Blog Post: Not Getting Interviews? It Could Be the Spelling Errors on Your Resume

You might be the best person for the job. You might have more experience than any of the other applicants, but are not the one hired. "I don't get it!" you might say. The problem: poor spelling and grammar.

Let's face it: in today's tough job market, HR directors get flooded with tons of resumes. They want to narrow them down from a huge pile to a small number without taking all day. In the first cut, very long resumes and those with outlandish colors and other gimmicky features designed to attract attention may be discarded. In the next cut, a quick search for any blatant spelling or grammatical errors may be made.

The thinking goes like this: If a job applicant isn't interested in paying attention to spelling and grammar on a document that could lead to an interview—then hopefully a job—what kind of an employee will he or she end up being? The answer: not a very good one. Therefore, your resume gets thrown into the pile with the lengthy ones and odd ones and eventually ends up in the garbage.

Why limit your chances of getting your foot in the door? Be sure that your resume and cover letter are reviewed by a professional or someone you know who is a highly skilled writer. When we review our own information, we often overlook errors. Please don't tell me that you rely on Spellcheck, It overlooks words that are spelled correctly but happen to be the incorrect word for that sentence.

Here are some common spelling errors to avoid:

1. Using "it's" when "its," the possessive, is needed. Incorrect: I reviewed it's contents.  Correct: I reviewed its contents.

2. Using "affect" and "effect" incorrectly. "Affect" is a verb. Correct example: The poor economy is affecting the job market. "Effect" is a noun. Correct example: Not having enough sleep will have a negative effect on job performance.

3. Using "too" and "to" incorrectly. "Too" means also. Ex: My boss is going, so I'm going too. "To" is a preposition. Ex: I am going to the meeting.

Make a commitment in 2009 to improve your spelling, grammar, and writing skills. Use dictionary.com or treat yourself to a Miriam-Webster dictionary. For free writing tips, send an e-mail to tips@basic-learning.com or click here.

Here's to a great year!

Marsha Freedman

Basic Learning Systems

marsha@basic-learning.com

www.basic-learning.com