Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/245665 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 14614
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
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%).
Subjects: 
resumes
signalling
hiring experiments
spelling errors
JEL: 
C91
I21
J24
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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