Resume Spelling: To Accent Or Not To Accent

The English language has borrowed extensively from other languages, enriching our communication but also complicating spelling. One such word is “resume,” which can be spelled “résumé,” “resumé,” or simply “resume.”

This article explores when and how to use accents in the word “resume,” the origins of these spellings, and why correct spelling matters in today’s competitive job market.

Key Takeaways

The standard American spelling is “resume,” while accented versions are more prevalent in Canada.
In countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and France, “CV” is commonly used instead of “resume.”
Correct spelling of “resume” is crucial, as some hiring managers may prioritize it, and errors could jeopardize your application.

Resume Spelling: To Accent or Not to Accent

In This Article

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When to Use Accents to Spell Resume
How to Type Resume Accents
What Is a Resume Accent?
The Resume Accent’s Origins
Maximize Your Chances to Leave a Good Impression
Resume Spelling FAQ
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When to Use Accents to Spell Resume

Here are the guidelines to help you quickly determine which form of “resume” to use:

Résumé. This form is acceptable when applying for jobs in Canada. In the United States, it’s less common but still used. In France, use “CV” or “curriculum vitae” instead. The accented form is often preferred in academic or linguistic contexts.
Resumé. This variation is also acceptable in Canada and the U.S., but some recruiters may mistakenly perceive it as a misspelling of “resume.” It can help differentiate it from the verb “resume,” which means to continue after a break.
Resume. If you’re looking for a job in the U.S., opt for this version, as it is the most recognized and practical. Accented forms might seem overly formal in most English-speaking countries.
CV. This term is commonly used in France, the UK, and Australia instead of “resume.” Avoid using it interchangeably in the U.S., where it typically refers to an academic document.

How to Type Resume Accents

Typing accents can be tricky. Here’s how to do it:

Microsoft Word. Use hotkeys or the menus:
1. Select the ‘Insert’ tab.
2. Click on ‘Symbols.’
3. Choose ‘Latin-1 Supplement.’
4. Select the acute accent.
For hotkeys:
1. Hold ‘Control’ key.
2. Press apostrophe key, then type ‘e’.
LibreOffice. Access acute accents similarly:
1. Select ‘Insert’ tab.
2. Click on ‘Symbols.’
3. Find the acute accent.
ASCII. Type the character using its numeric code. For ‘é’, press and hold ‘Alt’ and type ‘130’ on the numeric keypad.
Mac computers. Use the following keys:
1. Hold ‘Option’ + ‘e’ keys.
2. Release ‘Option’ key and hit ‘e’ again.
Google Docs. Insert the accent by:
1. Select ‘Insert’ from the navigation bar.
2. Choose ‘Special Characters’ and then ‘Latin.’
HTML. Type the following: é for ‘é’.
Mobile phones. Hold your finger on the letter for accent options.
Copy and paste method. Copy “resumé” from other sources to use it elsewhere in your document.

When using accented versions, save your resume as a PDF to retain formatting for recruiters.

Regardless of which version you choose, ensure consistency throughout your document to enhance your chances of leaving a good impression.

What Is a Resume Accent?

A resume accent refers to the dash found in two of the three common spellings of “resume”:

Resume. The standard, most recognized spelling.
Resumé. The acute accent over the “e” is pronounced similarly to the word “hey.”
Résumé. This spelling includes acute accents over both “e’s.”

When using accents, ensure correctness to avoid confusion.

The Resume Accent’s Origins

The English term “resume” is derived from the French “résumé,” meaning summary. In the 1940s, Americans adapted it to describe work experience documentation.

In France, “résumé” simply signifies a summary, not a job application document. Instead, you should use “CV” or “curriculum vitae” when applying for jobs there.

In Canada, all three variations (“résumé,” “resumé,” “resume”) are recognized as representations of a skills summary.

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary. All forms are acceptable based on context, but “resumé” is the least common.
Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Suggests the double-accented version, but all forms are valid.
Wiktionary. Advocates for the single-accented version while accepting all forms.
The American Heritage Dictionary. Lists all three forms as equally popular.
Essential American English Dictionary by Cambridge. Mentions “résumé” and “resume” as interchangeable, omitting “resumé.”

Style guides also provide insights:

Chicago Manual of Style. Preserves accents only in borrowed terms.
AP Stylebook. Recommends no accent marks.
New York Times Stylebook. Recommends using the double-accented version.

Maximize Your Chances to Leave a Good Impression

While the spelling of “resume” may seem minor, it can affect your perception by recruiters. Polishing every aspect of your resume is important, as some hiring managers may prioritize spelling and grammar precision.

Ultimately, the resume content and format are more critical than spelling. However, here are tips for choosing the right “resume” spelling:

Follow the company’s lead. If the hiring manager spells “resume” in a certain way, mimic their style in your documents. This includes checking their website or job descriptions.
Be consistent. Stick to one spelling throughout your cover letter, application, and any future correspondence.

Resume Spelling FAQ

How should I spell resume? If you’re applying for a job in the United States, spell “resume” without accents, as this is the expected form.
Why drop the accents on resume? “Resume” is a loan word from French, and as languages evolve, so do their borrowed terms. The original French “résumé” doesn’t have the same meaning in English.
Will ATS pick up on resume accents? Some applicant tracking systems may struggle with accent marks, potentially interpreting them as errors, which could lead to your resume being dismissed before human review.

Optimizing your resume for ATS usually means adhering to the standard spelling.
What if the hiring manager or recruiter spells resume with an accent? If they use “résumé,” it’s best to follow their lead in future communications.
Should I be consistent with how I spell resume? Yes, consistency is crucial. If you opt for accented spelling, maintain it throughout the document.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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