Punctuation, specifically the use of terminal punctuation (periods, question marks, and exclamation points) in resumes, can be a point of contention. Traditionally, complete sentences within resume sections like the professional experience summary or individual job descriptions ended with periods. For instance, a bullet point might have read: “Managed a team of five sales representatives. Exceeded quarterly sales goals by 15%.”
Consistent punctuation demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, qualities highly valued by potential employers. However, in contemporary resume writing, the trend leans toward omitting terminal punctuation in favor of a more concise, visually scannable format. This shift acknowledges the rapid pace at which recruiters review applications, prioritizing clear and quickly digestible information. While traditional grammar rules emphasize the importance of punctuation, modern resume best practices often prioritize brevity and impactful presentation. Removing periods, while grammatically unconventional in other contexts, can create a cleaner, more modern aesthetic and allow for quicker comprehension of key skills and accomplishments.
