Should I write a resume in third person?

Category: careers resume writing and advice
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Answer: In short, you don't always have to write your CV in the third person – both the first and the third are acceptable. However, the secret to great CV writing is removing the use of pronouns entirely; you don't need to use 'I', 'he' or 'she' because its use is implied.



Correspondingly, should a resume be in first or third person?

Your resume should never be written in third person. Use first person, but leave out the pronoun “I.” For example, if you're an administrative assistant, instead of saying “I coordinated travel for senior leadership,” simply say “Coordinated travel for senior leadership.”

Likewise, what point of view should a resume be in? Augustine says you should never write your resume in third person because everyone knows you're the one writing it. Instead, you should write it in first person, and do not include pronouns.

Similarly one may ask, can a resume be written in third person?

Resumes should never be written in third person. Use first person and choose the present or past tense to showcase the most important and relevant information to your employment goals.

Should you use personal pronouns in a resume?

DON'T use personal pronouns or articles ("I" or "me"). A resume should be written in a telegraphic way, omitting personal pronouns and limiting articles.

30 Related Question Answers Found

Should I write my resume in past or present tense?

It's simple: If you're employed and writing about the responsibilities and accomplishments in your present job, use the present tense. If you're writing about a past job, use past tense.

What do employers look for in a CV?

Employers want to see your current role at the top of your CV to work out what skills you've been using most recently. Explain why you made the move and what skills you are leaning in your current job that could be useful in your new position.

Should you say I in a resume?

Use of first person and possessive pronouns. The words "I", "me", "my", "mine", or "our" should never, ever appear in a resume. Instead of making empty claims to demonstrate your work ethic, use brief, specific examples to demonstrate your skills.

How many pages should a CV be?

You've probably been told not to exceed two pages. However, there is no set limit. As a guideline: a one page CV is normally enough for a graduate or someone with a limited career history. A two-three page CV is about average length.

How do I write a good CV?


Here's how to write a CV:
  1. Make sure you know when to use a CV.
  2. Pick the best CV format.
  3. Add your contact information the right way.
  4. Start with a CV personal profile (CV summary or CV objective)
  5. List your relevant work experience & key achievements.
  6. Build your CV education section correctly.

Should a CV include all work history?

You don't necessarily need to list every job you've had on your resume. In fact, if you've been in the workforce several years, many career experts advise listing only your most recent employers or including just the positions relevant to the job you're applying for.

Should you use first person in a CV?

It is acceptable to write your CV in both first person and third person. However, we recommend writing your CV in what is called absent first person, which means eliminating pronouns altogether. The logic behind that is that the 'I' or 'he/she' is not needed because it is implied that your CV is about you.

What is the resume format?

The chronological format is the most recognizable and traditional format for resumes. It is preferred by most recruiters and hiring managers because it requires less guesswork than other resume formats. In a chronological resume, your experience is laid out in a manner that is familiar and easy to understand.

How do you talk in 3rd person?

The third-person point of view belongs to the person (or people) being talked about. The third-person pronouns include he, him, his, himself, she, her, hers, herself, it, its, itself, they, them, their, theirs, and themselves.

What skills should I list on my resume?


Some important types of skills to cover on a resume include:
  • Active Listening.
  • Communication.
  • Computer Skills.
  • Customer Service.
  • Interpersonal Skills.
  • Leadership.
  • Management Skills.
  • Problem-Solving.

How do you write a personal profile on a CV?

Top tips for writing a CV personal profile
  1. Keep it brief. While there is no definitive number of words that this should be, your CV should be no longer than two pages, which means just a few sentences or a short paragraph to introduce yourself is plenty.
  2. Focus on professional experience.
  3. Use facts and figures.
  4. Proofread.

Do you write a personal statement in first person?

The first person is acceptable for a statement, such as 'I am an IT professional looking for a job in…', as is the third person, for example, 'An IT professional looking for a job in…' Choose the point of view that is most comfortable to write in, but, as always, keep it consistent with the rest of your CV.

Should I put my date of birth on my CV?

Date of birth
You may include your birth date if you wish. However, it is no longer necessary since the Equality Act of 2010 makes age discrimination illegal in the recruitment process. If you're having issues getting interviews, try removing it from your CV to see if it has a positive impact.

What is first person writing?

Writing in first person means writing from the author's point of view or perspective. This point of view is used for autobiographical writing as well as narrative.

What is the difference between CV and resume?


A resume is a brief summary of your skills and experience over one or two pages, a CV is more detailed and can stretch well beyond two pages. The resume will be tailored to each position whereas the CV will stay put and any changes will be in the cover letter.

How do you begin a cover letter?

How to start a cover letter
  1. Convey enthusiasm for the company.
  2. Highlight a mutual connection.
  3. Lead with an impressive accomplishment.
  4. Bring up something newsworthy.
  5. Express passion for what you do.
  6. Tell a creative story.
  7. Start with a belief statement.

What do you write in the summary of a resume?

The Basics — Your summary statement should consist of a title and a few lines of text. The text can be in paragraph form and/or use bullets. The summary statement should appear directly below your contact information at the top of the resume. and should reflect a general (or specific) idea of your career goals.