Pongo Resume

The short answer is: maybe.

Ask all your favorite career experts that question and some would tell you to send a new resume, while others would tell you not to worry about it. What it really boils down to is whether the hiring manager is likely to notice the typo, and whether they'll care if they do. And that largely depends on how good your resume is overall, along with the kind of job you're seeking.

Most career advisers (us included) will tell you that one of the fastest ways for your resume to end up in the "no" pile is to send it with a typo. But we're human and we make mistakes. There are just as many typo-ridden resumes out there as there are error-free. So if you send your seemingly perfect resume to an employer, only to notice a typo or two later, don't stress. An informal poll of fellow bloggers shows that 2 out of 3 of us have actually been hired for jobs despite typos in our resumes—and we're writers!

Here are some tips to help you decide which action is right for you.

The "Yes" Side

If your targeted job depends on perfect grammar and spelling (think proofreaders, writers, marketing professionals, administrative assistants, etc.) then you definitely need to follow up with an updated resume. But you'll want to approach the issue carefully. You know what and where the typo is, but the employer may not if you catch it soon enough.

Here's an idea of how to send a new resume without calling attention to the error:

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]:

Here is an updated copy of the resume I sent you last [day of week], expressing my interest in [job title]. Please refer to this version when you review my qualifications for the job.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

The "No" Side

Here are some thoughts on why not sending an updated resume might be the right choice:

1. The hiring manager might not notice the typo in the first place.
2. If they do notice it, they still might call you in for an interview (if perfect spelling is not a requirement for the job).
3. If they notice the error and toss you in the "no" pile, sending a new resume won't help you any. (The pessimist's perspective.)

All in all, use your best judgment. A little typo should never overshadow a candidate's experience and qualifications to do the job (unless you fit one of the communications professions listed above). If you're on the fence, there's no harm in sending an updated, error-free resume as long as you don't call attention to what has changed between versions.

But the best thing you can do for yourself is proofread, proofread, and proofread some more before you submit your resume so you can avoid this dilemma!

Have you ever sent a resume with a typo, only to realize it when it was too late? What happened?

RELATED LINKS
Top 100 Misspelled Words in Resumes
How Do YOU Spell Resume?
Quiz: Are You Smarter Than a Spell Checker?
The No-Excuses Way to Submit an Error-Free Resume

I sent a resume for a writing position, only to find 2 spelling errors after submitting it! This perfectionist is NOT happy! I spoke to the hiring manager on Monday, and she said she would be making a hard copy of it. Is it even worth resending 3 days later? And should I admit my mistakes?

Brianna's advice is totally on the mark. Rather than worry about the 'resume', job-seekers should work on polishing their interview skills.

Prepare, Practice, Perfect your interview performance via rehearsal. YouTube has several (free) commercial quality as well as great amateur-produced job-interview help videos (search YouTube, keyword 'job interview')

All will agree that great resumes leads to job interviews; interviews lead to job offers. While putting first-things-first, remember the intended order of things. Bottom-line: Submit your best resume to prospective employers; Polish your interview skills.

If possible get an outside set of eyes or a Professional grammar editor to proofread your resume before you resend it. We only see typos after we have sent / posted the material we have worked on. This would help you present your best face to the world as they would correct all the misspelled words and awkward phrases.

You may resend it but make sure that there are no typos in the second version or you will lose your chance.

I sent a resume with the wrong ending date on one of my jobs that gives the appearance of three years in between jobs. Should have been Oct 92 to June 96, not June 93. Should I resend in that case?! No, it's not for a writing position.

Thanks, -Scott

Hi Scott,

Sorry for the delayed response. You could do one of three things:

1. Fix the error and resend the entire resume. 2. Send the hiring manager an e-mail, saying something like "I submitted my resume on [date] but realized shortly after that I included the wrong date for one of my past jobs. The correct information is: [insert info]. 3. Just let it be and see if they call you anyway.

I'm sorry to say there's no right or wrong in this case. Go with your gut.

In my opinion, you should admit the error and send a new resume. This is your first impression on a new employer, your introduction. If there is an error, whether a typo or factual, it will serve you better to admit it and fix it. As a public relations practitioner and a hiring manager, I would rather know that you realized the error and took the time to correct it than have you think I wouldn't notice it. If that's how you are with your own information, how can I trust you with assignments on behalf of our clients?

I just finished applying to my dream job earlier to be a Strategic Consultant. After I sent it I notice one small spelling mistake on my resume, I spelled "literature" as "liturature" and got seriously mad at myself. I want this job!! I immediately corrected the error and e-mail them 2 hours later basically saying I noticed one spelling error that I would be remiss if I didn't correct it immediately. Please disregard the earlier copy of the resume. My experience is absolutely perfect for the job. I just hope that they see a good judge of character in what I did and don't hold it against me. Still, I'm super worried. I want that job!!

I am a perfectionist so I am almost in tears because of my stupid mistake! I just sent my resume, which was fine, but later talking with my husband I called the organization by the wrong name "Flyers" for "Fielders" and then I went cold. I checked my sent email and realized in my cover letter that I did indeed call them the Flyers, instead of the Fielders. Should I change it and resend as if I didn't realize it went through twice and hope they only look at the latest one?

I just submitted the perfect resume and cover letter to a job that I am perfect for only to attach it to an email that had a type on the first line. It read "Attached please consider the attached cover letter and resume as an application for..." should I send some sort of apology email begging them not to dismiss my application?

i didnt have any spelling errors on my resume but when i sent the email i had a typo, should i correct it or just leave it as it is? "I would like to express my interest in the administrative assistant position as found on craigslist. As see on my resume, I have developed qualities such as word, excel, outlook,Photoshop and as well as phone skills. Thank you for your time and consideration, I hope to hear back from you soon."

I would suggest resending the email and resume to the employer, even though it is a small typo and may not be seen by the employer. In this situation, you can reword the body of the email, saying something along the lines of “I recently sent you my resume on (date) and wanted to make sure that you received it. I would like to reiterate that I have an interest in the administrative position that was listed on Craigslist…” and then write about the computer skills that you listed in the original as well. That will fix the typo, as well as show interest and dedication in the position by sending a second email and resume to them.

Hope this helps!

Cassi

I sent a couple cover letters to marketing positions with a mention of my person blog (I give job hunting advice. I know. I know. It's ironic.). When I was posting for today I had noticed a grammatical error in my last entry. Do you think this is gonna sink me since my CV and resume were error free? My blog isn't a requirement for the job but I did want to show my diversification and how "hip" I am.

I sent a couple cover letters to marketing positions with a mention of my person blog (I give job hunting advice. I know. I know. It's ironic.). When I was posting for today I had noticed a grammatical error in my last entry. Do you think this is gonna sink me since my CV and resume were error free? My blog isn't a requirement for the job but I did want to show my diversification and how "hip" I am.

@Lindsay We are only human. I would not stress too much over it because there are spelling mistakes on a lot of resume and if the employer is looking at your Blog to get more information on you then this is a good thing. It means that you are a worthy enough candidate to look more into and at this point