periods

Terminal punctuation in resume writing refers to the use of periods at the end of sentences or phrases in bullet points and other descriptive sections. For example, a bullet point might read, “Managed a team of five sales representatives.” or “Managed a team of five sales representatives achieving a 15% increase in sales.” The choice between using or omitting the period illustrates the central question regarding this stylistic element.

Consistency and a clean visual presentation are paramount in effective resume writing. A consistent approach to punctuation, whether choosing to use periods or not, contributes to a polished and professional appearance. Historically, complete sentences with terminal punctuation were the standard. However, the modern trend, particularly with the rise of applicant tracking systems (ATS), often favors concise, impactful phrasing, sometimes leading to the omission of terminal punctuation for a more streamlined look. Clarity remains the ultimate goal, and the chosen style should not hinder readability.

Read more

The question of punctuation in resumes, specifically the use of periods, often arises among job seekers. A traditional approach involves using periods after bullet points and at the end of complete sentences within resume sections. For example, a work experience entry might traditionally read: “Managed a team of five. Successfully implemented a new marketing strategy.”

Consistent punctuation contributes to a polished and professional appearance, potentially enhancing readability for recruiters. Historically, formal writing conventions, including sentence-ending punctuation, were strictly adhered to in professional documents like resumes. However, modern resume styles often prioritize conciseness and visual appeal, leading to a shift away from strict adherence to these conventions, particularly with the rise of applicant tracking systems (ATS). Clear and effective communication of skills and experience remains paramount, regardless of the chosen punctuation style.

Read more

Terminal punctuation in resume writing, specifically the use of full stops, is generally considered optional by contemporary career advisors. While some traditional style guides may advocate for their use, the prevailing trend favors a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic that prioritizes readability. For example, omitting periods after bullet points or in short phrases within a skills section creates a visually less cluttered presentation.

This shift away from strict adherence to traditional punctuation rules reflects the evolving nature of job application materials. Resumes are now frequently parsed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) which may not always correctly interpret punctuation marks. Consistency, however, remains crucial. Choosing a style and adhering to it throughout the entire document ensures a professional and polished presentation. This consistent approach contributes to clarity and prevents misinterpretations, whether by a human reader or an ATS.

Read more

Terminal punctuation in resume bullet points is a stylistic choice. Generally, two approaches are common: using periods at the end of each bullet point, particularly for full sentences, and omitting punctuation altogether, especially for short, fragmented phrases. For instance, one might write “Managed a team of five sales representatives, consistently exceeding quarterly targets.” with a period, while “Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite” might stand alone.

Consistent punctuation contributes to a polished and professional image, demonstrating attention to detail. While omitting punctuation can create a more modern, streamlined look, maintaining consistency across the entire document is key. Historically, formal business writing leaned towards using full sentences with terminal punctuation. However, contemporary resumes often favor a concise, less formal style, sometimes omitting periods in bulleted lists for brevity and visual impact.

Read more