I've made this mistake and every single resume I've ever checked, or application I've ever helped someone fill out, has had the same problem…typos!
Spelling errors and typos are the number one mistake recruiters report they see. And other job seekers have told us they make it. It can absolutely keep you from getting hired.
Professional recruiters we work with confirm that a lot of times applications with spelling errors and typos wind up in the trash. That can sound pretty harsh, especially if you've been spending a lot of time filling out a lot of applications. But, it's easy to get tired and make mistakes.
Sometimes the job doesn't even have to do with spelling, so why do employers care so much about whether or not you've made a typo on your resume or application? Choosing not to “spell check” your application or resume shows the recruiter that you're just not as interested in the job as somebody who has taken the time to edit and spell check carefully.
Editing your resume doesn't just catch things like typos. It also catches when you misspell your email address or insert your best friend's phone number instead of your own because you're more used to writing it down. We've actually heard that one happen — and the guy’s friend got hired.
We're working on another video completely dedicated to how you can use different tips and tricks to check your resume, stay tuned!
Spell checking and checking for typos can take a little more time up front, but ultimately it's going to make your job search shorter by getting you hired faster. So take the time, do it now and save time in the long run.
Have a question? Head over to the Snagajob YouTube channel and leave us a video response with the question you want answered. If your question is selected, we will send you a gift card and include your video in our response!
About Kim Costa
think about me
I spell check my resume continuously when ever I add something or even when I take something out of it, but I have to take a dictionary with me when I fill out any application because I have never been able to spell well even while I was in school. I thank my lucky stars because I’m always using my spell check.
Great tip to pass on I know its made me more careful, Thank you!
You will find a smartphone with a spellcheck app or a email processor with autocorrect is a more efficient, less bulky and more tech savvy way to go!
Kim
Spelling to me is not a big problem, but using the correct words are more of a mistake ... using past tense instead of present and other mistakes like ? , ! / … I like to write it the same way I would say it … which might be my problem ... if you would visit my Linked-in profile and commit I would appericat it.
Regards
Joseph Lunday
Speaking of spelling errors, I think you meant “If you would visit my Linked-in profile and comment, I would appreciate it.”
I believe your paragraph stating “We’re working on another other video…” should have only “another” or “other” in it but not both.
Good catch, Jenny! It has been fixed, thank you
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