I was catching up on some recent articles regarding design/business/productivity and came across one from Webdesignerdepot regarding mistakes to avoid making when applying for a job. Normally most things in articles like this are “duh” kind of points that most experienced people in the industry already know but we still read the article as a matter of courtesy. In this case, however, in this case, one of the points is just plain WRONG.

Here it is:

Mistake to Avoid: Correct the client’s spelling or grammar

So you really want this jop but there is one glaring detail that doesn’t sit right with you: the job posting contains a noticeable typo.

Many of the people who apply for this job may not even notice it and the rest will just ignore it, but you are serious about your work. You have to let the client know that about you. Nothing like buffing a client’s ego.

The thinking behind it: You may think it helps you come off as serious. You may even think the error was a ‘red herring’ that was meant for you to catch. Chances are it is not and you are more likely to come off as egotistical.

What you are telling the client: I am going to be the annoying ‘grammar police’ guy around the office or in email correspondence. Something few freelancers will consider is that some people who hire writers might be doing it because they have no interest in writing for themselves. They aren’t hiring you to nitpick their writing (unless it’s an editing job).

Are you serious? The commentary should say:

What are you telling the client: <BZZZZ><CLICK><BEGIN_TRANSMISSION> Hi, I am a drone. I will back you up on everything you say regardless of how outrageously ludicrous it could be so don’t EVER expect me to actually contribute anything positive to the organization because I’m not going to speak up, I’ll just back you on whatever you say, write, do, etc.

This is the mentality of the 1950′s. Show up to work, do your job, don’t speak up, just do as you’re told. We’re in the 21st century now and employers want warm, cognitive individuals who contribute to the way of thinking of the organizations. They want people who think, not just “yes”-men and women who will just agree to everything regardless of the subject matter just because it came from “up above”. As if “up above” in the organization literally means that other “up above” place where divine inspiration is sent.

Effective and VALUABLE employees in today’s age are those who will express their views even if they oppose the initial thought and direction of the company. It’s not egotistical, it’s not betraying the company, it’s not “rocking the boat”. It’s simply bringing out discussion to review ideas and positions to ensure that the best decision is being made. There’s a difference between presenting ideas and once the final decision has been made adopting it and implementing it regardless of whether you accept it or not; and just simply refusing to accept and adopt an idea or standard of the company.

Correcting a spelling mistake does not say “I’m a rude jerk”. It says, “I will be there to back you and the company and ensure that we present the best ourselves in the best light, in accordance with the overall mission of the organization.”

If you see a mistake on an add, don’t perpetuate the mistake in your communication with the company. It’s that sort of mentality that has landed us in the economical predicament we’re in now. Too many people just “going along for the ride” in the corporate environment. Don’t walk in to the interview and immediately point out that a mistake was made. Most likely it will never even come up during the course of the interview, but if it does, politely explain that you felt like the original copy may have had a mistake and you took the liberty to correct it in the documents you are submitting.

You may be sitting in front of a jerk that will take personal offense to what you have done, as if you’re making a personal attack. If so, that’s ok, I mean, would you really be happy working for someone like that in the long run anyway?