What to Do If Your Resume Has a Mistake: Follow-Up Email Guide 2026 (When & How to Correct)
Last Updated: January 2026 | Learn when and how to professionally correct resume mistakes.
Send correction immediately for critical errors (wrong contact info, incorrect qualifications, wrong dates creating gaps). Send within 48 hours for substantial errors (wrong experience, skills, formatting). For minor typos, use judgment. Always be professional, brief, attach corrected resume, and express continued interest. Subject line: "Correction to Application for [Job Title] Position".
Yes, you should send a follow-up email correcting the mistake, but how you do it depends on the type and severity of the error. Here's a comprehensive guide on when and how to handle resume mistakes professionally:
When to Send a Correction
Critical Errors
Send a correction immediately for mistakes that could disqualify you or create serious misunderstandings:
- Wrong contact information (email, phone number)
- Incorrect dates that create false employment gaps
- Wrong job titles or company names
- Missing or incorrect qualifications required for the position
- Spelling errors in your name or key information
- Incorrect salary expectations if you included them
Substantial Errors
Send a correction for mistakes that significantly misrepresent your qualifications:
- Incorrect years of experience
- Wrong degree or certification information
- Incorrect skills or technologies listed
- Major formatting issues that affect readability
- Missing important experience or achievements
Timing-Sensitive Errors
If the mistake affects your availability or ability to interview:
- Wrong availability dates
- Incorrect location or willingness to relocate
- Mistakes in visa or work authorization status
When Not to Send a Correction
Minor Typos
Small spelling or grammar errors that don't affect meaning typically don't require a follow-up. However, if you notice multiple errors, you might want to send a corrected version.
Already Processed
If you know the application has already been reviewed or you've received an interview invitation, address the mistake during the interview rather than sending an email.
Very Old Applications
If you realize the mistake weeks or months after applying and haven't heard back, sending a correction is unlikely to help and may draw attention to the error unnecessarily.
Multiple Corrections
If you've already sent one correction, don't send another unless it's truly critical. Multiple correction emails can make you appear unprofessional or disorganized.
How to Send a Professional Correction Email
Subject Line
Use a clear, professional subject line:
- "Correction to Application for [Job Title] Position"
- "Updated Resume - [Your Name] - [Job Title] Application"
- "Important Correction to My Application"
Email Structure
Opening: Briefly acknowledge the mistake without over-apologizing: "I wanted to bring to your attention a correction to my application for the [Job Title] position."
Explanation: Provide a brief, honest explanation: "I noticed an error in my resume regarding [specific mistake]. The correct information is [correction]."
Correction: Clearly state the correction: "To clarify: [correct information]"
Attach Corrected Document: "Please find attached a corrected version of my resume for your records."
Closing: Express continued interest: "I remain very interested in this position and appreciate your consideration."
Tone
- Professional and confident
- Brief and to the point
- Not overly apologetic
- Focused on the correction, not the mistake
Types of Mistakes and How to Handle Them
Contact Information Errors
If you provided the wrong email or phone number, send a correction immediately. This is critical because they can't contact you otherwise.
Date Errors
If dates are wrong and create false employment gaps, correct them. Explain briefly: "I noticed an error in my employment dates. The correct dates are [dates]."
Job Title or Company Name Errors
Correct these immediately, especially if they affect how your experience is understood. "I wanted to correct my job title at [Company]. The correct title was [Title]."
Qualification Errors
If you listed incorrect degrees, certifications, or skills, correct them. However, if you overstated qualifications, be honest about the correction.
Formatting or File Errors
If your resume had major formatting issues or was corrupted, send a corrected version with a brief note: "Please find attached a corrected version of my resume with proper formatting."
Content Errors
If you included incorrect information about your experience or achievements, correct it. Be honest about what was wrong and what is correct.
Timing Considerations
Immediate Correction
Send corrections for critical errors (contact info, qualifications) as soon as you notice them, ideally within 24 hours of applying.
Within 48 Hours
For substantial errors that affect your qualifications, send the correction within 48 hours of applying.
Before Review
If possible, send corrections before the application is likely to be reviewed. This varies by company but is typically within the first few days.
During Interview Process
If you notice the mistake after receiving an interview invitation, address it during the interview rather than sending another email.
After Rejection
If you've already been rejected, don't send a correction. Focus on future applications instead.
What Not to Include in Correction Emails
Over-Apologizing
Don't apologize excessively. A brief acknowledgment is sufficient.
Excuses
Don't make excuses for the mistake. Simply state the correction.
Multiple Corrections
Don't list multiple small errors. If you have many errors, send a completely corrected resume with a brief note.
Personal Information
Don't include unnecessary personal information or explanations about why the mistake happened.
Desperation
Don't express desperation or beg for consideration. Maintain professionalism.
ATS Considerations
Resubmission
Some ATS systems allow you to withdraw and resubmit applications. If this is an option and your mistake is significant, consider withdrawing and resubmitting with the corrected version.
Email to Recruiter
If you can find the recruiter's email, sending a direct email with the correction can be more effective than going through the ATS system.
Updated Resume
Always attach a corrected resume file. Don't just describe the correction in text.
Prevention: How to Avoid Mistakes
Proofread Thoroughly
Always proofread your resume and application before submitting. Read it out loud to catch errors.
Use Spell Check
Run spell check, but don't rely on it alone. It won't catch all errors, especially wrong words that are spelled correctly.
Get a Second Opinion
Have someone else review your resume before submitting. Fresh eyes catch mistakes you might miss.
Check Contact Information
Double-check all contact information, especially email addresses and phone numbers.
Verify Dates
Ensure all dates are correct and consistent throughout your resume.
Review Job Requirements
Make sure your resume accurately reflects the qualifications mentioned in the job posting.
Test File Formats
If submitting a PDF, open it after creating to ensure formatting is correct. If submitting a Word document, ensure it's compatible.
Use Professional Tools
Consider using resume optimization tools or services that can help catch errors and ensure ATS compatibility.
Statistics on Resume Mistakes
- 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before human review
- Recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds scanning a resume
- Spelling and grammar errors can reduce your chances by up to 50%
- Formatting errors can cause ATS systems to reject resumes
- Contact information errors prevent recruiters from reaching candidates
When Mistakes Are Discovered During Interview
During Phone Screening
If the interviewer mentions a discrepancy, address it honestly and directly. Explain the correction clearly.
During In-Person Interview
Bring a corrected resume to the interview. If the mistake comes up, present the corrected version and explain briefly.
After Interview
If you realize a mistake after the interview, send a follow-up email with the correction and thank them for their time.
International Applications
If you're applying to jobs in multiple countries, mistakes become more complex:
- Translation errors in international CVs
- Format mistakes specific to country requirements
- Cultural misunderstandings in content
- ATS compatibility issues in different systems
For international applications, professional resume services can help ensure accuracy across different formats, languages, and ATS systems.
The Cost of Not Correcting
Missed Opportunities
Critical errors can cause your application to be rejected immediately, especially if contact information is wrong or qualifications don't match.
ATS Rejection
Formatting errors or missing information can cause ATS systems to reject your resume before human review.
Interview Confusion
If you reach the interview stage with uncorrected errors, addressing them during the interview can be awkward and may raise questions about attention to detail.
Reputation Impact
Multiple errors or failure to correct significant mistakes can damage your professional reputation with that company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I send a correction email for a typo?
For minor typos that don't affect meaning, it's usually not necessary. However, if you notice multiple errors or the typo is in critical information (name, contact info), send a correction.
How quickly should I send a correction?
For critical errors (contact info, qualifications), send immediately (within 24 hours). For substantial errors, send within 48 hours. The sooner, the better.
What if I already got an interview?
If you've received an interview invitation, address the mistake during the interview rather than sending another email. Bring a corrected resume to the interview.
Can I resubmit my application?
Some ATS systems allow you to withdraw and resubmit. If your mistake is significant and this option is available, consider resubmitting with the corrected version.
What if the mistake is discovered weeks later?
If you realize the mistake weeks or months after applying and haven't heard back, sending a correction is unlikely to help and may draw unnecessary attention to the error.
Conclusion
Yes, you should send a follow-up email correcting glaring mistakes in your resume or application. The key is to do it quickly, professionally, and appropriately based on the severity of the error.
For critical errors like wrong contact information or incorrect qualifications, send a correction immediately. For substantial errors that misrepresent your experience, send a correction within 48 hours. For minor errors, use your judgment, but remember that professionalism and attention to detail matter.
The best approach is prevention: thoroughly proofread your resume, verify all information, and consider using professional tools or services to ensure accuracy, especially for important applications or international positions.
Remember that 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before human review, and errors can significantly reduce your chances. Taking the time to correct mistakes professionally shows attention to detail and genuine interest in the position, which can actually work in your favor.
If you're applying to multiple positions, especially across different industries or countries, manually ensuring accuracy and proper formatting for each application becomes time-consuming and error-prone. Professional resume services can help ensure accuracy and consistency across all applications, optimize for different ATS systems (Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse, Xing, etc.), adapt formats for different countries (US, UK, Germany, France, etc.), provide professional translation for international applications, catch errors before submission, and maintain proper formatting and ATS compatibility.
TopCV.io's CrossBorder CV service specializes in creating accurate, optimized resumes for specific job descriptions and countries. It handles job description analysis, content customization, ATS optimization, country-specific format adaptation, and professional translation, helping you avoid mistakes and present your best application.
Related Articles:
- How to Create ATS-Friendly Resume - Avoid formatting mistakes
- Resume Mistakes to Avoid - Common resume mistakes
- ATS Optimization Guide - Ensure ATS compatibility
- Free ATS Score Calculator - Test your resume before submitting