9 Common Resume Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

If you’re reading this and can’t immediately spot the error in this sentence, then you’re in trouble—because spelling, grammar, and formatting slip-ups on your resume or cover letter can be deal-breakers. They might seem minor, but recruiters notice—and in a competitive job market, even small mistakes can cost you the interview.

Here are the most common resume blunders—plus easy ways to fix them so you can stand out for the right reasons.

1. Stick to Australian English

If you’re applying for a job in Australia, make sure your resume reflects that—including your spelling. Australian English differs from US English in subtle ways. For example, write “organise” not “organize”, “realise” not “realize”, and “colour” not “color”.

Don’t rely on your computer’s default spell-checker—it may be set to US English. Switch your language settings to Australian English in your word processor or browser. When in doubt, consult the Macquarie Dictionary.

2. Master Your Apostrophes

Misused apostrophes are one of the most frequent—and frustrating—resume mistakes. Here’s a quick refresher:

• It’s = it is. Its = possession (e.g. the company had its annual meeting).
• You’re = you are. Your = possession (e.g. your resume looks great).
• Apostrophes are not used for plurals. It’s “the 2020s”, not “the 2020’s”.
• Its’ is never correct. Ever.

3. Ditch Unnecessary Commas

Overusing commas can interrupt the flow of your writing and make your resume look sloppy. Use them for clarity—not decoration. Here’s when they’re useful:

• To separate items in a list.
• After introductory phrases (e.g. “After completing my course, I began a traineeship…”).
• Before conjunctions joining two complete sentences (e.g. “I loved my last role, but I’m ready to grow.”).
• After transition words like “however” and “therefore”.

Don’t use commas after words like “because” or insert them randomly mid-sentence. If you’re unsure, read the sentence aloud—it often reveals where commas are (or aren’t) needed.

4. Choose the Right Words

It’s easy to mix up commonly confused words—especially when spell-check doesn’t catch them. Pay close attention to:

• Then (time) vs Than (comparison)
• There (place) vs Their (possession)
• To (direction) vs Too (also or excessively)
• Accept (to receive) vs Except (excluding)

Here are more words to get right (they trip up many people): accommodate, achievement, definitely, government, liaise, receive, recommend, schedule, separate, and truly.

5. Avoid Run-Ons and Sentence Fragments

Run-on sentences make your writing unclear. For example: “I worked in admin I also managed bookings.” Fix it like this: “I worked in admin and managed bookings.” Or break it into two sentences.

Sentence fragments are incomplete thoughts. “If you hire me” leaves the reader waiting—so finish the thought: “If you hire me, I’ll bring enthusiasm and precision to your team.”

6. Get the Hiring Manager’s Name Right

Misspelling the name of the person you’re addressing is a fast way to lose credibility. Always double-check the job ad, company website, or any correspondence to confirm the correct spelling and title. If you’re unsure, a quick call to the company’s front desk can help.

And please—don’t address your cover letter to “Dear HR Manger.” That typo alone could cost you the job.

7. Stop SHOUTING

Typing in ALL CAPS comes across as aggressive and unprofessional. Use strong, clear language to highlight your achievements—no need to “shout”. If you want to emphasise something, use bold formatting sparingly or structure your points for impact.

8. Be Professional, Not Casual

Even if the role you’re applying for is creative or informal, your resume and cover letter should remain professional. Avoid text-speak or slang—no “u” instead of “you” or “&” in place of “and”. Save emojis for social media, not job applications.

9. Proofread Like a Pro

This is the single most important step. Triple-check your documents:

• Zoom in on your screen or print it out for a fresh perspective.
• Read it out loud—it helps you catch awkward phrasing.
• Ask someone else to review it. A second set of eyes can spot what you miss.

Don’t rely on spell-check alone—it often misses grammatical errors or the wrong use of homophones. If you want extra confidence, consider using tools like Grammarly (with Australian English settings) or hiring a professional resume editor.

Helpful Resources

• How to write a killer cover letter (even if you hate writing)
• 8 sure ways to give the resume performance of a lifetime
• Fair Work: Young Workers and Students (for rights and advice when entering the workforce)

Ready to Make Your Resume Mistake-Free?

Your resume is your personal introduction to potential employers—so make it count. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’re already ahead of the pack. Take the time to fine-tune your spelling, grammar, and formatting, and you’ll present a confident, polished version of yourself on paper.

Need more help? Explore our full library of resume tips and templates to give your job application the best possible start.