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Does this careless resume mistake make me look unqualified?
I recently had an interview for a company and a job that I love. My interviewer was impressed that I had a decade of experience at my last job. Yet I was only in my last job for two years, not ten — I totally missed that my resume had a typo in the date section! I pointed it out and spoke highly of my experience there, but it felt like the interviewer was not as impressed.
I'm a firm believer that the work you do is much more important than how long you've been at a job. Yet based on how my interviewer reacted after I pointed out my typo, I'm not sure he thinks the same. Has this mistake made me look unqualified?
Brianne Stanley
Teacher, Writer & Editor
123
09/26/20 at 8:07AM UTC
Your qualification depends on a couple of factors. Does this position require more than 2 years of experience in the related field? Is this a company that is detail oriented or big picture oriented? Is this a company that is more professional or more laid back? Yeah, this is a mistake that could set you back a bit, but the fact that you caught it and made sure to note it has some value. Interviews can be subjective and its possible that your interviewer could have decided that you are not qualified or that your good character shone through. Either way, fix the typo! Learn from this and move on. You know your worth!
Farah BajwaManager | Mentor | Consultant | Coach
340
09/01/20 at 2:05AM UTC
Mistakes happen; we're human. People see the world through their own filters. One interviewer might see it as you were trying to exaggerate. I would see it as someone who is honest, forthcoming, and takes responsibility for their errors. You did your best to immediately rectify the issue so let it be. If you believe in a higher power then trust whatever the outcome will be in your best interest whether you see it immediately or later down the road.
Suzanne TaylorCareer Consultant // Higher Ed Expert
92
08/31/20 at 3:30PM UTC
Catherine is right - years of experience are often a minimum requirement, so he may have thought you tried to game your way in by exaggerating years of experience.
I want to affirm that you did the right thing by owning up to your mistake. Even if it negatively impacted your candidacy, it's much better to be truthful during the hiring process vs. an employer finding out you lied later - and firing you.
Catherine MohanInternal Tools & Integrations Developer
176
08/28/20 at 9:08PM UTC
It only makes you unqualified if the job requires more than two years of experience and even then, years of experience are not always a good measurement of capability. But if the job requires 10 years of experience and that's what the recruiter is expecting, finding out that's not the case is going to be disappointing for them. Even if the job doesn't require 10 years of experience, that recruiter is still probably disappointed that it was a typo so you may not be able to convince them to give you a chance. If so, fix the typo and move on.
Shanita TaylorAuthor, Leadership Certified & Life Coach
542
08/28/20 at 9:05PM UTC
Hello, a simple mistake on a resume does not determine if one is capable of doing his or her job. it does not mean you are not qualified. Although if applying for certain jobs and there are to many mistakes, i would be concern. For instance, applying for a job in accounting or a a secretary, or someone who is responsible for the output of daily emails, memos, or SOP's for the organization. Always remember to run a spell check or get a friend or family member to check for you. When in doubt use gramma software as an alternative.
Sweet Caroline
4.25k
08/28/20 at 8:51PM UTC
To answer your question, yes this makes you seem clueless and unqualified for many roles. Pick yourself up and dust yourself off and move on to the next thing. Have a friend review your resume for errors.
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