Costly mistakes: Why and when spelling errors in resumes jeopardise interview chances

Philippe Sterkens; Ralf Caers; Marijke De Couck; Victor Van Driessche; Michael Geamanu; Stijn Baert

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0283280

Costly mistakes: Why and when spelling errors in resumes jeopardise interview chances

Philippe Sterkens, Ralf Caers, Marijke De Couck, Victor Van Driessche, Michael Geamanu, Stijn Baert

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Abstract

The analysis of hiring penalties due to spelling errors has been restricted to white-collar occupations and error-laden resumes. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying these penalties remained unclear. To fill these gaps, we conducted a scenario experiment with 445 recruiters. Compared to error-free resumes, hiring penalties are inflicted for error-laden resumes (18.5 percent points lower interview probability) and resumes with fewer errors (7.3 percent points lower interview probability). Furthermore, we find heterogeneity in penalties inflicted. Half of the penalty can be explained by the perceptions that applicants making spelling errors have lower interpersonal skills (9.0%), conscientiousness (12.1%) and mental abilities (32.2%).

Original language	English
Article number	e0283280
Journal	PLOS ONE
Volume	18
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0283280
Publication status	Published - 5 Apr 2023

Keywords

Language
Personnel Selection

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abstract = "The analysis of hiring penalties due to spelling errors has been restricted to white-collar occupations and error-laden resumes. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying these penalties remained unclear. To fill these gaps, we conducted a scenario experiment with 445 recruiters. Compared to error-free resumes, hiring penalties are inflicted for error-laden resumes (18.5 percent points lower interview probability) and resumes with fewer errors (7.3 percent points lower interview probability). Furthermore, we find heterogeneity in penalties inflicted. Half of the penalty can be explained by the perceptions that applicants making spelling errors have lower interpersonal skills (9.0%), conscientiousness (12.1%) and mental abilities (32.2%).",

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AU - Geamanu, Michael

AU - Baert, Stijn

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Costly mistakes: Why and when spelling errors in resumes jeopardise interview chances

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