Why Spelling Remains in Style

Back in April, the Brazen Careerist (aka Penelope Trunk) made the assertion that writing without typos is totally outdated. I've been thinking about the post ever since, particularly given that we are living in a shorthand, emoticon-filled world and I am a spelling bee kind of girl.

I agree with Brazen Careerist's assertions that "spellchecker isn't perfect." In my opinion, spell check can also be dangerous if you aren't paying attention: I remember well the laughs that a friend received in college when a rapid paper correction translated her last name from "Borden" to "Bordello." (Fortunately, our Sociology Professor had a great sense of humor.)

A small piece of me that also agrees with the sentiment behind the Brazen Careerist's observation that we don't "have unlimited time, so spend it on ideas, not hyphens." That said, the career counselor in me--the one who has spent the majority of the last decade advising emerging professionals and college students on career-related issues, resumes, and job applications--disagrees.

To me, spelling is as essential as making eye contact when you meet someone new: it's a fundamental part of making a strong impression. When someone looks you in the eye, you know that you have their attention; when you take the time to spell--you show that you care about both the appearance and the content of your information. Good spelling also demonstrates that you are good with details, and that you are paying attention. This builds trust, and increases the likelihood that your ideas will be carefully considered. Bottom line: I'll stick with the timeless assertion that a typo on your resume or cover letter can still--quite possibly--land you in the reject pile.

I know I'm out of sync with many bloggers and members of the court of public opinion--even Verizon directories pronounce "zero" as "O"--and I am doing my best to stay in the game. Unless I'm working with a client, I no longer focus on correcting typos before evaluating what is being said: I am working hard to evaluate ideas before presentation. But I continue to hold my love of spelling close to my heart, and I still answer text messages in longhand.

I hold firm that--in the professional world--spelling is unlikely to go out of style. One of the most-viewed stories in this Sunday's Washington Post: the story of William Glass III, an eighth grader whose attention to grammar wowed judges and the audience of an LG-sponsored national text messaging competition. He didn't win the competition, but his speed, accuracy, and ability to write SMS messages as if he were an "middle-aged technology-clueless English teacher" have certainly garnered him the recognition which will come in handy when it comes to securing his first internship. I rest my case.

Cross Posted at Careers in Context

Comments

[Kelly O]

I completely agree. I went on an interview last week and was asked to take a spelling and grammar assessment. The recruiter was impressed and said "most people don't do that well." That was surprising, particularly considering the company and the type of work they do. I would think projecting a reliable, professional image includes being able to spell and compose a grammatically correct sentence.

[Maureen Sharib]

I agree with you - attention to spelling and grammar gives you a great advantage over the competition who, as the comment before mine just remarked, "most people don't do that well."

Now, here's what I want to know - does that last period go BEFORE or AFTER the ending quotation mark?

;)

[Julie O'Malley, CPRW]

Chandlee,
I'm totally with you. Penelope's always provocative and often right, but I think she was mis-advising people on that one. Typos are perhaps becoming be semi-acceptable in blogs or in casual e-mails, and certainly in text messages, but in resumes, forget it!

I did a quiz called "Are you Smarter Than a Spell Checker?" not too long ago. (Click on my name below if you want to try it). We "spelling bee" types will never be replaced by machines - LOL :)

p.s., @Maureen - The last period definitely goes BEFORE the quotation mark. :) It gets more complicated with other punctuation marks, but you got it right in your comment.

[Maureen Sharib]

Thanks Julie! I've placed it plenty wrong before!

[HR Maven]

Completely AGREE with you. For important things I read word-by-word at least twice - not for flow, but proper work. Had a resume for an individual who worked for the Dept of Pubic Works. Spell check doesn't help in those situations.

Terrific post!
@thehrmaven

[Judy Marston]

Thanks, I feel finally vindicated. As one of those people who sees typo's and grammatical errors as if they were internally highlighted on a page (don't ask me why, I just do), it's nice to know others hold proper spelling in high regard!

JM

[Louise Fletcher]

I SO agree. I even spell correctly and use proper grammar on IM. How anal is that?

[Kelly O]

Louise, I am exactly the same way. Even when I use the text function on my phone, I still spell things out. I get teased pretty mercilessly by some, but it makes me feel better.

[SpellingCity Mayor]

I like the idea of you being a spelling-bee type of gal. Me, I'm the mayor of SpellingCity.com.

And I believe in proper grammar and spelling at the appropriate time. When you're wit the bros in da hood, you can get down.

But when it's important to show a mastery of vocabulary and expression for professional purposes, you need to have the type of precise control over tone and nuance that is only achieved by attention to details including vocabulary and spelling.