There are many opportunities to make a mistake on a job application, whether you misspell the hiring manager's name, mix up the names of your previous supervisors or accidentally transpose numbers on your mailing address. Luckily, one simple mistake doesn't have to destroy your chances of landing a great job. Take a look at how to correct any mistakes, even after you submit an application.
Stop Stressing
First, stop stressing over the mistake. The good news is you found out about the error on your job application fairly early in the process. That gives you a chance to correct it. Everyone makes mistakes, even a hiring manager, who should understand if you make a small oversight. Once you realize your mistake, you have an opportunity to turn a disadvantage into an advantage by making positive light of it.
After you stop stressing and correct the problem on your job application, let it go. Typos on your vital documents can show you have a lack of motivation or attention to detail. However, the hiring manager may recognize you put in effort to correct the error and are a hard worker who is trying to make a great first impression.
Contact the Right Person
See if you can find the person in HR who plans on reviewing your job application. Contact that person, via email or phone, to send an updated resume or application. You can say something about how you have an update for your application. If you cannot find a hiring manager, send your new application to the HR office or whatever department handles the initial hiring process.
Send a Quick Note
Sending a quick note, no matter how far along you are in the job application process, does a few things. A note creates an electronic trail that shows you tried to correct the error in a respectful way. Hiring managers may feel a sense of respect for someone who admits an honest mistake and then tries to correct it as soon as possible. Chances are good that you may make a mistake at some point in your career, and how you deal with that error shows a lot about your character.
A short note does not put a lot of emphasis on the error itself, but rather says how you are going to fix things. You could say, "May I send you my updated information as soon as possible?" You might go ahead and send an attachment at the end of your note saying, "Please find attached my updated information in Microsoft Word format."
Once the hiring manager has your updated files, it's up to the manager to decide if you have the qualifications, skills and experience to handle the job.
Your job application represents the first impression you make with an employer. Even if you notice a mistake on it, your response to the error speaks a lot to how you handle high-pressure situations. Have you had this type of problem happen to you?
Photo courtesy of aapkacareer.com at Flickr.com
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