should sloppy writing be a deal-breaker when hiring?

A reader writes:

I’m getting a lot of applicants for jobs like welders, electricians, etc. These resumes tend to have more mistakes (think grammar and spelling errors). I’m having a hard time figuring out if a candidate’s attention to detail on the application is actually a reflection of their ability to do a good job in these jobs. I’m interested in hearing your opinions because for other positions (like admin or office) I would strongly consider the attention to detail.

I answer this question — and two others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here.

Other questions I’m answering there today include:

• What should I tell a student employee who asks why someone left?
• Is “thanks in advance” rude?

The post should sloppy writing be a deal-breaker when hiring? appeared first on Ask a Manager.

View the full article