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How to Check Resume Readability for Global English
In today's hyper‑connected job market, a resume must speak clearly to recruiters anywhere in the world. Whether you’re applying to a multinational corporation in London, a startup in Singapore, or a remote role based in the United States, the ability to check resume readability for global English can be the difference between landing an interview and being filtered out by an applicant tracking system (ATS). This guide walks you through the why, the metrics, the step‑by‑step process, and the free Resumly tools that make readability testing effortless.
Why Resume Readability Matters Globally
A recent study by Jobscan found that 71% of recruiters admit they skim a resume for less than 30 seconds before deciding whether to move forward. When you add the variable of international English standards—different idioms, varying education levels, and diverse industry jargon—the risk of miscommunication skyrockets. Poor readability can:
- Trigger ATS rejections because the algorithm misinterprets complex sentences.
- Confuse hiring managers who are not native English speakers.
- Reduce the perceived professionalism of your application.
According to the Harvard Business Review, clear communication improves hiring outcomes by 23% across global teams. Therefore, mastering readability is not just a nice‑to‑have; it’s a strategic advantage.
Key Metrics for Readability
Before you start tweaking, understand the numbers that matter. The most common readability formulas are:
| Metric | What It Measures | Ideal Range for Global English |
|---|---|---|
| Flesch Reading Ease | Sentence length & word syllables | 60‑70 (easy to read) |
| Flesch‑Kincaid Grade Level | U.S. school grade needed to understand | 8‑10 (8th‑10th grade) |
| Gunning Fog Index | Complex words & sentence length | 8‑12 |
| SMOG Index | Polysyllabic words | ≤10 |
For a globally readable resume, aim for a Flesch Reading Ease of 65 or higher and a Flesch‑Kincaid Grade Level of 9. These thresholds keep the language simple enough for non‑native speakers while retaining professional tone.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Test Readability
1. Run Resumly’s Resume Readability Test
Resumly offers a dedicated tool that instantly calculates the metrics above and highlights problematic sections. Visit the Resume Readability Test, upload your document, and receive a score card with actionable suggestions.
2. Manual Spot‑Check Using the Flesch Formula
If you prefer a quick sanity check, use this simplified version of the Flesch Reading Ease formula:
206.835 – (1.015 × ASL) – (84.6 × ASW)
- ASL = Average Sentence Length (words per sentence)
- ASW = Average Syllables per Word
Calculate ASL and ASW in a spreadsheet, plug the numbers in, and see if you land above 60.
3. Leverage Free Online Editors
Tools like Hemingway App or Grammarly flag long sentences, passive voice, and complex words. While they don’t provide a global‑English score, they are excellent for polishing style.
4. Run the ATS Resume Checker
An ATS often penalizes overly complex language. Use Resumly’s ATS Resume Checker to see how an automated system interprets your wording.
5. Get a Human Perspective with Resume Roast
Upload your resume to Resume Roast for a quick peer review. Real people can spot cultural nuances that algorithms miss.
Checklist: Ensure Global English Clarity
- Use simple verbs (e.g., “managed” instead of “orchestrated”).
- Limit jargon to industry‑standard terms; avoid region‑specific slang.
- Keep sentences under 20 words.
- Prefer active voice (90% of sentences).
- Avoid acronyms unless universally recognized; spell them out on first use.
- Standardize date formats (e.g., “Jan 2022 – Dec 2023”).
- Use bullet points for achievements; start each with a strong action verb.
- Check spelling with a UK/US English toggle based on target market.
- Run the readability score after each major edit.
Do’s and Don’ts for International Resume Writing
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Do tailor language to the job market you’re targeting (UK vs. US spelling). | Don’t use idioms like “hit the ground running” that may confuse non‑native speakers. |
| Do keep metrics (e.g., sales growth) clear and quantifiable. | Don’t overload with numbers without context. |
| Do use universally recognized certifications (e.g., PMP, CPA). | Don’t assume local certifications are known globally. |
| Do test readability on multiple devices (mobile, desktop). | Don’t rely on a single formatting style; ATS may parse differently. |
| Do incorporate keywords from the job description. | Don’t keyword‑stuff; it hurts readability scores. |
Using Resumly’s Free Tools to Boost Readability
Resumly’s ecosystem is built for the modern job seeker. Here are the tools that directly improve readability:
- Resume Readability Test – instant scores and suggestions.
- ATS Resume Checker – ensures your language passes automated filters.
- Buzzword Detector – flags overused corporate buzzwords that dilute clarity.
- Resume Roast – peer feedback on tone and cultural relevance.
- AI Resume Builder – start with a template already optimized for readability.
By integrating these tools into your workflow, you can iterate quickly and maintain a high readability score throughout the job‑search process.
Real‑World Example: Before and After
Before (Score: Flesch 55, Grade 12):
"Spearheaded the implementation of a cross‑functional synergy initiative that leveraged cutting‑edge analytics to augment operational efficiencies across multiple verticals, resulting in a 15% uplift in KPI performance."
After (Score: Flesch 68, Grade 9):
"Led a cross‑functional project that used new analytics tools to improve operations, raising key performance indicators by 15%."
Notice the reduction in sentence length, removal of buzzwords, and clearer action verb. The readability jump is measurable and the impact on ATS parsing is immediate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ideal readability score for a resume targeting global English?
Aim for a Flesch Reading Ease of 65‑70 and a Flesch‑Kincaid Grade Level of 8‑10. This range balances simplicity with professionalism.
2. Can I rely solely on automated tools?
Automated tools are great for quick diagnostics, but a final human review (e.g., via Resume Roast) catches cultural nuances and tone issues.
3. How often should I re‑check readability?
After every major edit—especially when adding new achievements, changing bullet points, or tailoring to a new region.
4. Does using UK vs. US spelling affect ATS scores?
Most modern ATS treat them as equivalents, but consistency matters. Choose the spelling that matches the job posting’s locale.
5. Are there industry‑specific readability standards?
Technical fields may tolerate slightly higher grade levels due to necessary terminology, but keep sentences under 20 words wherever possible.
6. How does readability impact interview invitations?
Recruiters report a 23% higher response rate when resumes are easy to scan, according to a LinkedIn Talent Solutions survey.
7. Should I translate my resume for non‑English markets?
If the role requires a local language, a professional translation is recommended. However, keep the English version readable for global recruiters.
8. What if my resume contains many proper nouns (company names, certifications)?
Proper nouns are unavoidable; ensure the surrounding text remains simple. Use commas or parentheses to separate them from the main clause.
Conclusion: Mastering How to Check Resume Readability for Global English
Ensuring your resume is readable for a worldwide English‑speaking audience is a strategic, data‑driven process. By understanding key metrics, following the step‑by‑step guide, and leveraging Resumly’s free tools—especially the Resume Readability Test and ATS Resume Checker—you can confidently submit a document that passes both human eyes and machine algorithms. Remember, clarity is the universal language of success.
Ready to transform your resume? Visit the Resumly homepage, explore the AI Resume Builder, and start testing your document today.
