Resume Basics – Punctuation
Crafting a well-organized and professional resume is essential to make a strong first impression on potential employers or the human resources department. Ensuring that you are following local English language grammar conventions in your written communication is key in any job search.
Here is a list of basic punctuation tips to ensure your resume is clear, polished, and error-free:
1. Consistency:
The most important advice regarding punctuation in a resume is to maintain a consistent punctuation style throughout your resume. If you use a certain punctuation mark (such as a period or comma) in a specific way, keep that style uniform across the document.
2. Periods (Full Stops):
Use periods at the end of each sentence or bullet point that presents a complete thought. Avoid using periods in header sections like your name or contact information.
3. Commas:
Use commas to separate items in a list, to set off introductory phrases, and to separate clauses in a sentence. Be careful not to overuse commas, as this can make your sentences feel cluttered.
4. Colons:
Use colons to introduce lists or explanations. For instance, you can use a colon before a bullet-point list of skills or achievements.
5. Semicolons:
Use semicolons to connect two related but independent clauses within the same sentence. This can help to show a stronger relationship between the ideas than a period would.
6. Apostrophes:
Feel free to use apostrophes to indicate possession (e.g., “John’s achievements”) however we would suggest not using them for contract words (e.g., “it’s” for “it is” or “they’re” for “they are”), as this appears a little less polished. Avoid using apostrophes for plurals.
7. Quotation Marks:
Use quotation marks to enclose direct quotes, titles of short works (like articles or short stories), and to indicate a term used in a special way. Keep in mind that different style guides have specific rules for when to use single vs. double quotation marks.
8. Dashes:
Use dashes (–) to indicate ranges (e.g., “2019–2021”) and ensure that the spacing around the dashes is consistent throughout your entire resume.
9. Hyphens:
Use hyphens to link compound words (e.g., “well-known,” “user-friendly”) and to clarify word combinations. They prevent confusion and help the reader understand the intended meaning.
10. Ellipses:
Use ellipses (…) to indicate omitted words or pauses in quotes or text. Be cautious not to overuse ellipses, as they can sometimes create confusion or ambiguity.
11. Bullet Points:
Begin each bullet point with a capital letter and end with a period only if the point is a complete sentence. If the bullet point is a fragment, use no ending punctuation.
12. Capitalization:
Begin sentences and proper nouns (names, places, companies) with capital letters. Keep consistent capitalization in headings and subheadings. See our Resume Basics blog on Capitalization for more detailed information on this topic.
13. Exclamation Marks:
Use exclamation marks very sparingly and primarily in instances where excitement or strong emphasis is appropriate. Overusing them can make your content seem less professional.
14. Parentheses:
Use parentheses to enclose supplementary or explanatory information within a sentence. Keep in mind that the main sentence should still make sense without the content within the parentheses.
15. Avoid Over-Punctuation:
Don’t clutter your resume with excessive punctuation. Keep your writing clear, concise, and easy to read.
16. Proofreading:
Before submitting your resume, carefully proofread for punctuation errors, consistency and typos. It is a good idea to read your resume out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or punctuation mistakes.
Remember, a well-punctuated resume reflects your attention to detail and professionalism and this can make the difference between your resume getting a thorough look or not. Following these basic punctuation tips will help ensure your resume appears polished and communicates your qualifications effectively to help you secure an interview.