Spellcheck is not enough - proof-read too
This week, a glimpse from the other side of the recruitment desk. Executive recruiter Mps People Solutions took a look at its database of candidates and found some spelling and grammatical gems in applications received.
Author and Mps operations manager Robert Godden told me that poor grammar, the use of text message short forms, misspellings and the use of American spelling showed up in applications even from senior executives. "It is wrong to think sloppy spelling is just a problem for Gen Y. I've seen errors in correspondence from people aged in their 50s who are CEOs."
'Manger' instead of manager and roll instead of role were all too common. In one application Mr Godden saw the words 'centre' (local spelling) and 'center' (US spelling) in the same sentence as well as 'programme' and 'program'. [I should point out that 'program' is now accepted in the Australian media so it's not surprising people use it.] . "I also had one applicant who said he prided himself on his 'attention to derail'," Mr Godden said. Ouch. He said some candidates were confusing your and you're and there/their/they're.
Casual and text message language was another issue. Mr Godden had a cover letter that ended with "C U later". Another recruiter told me of a good quality application spoilt by the greeting: "Hey there chook." Stick to formal language and please, please get someone else to proof-read your resume and cover letter. Also, don't shoot the messenger.
Mr Godden has provided a lot of free advice on the CareerOne website and has taken up his own time to help me answer Ask Kate emails. Learn from his advice and put it to work!
Author and Mps operations manager Robert Godden told me that poor grammar, the use of text message short forms, misspellings and the use of American spelling showed up in applications even from senior executives. "It is wrong to think sloppy spelling is just a problem for Gen Y. I've seen errors in correspondence from people aged in their 50s who are CEOs."
'Manger' instead of manager and roll instead of role were all too common. In one application Mr Godden saw the words 'centre' (local spelling) and 'center' (US spelling) in the same sentence as well as 'programme' and 'program'. [I should point out that 'program' is now accepted in the Australian media so it's not surprising people use it.] . "I also had one applicant who said he prided himself on his 'attention to derail'," Mr Godden said. Ouch. He said some candidates were confusing your and you're and there/their/they're.
Casual and text message language was another issue. Mr Godden had a cover letter that ended with "C U later". Another recruiter told me of a good quality application spoilt by the greeting: "Hey there chook." Stick to formal language and please, please get someone else to proof-read your resume and cover letter. Also, don't shoot the messenger.
Mr Godden has provided a lot of free advice on the CareerOne website and has taken up his own time to help me answer Ask Kate emails. Learn from his advice and put it to work!
