In a post written seven months ago, the topic was typos.

The post shared very early results of a question presented in a LinkedIn® Group for human resource (HR) professionals.

• It asked if HR professionals automatically rejected candidates with typos in their resume, cover letter or email
• Generally, answers fell into one of three categories —
  • Yes
  • No
  • Maybe (or “Depends”)

I was surprised to see the discussion is still going strong.

Discussion Update

When I first wrote the post, there were only about 65 responses. Today there are over 400. Some of the responses were comments on what others had written. So, those are not included in my unscientific tally.

Reasons for Answers

The following are the predominant reasons for selecting a specific response.

Yes – Automatically Reject Resumes With Typos

• This is your first impression – get it right
• There is no excuse with spell-check tools
• Have someone proof the resume
• If the candidate does not take care with the resume, how can HR assume they will take care in the job

Although several proclaimed, “I know it’s harsh,” they did not waver.

No – Would Not Automatically Reject Resumes

• Everyone makes mistakes
• A few typos is  acceptable
• Look at the whole picture including resume, qualifications, and experience
• Typos might put applicants in the “B” category of candidates

Maybe – It Depends on the Situation

• It depends on the position – e.g., mechanic versus a communications job
• It depends on the number of qualified applicants
• It depends on how blatant the offense – e.g., the number and type of typos
• Generally, grammar errors are more offensive

The number of errors makes a difference.

To some, one or two was acceptable, while others inflated the number to four or five.

For some responders, there is a caste system for typos.

• Some weigh more heavily – like the misspelling of the company name or the position
• Email typos are more readily dismissed
• Don’t ever leave the “f” out of the word “shift”

An interesting new development was the number of respondents who cited techies with great coding skills but lousy writing skills.

Techie typos did not concern the HR professional.

As noted in the previous post, some responders expressed their theories on why typos seem more prevalent.

• It’s the text shortcut language
• It’s the reliance on word editing software
• It’s the lack of emphasis on writing skills in education

Bottom Line

I admit typos bug me — especially when I make them.

I am always leery of writing a post on typos —

It’s a death wish that invites typos.

I would fall in the “Maybe” crowd (sounds so much better than the “Depends” crowd).

• I have known truly gifted individuals who have trouble writing, as English is a second language
• I also am appalled at the frequency of errors that you know aren’t typos, but misspellings

Little in life is black and white.

One thing is for sure —

Typos is still a hot topic.

If you were hiring someone, what would your answer be?

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