7 Grammar Mistakes on Your Resume That Are Killing Your Job Chances in Singapore
HR managers spend an average of just 6 seconds scanning a resume. That's it. If they spot one "sounds okay lah" sentence or a glaring grammar error, you could be rejected instantly.
1. Mixing Past & Present Tense
This is the most common error. Candidates often mix "Manage" and "Handled" in the same bullet list.
The Rule: If it's your current job, use the Present Tense (e.g., "Lead," "Manage"). If it's a past job, strictly use the Past Tense (e.g., "Led," "Managed").
2. Overusing "In Charge Of"
"I was in charge of the sales team." It sounds passive and basic. Use power verbs instead.
Try This Instead:
"Spearheaded sales operations...", "Led the team...", "Executed key strategies..."
3. Direct Translation Errors
Translating directly from Chinese or Malay logic can range awkward phrasing.
❌ "Responsible to prepare monthly reports."
✅ "Responsible for preparing monthly reports."
4. Run-on Sentences
Don't try to cram 10 years of experience into one bullet point. If a sentence is more than 2 lines long, split it. Short, punchy sentences are easier to read in 6 seconds.
5. Incorrect Articles
Missing "a/an/the" is common.
❌ "Led team of 5."
✅ "Led a team of 5."
6. Inconsistent Formatting
Are your bullet points ending with periods or not? Are your headers all capitalized the same way? Inconsistency suggests a lack of attention to detail. Pick one style and stick to it.
7. "Sounds Okay" English
Phrases that work in casual Singaporean conversation often don't work on a professional CV. Avoid terms like "liaise with customers" if you can use "managed client relationships" instead.
Case Study: Sarah's Resume Transformation
From "In Charge Of" to "Spearheaded"
Sarah, a Marketing Executive, wasn't getting any callbacks. Her bullet point read:
"In charge of social media for the company."
Using Grammar Buddy's suggestions, she changed it to:
"Spearheaded a social media strategy that grew follower count by 40% in 6 months."
The Result: She got 3 interview requests in one week. The content was the same, but the active verb made her sound like a leader, not just a participant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I include my photo on a Singapore CV?
Generally, no. Unless you are applying for a role where appearance is critical (e.g., flight attendant, model, front-line sales), modern hiring standards in Singapore prefer no photo to avoid bias. Focus on your skills instead.
2. How do I explain my NS (National Service) rank?
Don't just put "LCP" or "OCT". Translate it for a corporate context. Instead of "Platoon Sergeant," use "Team Leader managing 30 personnel." Focus on the leadership and organizational skills gained, not just the military rank.
3. Is it okay to use American spelling?
Singapore officially follows British English (e.g., "Colour," "Organise"). However, many MNCs use American spelling. The most important rule is consistency. Don't mix "Color" and "Centre" in the same document.
Solution
Your resume undersells you if the English is weak. Ai Grammar Buddy detects tense inconsistencies and awkward phrasing instantly so you can fix them before applying.
Polish your CV before HR's 6 seconds are up.