Deciding how to write a resume can be confusing, especially when it comes to using first person language or not. Most experts agree that resumes should be written in first person but without using the pronoun “I.” This style sounds professional, highlights skills and achievements, and makes the document more direct and readable for employers.
Readers looking for the best approach may wonder if using first person makes their resume seem less formal or if employers will see it as too casual. The truth is, a resume written in implied first person keeps the tone professional and helps the reader focus on what the job seeker has accomplished. Knowing how to use this style and when to avoid it can make a difference in catching an employer’s attention.
Key Takeaways
- Write resumes in implied first person for clarity and professionalism.
- Employers expect a direct, focused approach without personal pronouns.
- Following best practices helps a resume stand out in today’s job market.
Grasping First Person in Resume Writing
Choosing the right voice for a resume helps job seekers clearly show their achievements and skills. Understanding how first person works in resume writing, standard industry practices, and the difference between first and third person can make resumes more direct, personal, and professional.
Definition of First Person Perspective
The first person perspective refers to writing as if the resume is coming directly from the job seeker’s point of view, using words such as “I” and “my.” In resume writing, the pronoun “I” is rarely written out. Instead, sentences are written in an implied first person style.
For example, instead of saying “She managed a team of five sales associates,” the resume would state, “Managed a team of five sales associates.” This approach makes each bullet point more concise and focused.
Using first person perspective keeps the resume active and targeted. It makes the achievements and responsibilities clearly belong to the job seeker without extra wording. This is now the most accepted way to write effective resumes because it displays ownership of work and highlights experience accurately.
Common Practices in Resume Writing
Modern resumes almost always use implied first person perspective. This means job seekers write statements such as “Created new filing system” instead of “The candidate created a new filing system.” This removes passive language and keeps the focus on action and results.
Experienced career professionals recommend leaving out pronouns like “I,” “me,” or “my” to keep statements sharp. Lists and bullet points are used instead of full sentences. For example, a strong bullet might read:
- Increased social media engagement by 30% through targeted campaigns
Here is a full-length, copy-ready example of a section for a resume using this approach:
Professional Experience
Sales Associate, Maple Electronics, April 2022 – Present
- Assisted over 70 customers daily, ensuring high levels of satisfaction
- Surpassed monthly sales targets for 8 consecutive months
- Trained and mentored three new hires, improving onboarding efficiency
Job seekers who want to stand out can use free tools like RoboApply to build your resume with RoboApply and ensure all details follow modern best practices.
Differences Between First Person and Third Person
First person in resume writing implies that each achievement and responsibility listed belongs to the job seeker. Statements are direct and show accountability. For example:
- Developed onboarding materials for all new staff
- Reduced expenses by 15% through vendor negotiations
Third person, on the other hand, sounds more formal and often creates distance. It uses words like “he,” “she,” or the candidate’s name, for example:
- She developed onboarding materials for all new staff
- John reduced expenses by 15% through vendor negotiations
Industry advice shows that resumes should avoid third person, as it can seem impersonal and outdated. Most hiring managers and recruiters expect implied first person, which keeps the tone active and straightforward. Resources like Indeed and recruiter blogs agree that first person (without pronouns) is best.
Another full-length example resume section highlighting the implied first person approach:
Project Coordinator, Axis Logistics, June 2020 – March 2023
- Coordinated project schedules for five major supply chain contracts
- Led weekly team meetings to track milestones and resolve issues swiftly
- Implemented digital tracking tools, reducing project delays by 20%
By sticking to implied first person, resumes become cleaner and more professional. For those needing help with resume style, formatting, or job search tools, you can optimize your resume and auto-apply to jobs across platforms using RoboApply.
Pros and Cons of Using First Person in a Resume
Choosing to write a resume in first person style impacts how employers interpret job seeker experience and professionalism. While omitting the word “I,” this approach can affect tone, clarity, and how skills are presented during job hunting.
Advantages for Job Seekers
Writing a resume in first person (without using “I”) makes statements feel direct and action-oriented. This removes distance between the applicant and their achievements. For example, instead of “Managed a team of five designers,” a candidate writes “Manage team of five designers,” which sounds active.
This style helps resumes connect skills to personal effort, especially for those with hands-on experience. Recruiters can quickly match job skills to the candidate. The process is even smoother with tools that let users build your resume with RoboApply for smart phrasing and strong, relevant action verbs.
Applicants can better describe achievements, special projects, or leadership results. Using implied first person gives the resume a confident tone and avoids confusion found in more detached styles. This matches common advice from recruiters, who say using implied first person is clearer than writing in third person or using passive language (see details).
Risks and Limitations
One risk is that first person voice, even when implied, can sound subjective or boastful if not careful. Some employers prefer detached, impersonal writing to keep things strictly professional. Including achievements in first person can make claims seem biased rather than objective.
A resume written in first person could appear less formal in some industries. It may also tempt job seekers to use the “I” pronoun, which most career advisors advise against. Automatic grammar checking software may flag implied first person sentences as incomplete or fragmented, which can distract from content.
To address these issues, online resume tools like RoboApply stay within best practices, formatting and scoring resumes for proper tone and professionalism. Maintaining consistency and keeping pronouns out can help keep the document neutral and focused (more info).
Comparing Passive Voice and Active Voice
Active voice shows exactly who is responsible for each action—for example, “Increased sales by 25% in six months.” Passive voice, however, sometimes hides who did the work—“Sales were increased by 25% in six months.”
Employers prefer resumes that use active voice. It shows initiative and achievement, while passive voice can seem weak and lack detail. Using implied first person with active verbs helps job seekers present their best work and fit for the role. This approach also helps automated resume scanners and recruiters quickly see a candidate’s impact.
Many resume builders like RoboApply encourage using strong, action-based language to optimize your resume. Listing results and responsibilities in active voice provides clarity that employers appreciate. It also makes the job applicant’s skills and experiences easier to measure and trust.
Best Practices for Resume Language and Formatting
Clear and effective language helps a resume make a strong first impression. Careful formatting, smart use of tense, and attention to important details like achievements and technical skills will set a candidate apart.
Tense Usage: Present vs. Past
Using the correct verb tense on a resume is important. For current roles or tasks, it is best to use present tense. For example: “manages daily reports” or “lead project meetings.”
For previous jobs or completed activities, use past tense. This might look like: “managed a team of five” or “developed a new filing system.” Following this simple rule keeps writing clean and avoids confusion for hiring managers.
Resumes should avoid first-person pronouns like “I” and “my” to keep descriptions professional and direct. Instead, begin sentences with action verbs. For more details, see advice on first-person and third-person resume writing.
Highlighting Achievements and Awards
Achievements and awards help a candidate stand out from other applicants. It is best to use clear numbers, dates, or short descriptions to give context. For example:
- Increased sales by 15% in 2024
- Named Employee of the Month, March 2023
- Awarded “Best Technical Project” by leadership team
A list can help organize information. Use bullet points to keep it easy to scan. Candidates should focus on the most recent or job-relevant awards and achievements first. This draws attention to the experiences that matter most for the target role.
Showcasing Technical Skills and Past Jobs
Technical skills and experience in past jobs are a main focus for employers. A good system is to create a separate section labeled “Technical Skills” or “Technical Proficiencies.” List tools, software, or programming languages relevant to the job being applied for.
Sample skills section:
| Technical Skills | Experience Level |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | Advanced |
| Python | Intermediate |
| Adobe Photoshop | Advanced |
| SQL | Intermediate |
For job experience, focus on what was done and any results that followed. Start with the most recent position and work backward. When describing past jobs, use clear bullet points and action verbs (e.g., “designed,” “implemented,” “trained”).
Formatting Tips: Font, Font Size, and Columns
The right formatting improves readability and helps a resume pass through automated tracking systems. Use basic, professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Pick a consistent font size—usually between 10-point and 12-point—for both body text and headings.
Avoid using columns if applying through online job boards, as some systems have trouble reading them. Instead, use bold for headings and section names. Keep margins between 0.5 and 1 inch for a clean, balanced look.
Stick to one font throughout the document for a professional appearance. Use white space and bullet points to break up sections and make content easy to scan.
For job seekers who want to create a standout resume, many choose to optimize your resume with platforms like RoboApply, which support strong formatting and content choices.
Alternatives and Supplemental Materials
Alongside a resume, there are other materials that help job seekers present a complete picture to employers. Crafting cover letters, keeping LinkedIn profiles up to date, and managing references with care can all increase the chance of landing interviews.
Crafting Your Cover Letter
A cover letter lets applicants connect their experience directly to the company’s needs. It provides a place to highlight soft skills, fill in gaps, and show genuine interest. Most employers prefer clear, direct language without personal pronouns, just like in a resume. Templates help save time and ensure important points are included.
Sample Cover Letter Template:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express interest in the Customer Service Specialist role at [Company]. With three years of proven experience supporting customers at [Previous Company], strong problem-solving skills, and a passion for helping people, I am confident in my fit for your team.
My previous job required fast responses, multitasking, and adapting to evolving systems. I supported over 70 customers each day and received “Employee of the Month” three times for service excellence. My ability to stay calm under pressure and resolve conflicts efficiently would benefit your company.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills can help your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For those who want extra help, they can use tools like create a professional cover letter for free, which provides tailored letters based on job descriptions.
Integrating LinkedIn Profiles
A LinkedIn profile shows hiring managers an up-to-date work history, skills, endorsements, and recommendations. It acts as an online resume and portfolio, letting candidates share projects, certifications, or links.
To make the most of LinkedIn:
- Use a professional photo and clear headline
- Fill out the About section with a summary of experience
- Add work history, emphasizing results and achievements
- Request endorsements and recommendations from former coworkers or supervisors
- Regularly update skills and certifications
Employers often visit profiles before interviews. Keeping LinkedIn profiles polished and accurate helps reinforce the narrative in the resume and cover letter. A strong online profile also supports efforts to optimize your resume and increase visibility during the job search.
Handling References and Current Employment
References give employers insights into work habits and performance outside the resume. It is best to notify references before listing them, keep contact details current, and only offer references if asked. A simple reference list includes names, job titles, and contact information.
Sample Reference List:
| Name | Position | Relationship | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jane Smith | Manager, ABC Corp | Former Supervisor | (123) 456-7890 | jane@mail.com |
| Mark Lee | Team Lead, XYZ Ltd | Co-worker | (987) 654-3210 | mark@mail.com |
When still at a current job, applicants should avoid alerting their employer during a search. Avoid listing current supervisors unless absolutely necessary. Instead, use past managers or colleagues as references. For those needing to job search discreetly, platforms that let users auto-apply to jobs across platforms help keep searches private and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resumes should highlight achievements and skills clearly while maintaining a professional tone. Choosing the right point of view and avoiding unnecessary pronouns helps keep each resume focused and concise.
Is it appropriate to use first-person pronouns in a resume?
Using first-person pronouns like “I,” “my,” or “me” in a resume is not recommended. Most hiring managers expect resumes to be written without these words. Instead, candidates are encouraged to use phrases that start with strong action verbs and get straight to the point.
For example, instead of writing “I managed a team of five,” it is better to write “Managed a team of five.” This keeps the content direct and professional. Leaving out pronouns also keeps the document clean and focused on accomplishments. More discussion about this industry standard can be found in advice from Morgan Hunter recruiters.
What is the recommended point of view for writing a resume?
Most experts recommend using a first-person implied point of view without pronouns. This means the resume talks about what the candidate has done but does not say “I.” The actions and accomplishments should speak for themselves, making the resume easy to read and highly effective.
This method has become the go-to for resume writing because it is both professional and clear. For those who want extra help with this style, consider tools that can optimize your resume and provide feedback.
How can personal pronouns be avoided in a resume?
Start each bullet point or statement with a verb. Focus the sentence on results or achievements, not on the person doing them. For example, instead of saying, “I developed a new project plan,” simply say, “Developed a new project plan.”
Review each sentence in your resume. If there are any “I,” “me,” “my,” or “mine,” rewrite the sentence so that it starts with an action. Using templates or resume builders such as RoboApply can make this easier.
What are effective alternatives to using ‘I’ in a resume?
Action verbs are the best substitute for “I.” Words like “led,” “achieved,” “developed,” and “designed” start each bullet point with purpose and power. These verbs keep the focus on what was accomplished instead of on the person.
Professional resume formats and examples often use this method. Following this rule helps strengthen the writing and improve the resume’s impact. People who want a copy-and-paste template can find examples in most resume writing guides and professional platforms.
Is a resume more professional without the use of ‘my’ and ‘me’?
Removing “my” and “me” makes a resume sound more formal and polished. Most employers expect this and see it as a sign that the candidate understands business writing standards.
This approach also allows the reader to focus on the details and results of each job or achievement. Many companies and career coaches agree that a resume without personal pronouns stands out as more professional.
Can first person be implied in a resume and how is it done?
First person can be implied by writing the resume from the point of view of the candidate, without actually using words like “I” or “my.” Every sentence refers to the candidate’s experiences, but the pronoun is left out.
For example, “Increased sales revenue by 20% in one year” clearly refers to the candidate’s achievement, even though “I” is not present. This style is widely accepted and keeps resumes focused and concise, as confirmed by discussions on platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn articles.
