Costly Mistakes: Why and When Spelling Errors in Resumes Jeopardise Interview Chances

Philippe Sterkens (), Ralf Caers (), Marijke De Couck, Michael Geamanu, Victor Van Driessche and Stijn Baert
Additional contact information
Ralf Caers: KU Leuven
Marijke De Couck: Free University of Brussels
Michael Geamanu: Ghent University
Victor Van Driessche: Ghent University

No 14614, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: Earlier research has associated spelling errors in resumes with reduced hiring chances. However, the analysis of hiring penalties due to spelling errors has thus far been restricted to white-collar occupations and relatively high numbers of errors per resume. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying the spelling error penalty have remained unclear. To fill these gaps in the peerreviewed literature, we conducted a scenario experiment with 445 genuine recruiters. Results show that, compared to error-free resumes, hiring penalties are being inflicted for both 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 substantial heterogeneity in penalties inflicted based on various applicant, job and participant characteristics. About half of the spelling error penalty can be explained by the perception that applicants who make spelling errors have lower interpersonal skills (9.0%), conscientiousness (12.1%) and mental abilities (32.2%).

Keywords: hiring experiments; signalling; resumes; spelling errors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C91 I21 J24 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 46 pages
Date: 2021-07
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-exp, nep-isf and nep-lma
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Published - published in: PLoS ONE, 2022, 18 (4), e0283280

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Related works:
Working Paper: Costly Mistakes: Why and When Spelling Errors in Resumes Jeopardise Interview Chances (2021)
Working Paper: Costly Mistakes: Why and When Spelling Errors in Resumes Jeopardise Interview Chances (2021)
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