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

Author

Listed:
  • Philippe Sterkens
  • Ralf Caers
  • Marijke De Couck
  • Victor Van Driessche
  • Michael Geamanu
  • Stijn Baert

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%).

Suggested Citation

  • Philippe Sterkens & Ralf Caers & Marijke De Couck & Victor Van Driessche & Michael Geamanu & Stijn Baert, 2023. "Costly mistakes: Why and when spelling errors in resumes jeopardise interview chances," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(4), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0283280
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283280
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    Cited by:

    1. Moens, Eline & De Pessemier, Dyllis & Baert, Stijn, 2025. "How do recruiters assess applicants who express a political engagement?," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).
    2. Štěpán Mikula & Josef Montag, 2022. "Roma and Bureaucrats: A Field Experiment in the Czech Republic," MUNI ECON Working Papers 2022-01, Masaryk University, revised Feb 2023.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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