At Wizikey, whenever we post a job opening, we’re greeted with an overwhelming response – on average, 575 resumesfor a single role. While it’s exciting to see so much interest, the challenge lies in filtering these applications to find the best fit for our team.

The First Filter: Spelling Mistakes

Our very first filter? Spelling mistakes.

As a company deeply rooted in communications, we understand that most of the work we do is external-facing. Whether you have applied for an engineering role or for customer success. This means attention to detail isn’t just a desirable skill – it’s a necessity. A resume riddled with spelling errors is often a red flag, signalling a lack of care or diligence. Surprisingly, over 30% of resumes don’t make it past this initial check.

Common Resume Mistakes

The most common mistakes we come across include:

• “Roll” instead of “role.” For instance, we often see phrases like, “I excelled in my previous roll as a marketing manager.”
• Misusing “there,” “their,” and “they’re.” These errors, though small, can have a significant impact on how an applicant is perceived.

Why Attention to Detail Matters

Your resume is your first chance to make an impression. With hiring managers scanning through hundreds of applications, even a minor typo can cost you a great opportunity. It might seem harsh, but in a competitive job market, the details matter.

Tips to Avoid Resume Mistakes

Here are a few tips to make your resume error-free and stand out:

1. Proofread Meticulously – Read your resume multiple times to catch errors.
2. Get a Second Opinion – Ask a friend, mentor, or colleague to review your resume for you.
3. Use Tools – Applications like Grammarly can help catch basic errors and improve overall readability.

The Bottom Line

Spelling mistakes may seem trivial, but they’re often indicative of a larger issue: the absence of attention to detail. When applying for a role, especially in fields like communications, remember that your resume is a reflection of your professionalism.

Taking the time to fine-tune your resume could make all the difference.

Share Your Thoughts

What’s the most surprising or common resume mistake you’ve encountered? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to hear them!