Should You Spell Resume with an Accent?

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Spelling is one of the most important components of resume writing, and even how you spell the word resume can impact how your language skills are perceived. When it comes to submitting your resume, you should always be consistent with your format and spelling. In this article, you can explore the resume accent, when it’s appropriate to use an accent, and tips when including one or two accents in your resume.

What does it mean to use an accent when spelling the word resume?

There are three recognized ways to spell the word resume. Two of these spellings include an accent mark or a dash above an e. The three most commonly accepted ways to spell resume include resume (with no accent), resumé with one accent mark over the last e in the word, and résumé with accents over both e‘s. These are the only acknowledged ways to spell resume in the English language. Spelling resume with an accent on the first e alone or over any other letter is considered incorrect.

The accent used in the word resume is known as an acute accent. This type of accent is applied to inform the reader that the vowel over which the accent is placed is pronounced differently. The accent denotes that the e is pronounced like it is in the word grey.

Should you spell resume with accents?

In most cases, you can use any spelling of the word resume when applying for a job. For example, if you let an employer know that your resume is attached to the email you have sent, you can spell it using no accents, one accent, or two accents, and it will typically be acceptable.

The least use version of spelling is with one accent mark. This is because the single accent is neither the French nor English version of the word but has been derived and used more frequently over time.

The spelling with accents over both e‘s originated in the French language to indicate the pronunciation as a summary of information. This spelling is generally accepted but can make it more difficult to read when on a screen. The most appropriate time to use this spelling is if you live in a primarily French-speaking area.

Spelling resume with no accent marks is the most common form of the word used and widely accepted and recognized. This the standard way to spell resume in the United States.

When to use different spellings of resume

The following are times when you should use different spellings of the word resume.

When to use resume

This is the most commonly recommended way to spell resume, and you can use this form of spelling (with no accents) at any time. This includes using it on job applications, in emails, and any other correspondence.

When to use resumé

This is the least common way to spell the word resume. While it is typically considered acceptable, refrain from using this form of spelling when possible to ensure accuracy.

When to use résumé

Spelling resume with two accent marks is considered proper and will likely be accepted in most scenarios. This type of spelling is most frequently used when a person is writing in the Canadian or American language or resides in a predominantly French area.

In short, each spelling of the word resume is typically acceptable and will likely not affect how a hiring manager or recruiter perceives you as a candidate.

Tips to consider when including resume accents

The following are tips to consider when deciding which spelling of resume to use and how to use accents in the word resume properly.

Know how to include accents properly

There are several ways to include an accent in the word resume. 

Examples of common methods and platforms to include accent marks:

  • In Microsoft Word. When including an accent in the word resume in Microsoft Word: On the ribbon, select Insert. Then, click Symbols > More Symbols. From there, in Subset, select Latin-1 Supplement and choose the Acute Accent.
  • Copy and paste. An easy way is to copy and paste the letter e with an accent from another source. You can search ‘e with acute accent’ in your search engine and find an example. Copy the accented e and go to the document where you wish to paste it. Right-click and select Paste and Match Style.
  • Google Docs. Google Docs is a popular writing format for users with a Google account. From the toolbar, select Insert > Special characters. Then select Latin. This gives you the option to select an e with an accent mark.
  • On a Mac computer. On the keyboard, press Option and the e key.

Consider your audience

You can use any spelling of the word resume in most cases. However, consider your audience when determining whether you will include one, two, or no accent marks. For example, if a job posting mentions the word resume with one accent mark, consider using this spelling of the word when mentioning resume in your correspondence with the hiring manager.

Create multiple formats of your document

If you decide to include an accent mark on one or both of the e‘s, consider creating a document in PDF format. This ensures that the accent mark is properly displayed no matter what type of device is used to view it.

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