If you write "a international organization" instead of "an international" in a cover letter, will it matter?

Question

I noticed that Word cut off the last letter after I submitted the cover letter (via a website). No way of chaning it now.

What meaning does it take then with the "a" instead of "an". Ah, hopefully they won't cross my name off their list for this little mistake =\

Answer 1

It is quite possible that it could make a difference in whether or not you obtain the position. As a Recruiter, I take spelling and grammar very seriously when reviewing applications. (Not always so when answering and asking Q&A's - LOL). I do consider, however, that responding to applications via a website where one must type everything in as opposed to cutting and pasting or attaching a resume, can account for an error or two and I can live with that. If it is for an administrative position or the like, if there is anyway you can edit your cover letter, try and do so. It would most definitely be in your best interest. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

That's a subjective point only for the reason it depends on who is writing it and for what medium -- that is, if you are a graduate student, I would say, yes this will matter perhaps. If it is a hot commodity job, yes this will matter maybe. If you are an attorney, yes this will matter maybe as well.

If you are an editor, then definitely !

It also depends on where it occurred in the text. If it is an error happening where there has already preceded reams of writing and copy, it could may readily be overlooked relative to the volume: herein a miss would be understandable.

In short, I say -- maybe -- perhaps.

Such errors are claimed to be objective in context of editorial skills in the Schools, but even there, there is a subjective quality involved because if a writing is very good, such an error is considered quite tenable from the standpoint your writing will have already shown that you know mechanics, grammar and syntax, and so the reviewer will see that this is merely human error that goes down as a mere given probability...

I would be most careful, however, as I say regarding job searches. Here, the reviewer may assess that you did not hold your effort and theirs as important enough to warrant greater scrutiny before submission. That may smack of laziness to them or worst, incompetence: Consider: a typo in one context, could as well be a major break in another context...say, a billion-dollar deal that depends on that someone employee getting all the twists and turns of the deal down just right or else your employer, say, a corporate stock investor, doesn't make it to the projected quarterly earnings rating it sought on the NASDAQ -- see?

A word, a number, a measurement -- all and any can have marked effect on an outcome. As to the question ' will ' it matter? well, that is what I speak about wherein the 'subjective' aspect comes to bear. You cannot quite know for sure...

Answer 3

Morning when writing a cover letter or asking questions you should always re read what you have written and correct all mistakes ..ie..chaning >changing , before pressing the send button. It show's you take pride in your work and show's a full grasp of the English language. This little error should not matter it could get over looked , depends on the reader and his standards. Just remember today and it will be a lessoned learned if any thing.
regards LS

Answer 4

Yes...it shows your grammatical skills are a little slack. Why worry though...it seems that everyone has spelling mistakes and grammar errors in "things" they write. A prospective employer may just overlook it...hopefully!

Answer 5

Don't fret. I got a job once even after a misspelling was found by the Executive Director during my interview. Very embarrassing.

Answer 6

Yeah, as it changes the meaning.