Pretend to be a recruiter; what goes through your mind when you see a single insignificant spelling mistake on a CV of an excellent applicant?
For most people, it would be things in the following lines…
- It can happen to anyone
- This applicant is also only human (believe it or not)
- No big deal, he has excellent education and work experience!
Well, guess what a real recruiter thinks when he/she comes across an ‘insignificant’ spelling mistake on a CV…
- If he couldn’t be bothered to take some time out to write two pages, I can’t be bothered to take time out to read this!
- He doesn’t have an eye for detail
- He doesn’t care
- He lacks writing skills
- He doesn’t strive for perfection
Spelling on your CV can make or break your chances of getting an interview. Guaranteed.
Whenever a recruiter spots a spelling mistake, typo or a silly sentence structure your chances of getting an interview go down by 101%. It is vital that you hand in a CV which doesn’t contain any spelling or grammar mistakes.
How to avoid spelling mistakes on a CV
- Write a CV
- Make a second draft
- Print it out and re-read it (on paper, not on the screen)
- Re-read it several times, on different days
- Let at least two other people read your CV carefully and give you feedback
- Re-read it again (yeah, I am afraid you have to!)
- Create a final draft
- Announce a price for anyone finding a spelling/grammar mistake on your CV!
Funny spelling mistakes on CVs
- Dear Sir/Madman
- I am excellent at multi-tasting
- I enjoy cooking Chinese and Italians
- Left previous job because of maturity leave
- Seeking a party-time position as a Consultant
- I also speak German and Spinach
