I have a Human Resources secret that I want to share with you. When you misspell a word on your job application or resume, your chances of getting that job drop to zero.
You may think it's harsh to exclude a candidate because she can't spell, but minor errors matter in a crowded job market. A misspelled word tells a hiring manager that you don't pay attention to details. In a highly competitive job market, you don't get the job if you don't double-check your work.
Here are some tips for you if you aren't a strong speller.
- Practice spelling words that you'll use in a job search like definitely, exceed, experience, occasionally, personnel and receive. Write them down on a sheet of paper 100 times each. Practice this with words you commonly misspell, too. Trust me, this is not a waste of time. Most people aren't natural writers, but spelling is not the same as writing. Spelling is all about memorization. The best way to improve your spelling is through practice. Remember how you memorized multiplication tables as a child? You need to do the same thing with words.
- Take a friend with you when you fill out applications. If you have to enter your information into kiosks, ask someone to sit with you while you go through the process. Two sets of eyes are always better than one.
- Don't trust the spellchecker to catch your mistakes. Print out a copy of your resume, read it and ask someone else to read it.
- Before you send an email to a hiring manager, send the email to a friend. Ask her to check the message for spelling errors and for clarity. Proofread everything three times before you hit the “send” button.
When applying for a job, ask your friends to check your written materials. Stick to simple and straightforward language. Pick words that are easy to spell. You aren't writing a novel. Don't cramp your hand with fancy words and don't cramp your style--and your chance to get a new job--with spelling errors.
While my friends are attracted to the picture of the succulent steak, I can’t help but realise that they spelled it “filet megnon,” how 5 star can a restaurant be, if they do not know how to spell their “mignon” (by the way my spell checker is telling me I spelled “realise” wrong, but I’m canadian, and we spell it with an “s” damnit!)
Whatever business you are in, whether it be hospitality or job search, correct grammar and spelling are a must. Why should your resume, your personal PR be any different than any other marketing material?!
Though I am not as harsh as you are Laurie, –
– , I do take a misspelling in a resume into account. If it is for a Quality Assurance role, you are out; if you are with difficult to find skills, I will turn a blind eye to the misspelling – for now.
Another no-no, in my opinion, misspellings in blogs, even if they are “personal” blogs. A few of my friend bloggers can attest to that for they would have received an email from me pointing out the misspelling.
I have been told that my age is the main reason why I am not hired. Since I am only looking for part time, they are not taken the time to check me out since I probably know more that they do.
In your second sentence Lee, the word “taken” should be “taking” and the 3rd last word , “that” should be “than”. Maybe you need to go back to school instead of going to work.
“Maybe you need to go back to school instead of going to work.”
@Dean – Well, the sentence I quoted isn’t the most diplomatic way to put it, but at least I see that you took out this part in your next comment.
In your second sentence Lee, the word “taken” should be “taking” and the word “that” should be “than”.
Just add “realise” to the dictionary in your spellchecker!
If someone can not take time out to check spelling errors then how can you trust them to perform their job duties correctly?
Just in few words . I am unemployed for 3 months now . I worked as Assistant Store Manager for a company for 4 years . The Store relocated too far so I had to quit .In 8 years since I came in USA I had 3 jobs . Each one of the managers I worked with were impressed about the way I work , about my energy , willingness to please the customers and everything I did . . The supervisers I have worked with they would hire me at any time because they had the chance to see how I do my job . But from objective reasons it is not possible (one of the places can`t hire me because I quit twice . Even so , the store Manager gladly would like me to go back but it is against the company policy , second , now my son works there , third …the store relocation )Unfortunately I am not a native english speaker , as you probably already noticed . But this days when almost all job applications are on line how somebody like me can get a job with the way I speake and write ? But in spite of this I had the highest sales , I had customers who used to come in the store to buy something just to see me , and I am one of the few employees who`s name was not forgoten by my first job supervisor . In a place where I was replaced by dozens of other employees . The bottom line is : who is going to give me a chance to work for them without knowing me , just by the way I talk ? It is very deppresant .
Hi Vee, you paint a really compelling picture about what a great employee you are, but I can understand your concerns about your English skills holding you back. Have you considered brushing up with a community college course? Also, I’m not sure how you’ve addressed it in your resume and applications, but quitting a job twice might be a red flag to some hiring managers. It sounds like despite your rocky past with that company, the supervisor really likes you – would they be willing to provide a reference?
Amy , thank you for your answer . The job where I quit twice was my first job and the… breake between quiting and rehiring was just a week . Was more like 7 days leave of absence . I have great references from all 3 managers I have worked with , from the last district manager , and an email sent to the company Presidentby a customer who happened to be the dother of a district Manager from West Coast descrbing the impressive customer service she got . I did not know who she was .I don`t try to ..brag about it I just try to tell the facts . I have an Associate Degree and I graduate with a 3.95 GPA .But my english skill is…. not existing . I feel very bad that after 8 years here I still talk and write like this . Nobody corrected me so I realize that I am stuck to the same level I was when I came here . Everybody said it is,, cute ‘ and they understand me anyway and I am shure they did not want tu hurt my feeling either But in order to be able to show the references I had no chance of getting an interview .
I notice that some of the jobs posted have spelling mistakes as well. I believe the person or company hiring be responsible for correct spelling too!
Nice point Brenda! There are definitely job postings out there that could use a little editing love.
Are there people out there like me who find it difficult finding work, who are 45 to 55 years old? I have good work ethics. I have good skills and a lot to offer. I’m loyal and like being a part of a team. My cover letter and resume are good. My kids are grown. I have nothing holding me back. I’m finding that no one wants to hire an older person. Why is that? I was a claims adjuster for nearly 15 years, but due to the economy was forced out of this field. I’m thankful I have a job but it isn’t what makes me happy. I went from claims adjusting to being a baker in a grocery store, and a part of the food workers union. I must admit, the benefits are good. I’ve been doing this for nearly 5 years, working 24 to 37 hours a week, if sales are up. If sales are down, hours get slashed. I need something more, and as I said earlier, it’s been difficult being rejected time after time. Any suggestions???
Very Much Help
i take the communication process very serious. Not only do we need to watch out for double negatives, spellings and sentence structure, but pay attention to slang usage. I have been a manager, student and parent and have found that not only do students have problems, but some teachers. That really bothers me. I have looked at applications with the other manager and scan for proper English. If they couldn’t spell or didn’t have the right sentence structure, we would throw them away without reading the application. It’s about understanding and being understood.
Question:
When an interviewer sincerely promises to let you know either way if you are getting the job or not, how long is it proper to wait before calling and asking if a decision has been made. This was the week before last, and I’m wondering if the last week of summer was a do-nothing week.
Hi Randi! Enough time has passed and you should follow up with the employer from the interview. Also, make sure you never stop applying and searching for jobs until you have been offered a position. You don’t want to miss another opportunity while you are waiting to hear back!
Hi Vicki,
Yes there is discrimination against ‘older’ workers. I also have had the experience several times with a potential employer wanting only male workers. This is a very thin job market especially in Michigan. Dye the hair, hit the gym, take low paying work below your skill set seems to be the answer. Every time I hear “go back to school” I remember the women working at the Boston Spa with Master Degrees in Business. It’s almost as if you have to be a robot these days to get a job. In other words you can’t get older, worn out, wrinkled or fed up with the entire business world.
Personally, I feel that employers these days are soo lazy! They would rather make you apply online than meet you in person. Anyone can make themselves look good on paper. It is quite frustrating to me to know that I can’t even find a job at McDonalds. When I go to McDonalds or anywhere else for that matter, and I get service from the most imcompetant and socially inadequate people that the employer could have possibly hired. Honestly, Bill Clinton’s Affirmative Action policy really screwed the pooch for this country. instead of lokign for the best candidate to fill the job description, employers are trying to make some quota that they have to have a certain amount of minorities. And then when they get those applications, it doesn’t even appear that they actually read them over. It’s like giving a 4 year old a company and saying hire who you like best. The 4 year old will say, well she has pretty hair, he has a cool nose, etc. I am not unemployed, but I am looking for a new job opportunity. My husband has been unemployed for a year! This is getting a bit ridiculous!
No offense, but is “Canadian” a lower-case word in Canadian English, too?
Hi Amy, I saw an add on craigslist for a cashier job in 7-11 “wanted chaseir pert time’.
@ Dean, maybe Lee is on his cellphone lol!
@ Vee you mean deppressing? Purchase an english book or hire a professional resume writer.