When it comes to job applications, it’s not uncommon to see people make mistakes that could hurt their chances of landing the position they applied for. One of these mistakes is the use of contractions in job applications.

Contractions are shortened forms of words that use an apostrophe to replace letters, such as “don`t” for “do not” and “can`t” for “cannot.” While contractions are widely accepted in informal writing, such as emails or text messages, using them in job applications or resumes may come across as unprofessional and may give recruiters the impression that you are not taking the application seriously.

Why Avoid Contractions?

The use of contractions in job applications can make you appear less competent or professional. This is because contractions are often associated with informal writing and spoken communication. By using contractions in job applications, you may give recruiters the impression that you are not serious about your application or that you are not detail-oriented.

In contrast, using formal language and avoiding contractions can make you sound more polished and professional. It shows that you are taking your job application seriously and that you have a good understanding of the level of formality expected in professional settings.

How to Correctly Use Contractions in Job Applications

While it is recommended to avoid using contractions in job applications, there may be instances where using them is acceptable. If the job description uses contractions, then you may use them too. Moreover, if the company culture is relaxed and casual, the use of contractions may be appropriate.

That said, it’s vital to use them correctly. When you do use contractions, make sure that they are accurate and appropriate. For example, it is acceptable to use “I`ll” instead of “I will” or “can’t” instead of “cannot” if the tone of the job description is less formal.

However, it’s important not to use contractions that are too informal, such as “gonna” for “going to” and “wanna” for “want to.” These contractions can make you appear unprofessional and may suggest that you lack basic writing and communication skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, avoiding contractions in job applications is always the safer option. It shows that you are professional, serious about your application, and have a good understanding of the tone and etiquette expected of you in a professional setting. However, if the job description or the company culture calls for casual language, using contractions is acceptable as long as they are used accurately and appropriately. Remember, the goal of a job application is to make a positive first impression, and avoiding contractions can make all the difference in achieving that goal.