When you’re writing an application, you want to get every minor detail right. So, let’s start with the basics: How do you spell “resume” correctly?
Chances are, you’ve seen a few variations of this noun. Don’t let the selection of options spook you. In the following guide, we will take a look at the right way to spell this word, how you can decide which option suits your needs, and when and where to use those pesky accents.
What does resume mean?
First up, let’s talk about the etymology of resume. It’s older than you might imagine. This French word — originally derived from the Latin — dates all the way back to 1804. The original definition of the word is "a summary, summing up, recapitulation”. However, it wasn’t used in direct connection with a person’s career until more than 100 years later, in the 1940s.
Fast-forward to today, and the word resume is used for a document that sums up your work experience, skills, and expertise. When you are applying for jobs, the first step in the process is creating a stellar resume that helps you to stand out from other candidates.
Why is it called a resume?
There are many words we could use to describe this document. So you might be wondering why “resume” took off. The reason is simple. If we look back at the original meaning of the word, it describes exactly what your resume should do. This one or two-page document is a summary of your professional experience to date as well as the talents and skills you have honed.
How to spell resume in English
Understanding how to spell “resume” is a must when you are applying for jobs. You don't want to make any silly mistakes that will impact your chances of landing a job interview. The basic spelling of the word is what we are using throughout this guide: resume.
Expert Tip
Resume vs. resume: What is the difference?
The word “resume” is a homonym. That means that it is spelled the same way as a different word that has a different meaning. Here are the two versions of “resume” that you might have come across, according to Oxford Languages:
Resume (verb) —“begin again or continue after a pause or interruption”
Resume (noun) — ”a brief account of a person's education, qualifications, and previous occupations, typically sent with a job application; a CV”
The spelling is relatively straightforward. However, some confusion comes into play when it comes to the accents. Since the word comes from the French language, it has accents in it. Some people disagree about whether you should use accents over the “e” letters or not.
How to spell resume with accents
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the three possible spellings of the word. Here’s a breakdown of how you might use the accents in your spelling:
“Resume”. Clean and simple spelling without any accents at all. This is the spelling that you likely see most often. While many people do use the accents, it has become more popular to omit them completely. This also helps when it comes to readability.
“Résumé”. This is the French spelling of the word “resume” and is technically the version that is grammatically correct. Since North America has borrowed the word from French, this spelling pays homage to the origins of the noun.
“Resumé”. Can’t decide between the two options? Some candidates choose to use the “resumé” spelling instead. This version of the word toes the line between the two spellings that we have already covered above.
You won’t get penalized for using any of the above spellings of resume. The truth is that the jury’s still out on which one is correct. When you look at the dictionary spellings of this word, you will find that there are major differences, depending on which you happen to consult.
Both the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary and Merriam Webster’s Dictionary agree that all three versions of “resume” can be used. That means that you can use the three spellings interchangeably. However, it's worth noting that the Cambridge Dictionary only lists the “resume” and “résumé” spellings of this word, completely ignoring the less popular “resumé” option.
Does it matter how you spell resume?
The short answer is… maybe. When you are looking for a new role, you want to put yourself in the best possible position. That means making sure that you dot the i's and cross the t's. When the hiring manager looks at your resume, you don’t want to give them any reason to reject it.
While the spelling of the word resume is unlikely to disqualify you from a position, it may tell the hiring manager what type of candidate you are. For example, using the formal “résumé” could suggest that you are an academic or extremely professional applicant. With that in mind, you may want to save this spelling for applications that demand this type of approach specifically.
When you are opting for more modern roles, it could be better to use the standard “resume” spelling. This option looks more contemporary and has the bonus of being easy to read on the page. Whenever you are creating an application, you need to ensure it’s easy to scan. Choosing this particular option may be the right way to go if you want to win over the hiring manager.
Expert Tip
The choice is 100% yours!
While we have offered some guidance on which spelling of “resume” to use here, it’s important to remember that the choice is ultimately yours. Consider how you want to position yourself as a candidate and what version works best for your upcoming applications.
Tips on choosing the correct spelling
Not sure which version of “resume” to use on your next application? If you are finding it hard to make your decision, here are some tips you can use to help you along the way.
Check the job advert. If in doubt, you should always go back to the original job advert. What form of the word “resume” does the poster use? You can cleverly align yourself with the employer by using the same spelling that they prefer.
Consider your status. As we have covered above, the various spellings of “resume” may say different things about your level of professionalism. When you are trying to decide which to choose, think about what you want to tell the reader about yourself.
If in doubt, use “resume”. If you are not certain which one is right for your application, we recommend using “resume” as standard. This version of the noun is becoming more popular, and will in no way put employers off when they look at your document.
What can replace “resume”?
When applying for jobs in the United States, “resume” is the word that we use for this standard document. However, there are two exceptions that you need to be aware of.
The first is if you are writing an academic application, for a programme or scholarship. In this instance, you might use a “curriculum vitae” — or a CV, for short.
Similarly, if you are applying for jobs in Europe, you may also choose to use the CV acronym. CV is the more common name for “resume” when you are dealing with these countries.
The takeaway
In summary, there are three different ways you can spell this word and which you choose will depend on a few circumstances. If you’re writing a standard application and don’t want to cause any confusion, it’s smart to use the simplified form of the word, which is “resume”.
Ready to start applying for jobs! Make sure your resume hits the mark by using our free resume review from our team of trusted experts today. If you want to get ahead of the competition and get hired faster than ever before, this tool is the key to your success.
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Written by
Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer, Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer
Charlotte Grainger is a freelance writer living and working in Sheffield, UK. She has a passion for career development and loves sharing tips and advice. Follow her on Twitter
