35 Resume Word-Choice Mistakes Even Qualified Candidates Make

Picture this: You’re the perfect candidate for your dream job. Your experience is spot-on, your skills are a perfect match, and your achievements are impressive.

You craft what you believe to be a flawless resume and cover letter, hit send, and wait for the interview requests to roll in. But they don’t. Why?

Because hidden in your application are linguistic landmines that could be sabotaging your chances.

Even the most brilliant minds can fall victim to these common resume mistakes.  A misplaced word here, a confused phrase there, and suddenly your stellar qualifications are overshadowed by avoidable errors.

But fear not! We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the 35 most frequent linguistic faux pas that plague job applications. By mastering these, you’ll ensure your resume and cover letter showcase your true potential, not your proofreading prowess (or lack thereof).

Incorrect: “Detail-orientated professional with strong organizational skills.”

Correct: “Detail-oriented professional with strong organizational skills.”

Explanation: “Detail-oriented” is the correct term. There’s no such word as “detail-orientated.” If you claim to pay attention to details, make sure you’re using the right term! This mistake is particularly ironic given the meaning of the phrase.

Incorrect: “Responsible of managing a team of 10 employees.”

Correct: “Responsible for managing a team of 10 employees.”

Explanation: “Responsible for” is the correct phrase. “Responsible of” is a common error that can make you look careless. When describing your duties, always use “responsible for” followed by a verb in the -ing form or a noun phrase.

Incorrect: “Lead a team of 10 sales representatives in 2022.”

Correct: “Led a team of 10 sales representatives in 2022.”

Explanation: “Lead” (pronounced “leed”) is present tense, while “led” is past tense. On a resume, you typically describe past achievements, so “led” is usually the appropriate choice. Be careful with this one, as the written form of the present tense “lead” is identical to the metal “lead” (pronounced “led”), which can cause confusion.

Incorrect: “Effected positive change in department efficiency.”

Correct: “Affected positive change in department efficiency.”

Explanation: Generally, “effect” is a noun meaning “result,” while “affect” is a verb meaning “to influence.” In this context, you’re describing how you influenced or brought about change, so “affected” is correct. However, “effect” can be used as a verb meaning “to bring about,” but this usage is less common and often sounds stilted on a resume.

Incorrect: “Coached team members to improve there skills.”

Correct: “Coached team members to improve their skills.”

Explanation: These words are not interchangeable. “Their” shows possession, “there” indicates a place, and “they’re” is a contraction of “they are.” In this case, we’re talking about skills belonging to the team members, so “their” is correct.

Incorrect: “Acted as a principle negotiator for high-value contracts.”

Correct: “Acted as a principal negotiator for high-value contracts.”

Explanation: “Principal” refers to someone or something of high authority or importance, while “principle” refers to a fundamental truth or belief. In this context, you’re describing a role of primary importance, so “principal” is correct.

Incorrect: “Managed a team with complimentary skill sets.”

Correct: “Managed a team with complementary skill sets.”

Explanation: “Complement” means to enhance or complete, whereas “compliment” means to praise. When describing how team members’ skills work well together, use “complement.”

Incorrect: “Insured compliance with industry regulations.”

Correct: “Ensured compliance with industry regulations.”

Explanation: “Ensure” means to make certain, while “insure” specifically refers to providing or obtaining insurance. Unless you’re working in the insurance industry, you probably mean “ensure” on your resume.

Incorrect: “Quickly adopted to new market conditions.”

Correct: “Quickly adapted to new market conditions.”

Explanation: “Adapt” means to adjust to new conditions, while “adopt” means to take something up or start to use it. When describing how you handled change, “adapt” is usually the right choice.

Incorrect: “Experienced with marketing strategy development.”

Correct: “Experienced in marketing strategy development.”

Explanation: Both are correct, but they’re used in slightly different contexts. “Experienced in” is typically used with broad fields or industries, while “experienced with” is often used for specific tools or techniques. Choose the one that best fits your context.

Incorrect: “Demonstrated a proven track-record of success.”

Correct: “Demonstrated a proven track record of success.”

Explanation: No hyphen is needed here. It should be written as “proven track record.” This phrase is commonly used on resumes, so it’s important to get it right. (NOTE: This phrase is a cliché best avoided in your resume unless you can illustrate it with results—ideally quantified results.)

Incorrect: “Served as a liason between marketing and sales departments.”

Correct: “Served as a liaison between marketing and sales departments.”

Explanation: “Liaison” is correct. “Liason” is a common misspelling that could cost you credibility. Remember, a liaison is someone who facilitates communication between people or groups.

Incorrect: “Implemented forward thinking strategies to boost productivity.”

Correct: “Implemented forward-thinking strategies to boost productivity.”

Explanation: Both versions are acceptable, but the hyphenated version “forward-thinking” is generally preferred when used as an adjective before a noun. Consistency is key, so choose one and stick with it throughout your resume.

Incorrect: “Demonstrated strong entre-personal skills.”

Correct: “Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills.”

Explanation: “Entre” is French for “between.” In English, we use “inter” as a prefix meaning “between” or “among,” as in “interpersonal skills.” This mistake might come from confusing the pronunciation of “inter” with the French “entre.”

Incorrect: “Acted as a principle negotiator for high-value contracts.”

Correct: “Acted as a principal negotiator for high-value contracts.”

Explanation: “Principal” refers to someone or something of high authority or importance, while “principle” refers to a fundamental truth or belief. In this context, you’re describing a role of primary importance, so “principal” is correct.

Incorrect: “Ensured all projects complied to industry standards.”

Correct: “Ensured all projects complied with industry standards.”

Explanation: The correct phrase is “comply with.” You comply with rules, not to them. This is a common preposition error that can make your writing seem less professional.

Incorrect: “Achieved continuous improvement in customer satisfaction scores.”

Correct: “Achieved continual improvement in customer satisfaction scores.”

Explanation: While both words relate to things that happen frequently, they have slightly different meanings. “Continual” refers to something that happens repeatedly with interruptions, whereas “continuous” means without interruption. In most business contexts, improvements happen regularly but not without pause, so “continual” is often more accurate.

Incorrect: “Provided expert advise to senior management.”

Correct: “Provided expert advice to senior management.”

Explanation: “Advice” is a noun referring to guidance or recommendations, while “advise” is a verb meaning to offer advice. On a resume, you’re typically describing the counsel you provided, so the noun “advice” is correct.

Incorrect: “Designed surveys to illicit customer feedback.”

Correct: “Designed surveys to elicit customer feedback.”

Explanation: “Elicit” means to draw out or evoke, while “illicit” means illegal or forbidden. Unless you’re describing undercover work, you probably mean “elicit” on your resume!

Incorrect: “Managed a team of less than 10 employees.”

Correct: “Managed a team of fewer than 10 employees.”

Explanation: Use “fewer” for countable items and “less” for uncountable items. Since employees can be counted, “fewer” is the correct choice. A good rule of thumb: if you can count it, use “fewer”; if you can’t, use “less.” For example, you would say “less experience” but “fewer years of experience.”

Incorrect: “Seeking opportunities to farther my career.”

Correct: “Seeking opportunities to further my career.”

Explanation: Use “farther” for physical distance and “further” for figurative distance or to mean “additional.” In the context of career advancement, “further” is the appropriate choice as it’s not referring to a physical distance. Remember: “farther” has “far” in it, which can remind you of its connection to physical distance.

Incorrect: ” Used innovative marketing techniques to attract perspective clients.”

Correct: ” Used innovative marketing techniques to attract prospective clients.”

Explanation: This example demonstrates the common confusion between “perspective” and “prospective”. “Perspective” refers to a point of view or way of seeing things, while “prospective” means potential or expected in the future. In resume writing, you might discuss your unique perspective on industry challenges, but when referring to potential future clients, the correct term is “prospective”. Here are two correct uses to illustrate the difference: “Offered a fresh perspective on market trends to drive strategy.” And “Increased the number of prospective clients by 30% through targeted outreach.”

Incorrect: “Demonstrated strong entre-personal skills.”

Correct: “Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills.”

Explanation: “Entre” is French for “between.” In English, we use “inter” as a prefix meaning “between” or “among,” as in “interpersonal skills.” This mistake might come from confusing the pronunciation of “inter” with the French “entre.”

Incorrect: “Gained quick assent to a leadership position.”

Correct: “Achieved quick ascent to a leadership position.”

Explanation: “Ascent” refers to the act of rising or climbing, often used figuratively for career advancement. “Assent” means agreement or approval. While you might receive assent (approval) from superiors, your career trajectory is better described as an ascent. Be cautious with this pair, as using the wrong word can significantly change your meaning.

Incorrect: “Managed on-site teams across multiple cites.”

Correct: “Managed on-site teams across multiple sites.”

Explanation: “Cite” means to quote or refer to, while “site” refers to a location or place. In a resume context, you’re more likely to use “site” when discussing work locations. However, if you’re in academia, you might need to “cite” sources in your publications. The similarity in pronunciation makes this an easy mistake to overlook during proofreading.

Incorrect: “For all intensive purposes, my experience aligns perfectly with the job requirements.”

Correct: “For all intents and purposes, my experience aligns perfectly with the job requirements.”

Explanation: The correct phrase is “for all intents and purposes,” meaning “in every practical sense” or “virtually.” This phrase is often used to emphasize how well something fits or applies. In resume writing, it’s generally better to be more specific and avoid clichés, but if you do use this phrase, make sure it’s correct.

Incorrect: “Demonstrated ability to nip problems in the butt before they escalate.”

Correct: “Demonstrated ability to nip problems in the bud before they escalate.”

Explanation: The correct phrase is “nip it in the bud,” which means to stop something at an early stage, before it develops fully. It’s a metaphor from gardening, where removing a bud prevents a plant from flowering. In a professional context, it refers to addressing issues early on. This phrasing would typically be too informal for a resume or cover letter, but be aware if you use it while answering a question in a job interview.

Incorrect: “In my previous role, the responsibilities of project manager and team lead were one in the same.”

Correct: “In my previous role, the responsibilities of project manager and team lead were one and the same.”

Explanation: The correct phrase is “one and the same,” meaning that two things are identical or very similar. While it’s best to avoid such informal language in your resume, if you use this phrase in an interview, make sure it’s correct.

Incorrect: “Case and point: I increased sales by 30% in my first quarter.”

Correct: “Case in point: I increased sales by 30% in my first quarter.”

Explanation: The correct phrase is “case in point,” used to introduce a specific example that supports a general statement. In resume writing, it’s often better to simply state your achievements directly without this introductory phrase.

Incorrect: “Would of been promoted to senior manager if I hadn’t relocated.”

Correct: “Would have been promoted to senior manager if I hadn’t relocated.”

Explanation: The correct phrases use “have” as the auxiliary verb, not “of.” This mistake often occurs because the contractions (should’ve, could’ve, would’ve) sound like “of” when spoken. In formal writing like resumes and cover letters, it’s best to avoid contractions altogether.

Incorrect: “Supposably one of the top performers in the company’s history.”

Correct: “Supposedly one of the top performers in the company’s history.”

Explanation: The correct word is “supposedly,” meaning “as is supposed” or “allegedly.” However, in resume writing, it’s best to avoid words that suggest uncertainty. Instead, state your achievements confidently with concrete data when possible.

Incorrect: “Ability to make due with limited resources while maintaining high productivity.”

Correct: “Ability to make do with limited resources while maintaining high productivity.”

Explanation: The correct phrase is “make do,” meaning to manage with what is available. This phrase can be useful when describing your adaptability and resource management skills.

Incorrect: “Considered a shoe-in for promotion due to consistent high performance.”

Correct: “Considered a shoo-in for promotion due to consistent high performance.”

Explanation: The correct term is “shoo-in,” meaning someone who is certain to succeed or win. While this phrase might be used in a cover letter to express confidence, it’s generally better to let your achievements speak for themselves without such colloquialisms.

Incorrect: “Developed a fullproof system for tracking project deadlines.”

Correct: “Developed a foolproof system for tracking project deadlines.”

Explanation: The correct term is “foolproof,” meaning something so simple and reliable that it cannot fail. While it’s good to highlight the effectiveness of your systems or processes, be cautious about claiming anything is truly foolproof.

Incorrect: “Provided customers piece of mind through excellent service.”

Correct: “Provided customers peace of mind through excellent service.”

Explanation: “Peace of mind” refers to a state of mental calmness or tranquility. “Piece of mind” is occasionally used to mean expressing one’s opinion forcefully, but this usage is informal and not appropriate for a resume or cover letter.