More than three-quarters of employers would be put off a job candidate by poor spelling or grammar, a survey has found.
A study by Hertfordshire University of 515 companies found bad English alienated 77% firms surveyed.
The biggest draw for potential employers was relevant work experience, mentioned by 46%, followed by a “good work ethic” (43%).
Just a quarter (24%) of employers said they were interested in a candidate’s class of degree and 14% in the reputation of the university they had attended.
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Research from the CBI earlier this year indicated that 42% are unhappy with the basic skills of those applying for jobs. Even graduates are writing illiterate memos and are in need of constant supervision, employers report.
Anusha Everson, the university’s director for graduate employment, said: “It’s clear that gaining real-life work experience as part of your course, or on your own initiative, is an absolutely key requirement for students getting ready to go to university this September.”
