The correct spelling of the document summarizing professional experience often causes confusion. While several variations exist, the most widely accepted spelling in modern professional contexts, particularly for U.S. applications and digital submissions, is simply “resume” without any accent marks. This simplified approach streamlines communication and aligns with contemporary business standards.
The Accepted Modern Spelling
The unaccented spelling, “resume,” has become the standard across most corporate communications and digital platforms. This simplification is largely driven by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), automated software programs used to screen and organize applications. Adding accent marks can introduce technical complications, causing the system to misread or skip the document’s file name or content. Using the plain “resume” ensures maximum compatibility and prevents data processing errors during the submission phase.
The History of Accent Marks
The linguistic basis for the varying spellings traces back to the word’s French origin, where it is written as résumé. In French, the word translates directly to “summary,” accurately describing the document’s function. The acute accent marks over the ‘e’s are known as accents aigus and serve a functional purpose by indicating the proper pronunciation. These marks signal that the final ‘e’ should be pronounced.
While résumé is the technically correct historical spelling, its usage in contemporary American English has declined significantly. Many consider the accented version overly formal or archaic outside of specialized academic publishing. The abandonment of the diacritical marks reflects the natural process of English simplifying foreign loanwords.
Proper Usage and Capitalization
When referring to the professional document, the phrase “job resume” is generally considered redundant. The single word “resume” is sufficient and understood in professional contexts, providing a concise and efficient way to communicate. Effective business writing favors direct language, making the one-word noun the preferred choice.
Regarding capitalization, the word should remain lowercase in the body of a sentence, like any common noun. Capitalization is only necessary when the word begins a sentence or is part of a formal title. Examples include document headers, course names like “Resume Writing Workshop,” or article titles.
Common Errors and Plural Forms
Job seekers frequently encounter misspellings that should be avoided in professional correspondence. Common errors include the single-accent version “resumé,” the phonetic approximation “resmay,” and the incorrect double-e ending “resumee.” Careful proofreading prevents these simple errors, which can detract from a polished application.
When referring to multiple documents, the preferred plural form in American English is “resumes.” While the French plural form, résumés, exists, it is rarely used in contemporary business communication. Standardizing on “resumes” maintains the streamlined, unaccented approach favored in the modern digital hiring landscape.