.
1. Misusing Homophones
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings, such as “their,” “there,” and “they’re.” Misusing them can confuse your reader and make your writing appear careless.
Example of Incorrect Usage:
“Their going to review my resume.”
Corrected Version:
“They’re going to review my resume.”
Tip: Use tools like Grammarly to spot these subtle but critical errors.
2. Incorrect Verb Tenses
Inconsistent verb tenses can make your job application appear unprofessional and hard to follow. Your current role should use the present tense, while past roles should use the past tense.
Example of Inconsistent Tense:
“Manage a team of five and coordinated project timelines.”
Corrected Version:
“Manage a team of five and coordinate project timelines.”
Pro Tip: Check each job description in your resume for tense consistency to maintain a polished and professional tone.
3. Overusing Passive Voice
Passive voice often makes sentences less direct and engaging. While it’s acceptable in some contexts, overusing it can dilute the impact of your accomplishments.
Example of Passive Voice:
“Responsibilities were handled by me.”
Corrected Version:
“I handled responsibilities.”
Pro Tip: Use active voice to highlight your contributions effectively, making your achievements stand out.
4. Misplacing Apostrophes
Misusing apostrophes is a common grammar mistake, especially when dealing with contractions and possessive forms.
Example of Incorrect Usage:
“Its a great opportunity to grow.”
Corrected Version:
“It’s a great opportunity to grow.”
Tip: Remember, “it’s” means “it is,” while “its” is possessive.
5. Failing to Use Parallel Structure
Parallel structure ensures consistency in lists or series, making your writing easier to read and more professional.
Example of Incorrect Usage:
“Responsible for managing projects, client communication, and to oversee budgets.”
Corrected Version:
“Responsible for managing projects, communicating with clients, and overseeing budgets.”
Pro Tip: Review bullet points in your resume to ensure they use consistent grammatical forms.
6. Confusing Plural and Possessive Forms
Mixing up plurals and possessives can lead to unclear or incorrect statements, confusing recruiters.
Example of Incorrect Usage:
“The manager’s are responsible for the project.”
Corrected Version:
“The managers are responsible for the project.”
Tip: Apostrophes are used for possession, not to form plurals.
7. Omitting Articles or Prepositions
Non-native English speakers often skip articles (“a,” “an,” “the”) or prepositions, which can make sentences sound incomplete or unnatural.
Example of Incorrect Usage:
“I am applying position project manager.”
Corrected Version:
“I am applying for the position of project manager.”
Pro Tip: Reading sentences out loud can help you identify missing words that disrupt the flow of your writing.
Additional Tips for Error-Free Writing
- Proofread Carefully: Always double-check your resume and cover letter for grammatical and typographical errors.
- Use Grammar Tools: Online tools like Grammarly or Hemingway App can identify and correct common mistakes.
- Ask for Feedback: Have a trusted friend or mentor review your application before submission.
How Job Application Builder Can Help
Job Application Builder simplifies the process of creating a polished and professional international job application. Here’s how it supports you:
- Grammar Checks: Automatically identifies and corrects grammatical errors in your resumes and cover letters.
- Tone and Language Suggestions: Ensures your writing is professional and aligned with industry standards.
- Tailored Language Guidance: Provides insights on word choice and sentence structure to enhance clarity and impact.