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How to Spell “Resume” - Résumé, Resumé, or No Accent?

It’s a question you never think about until the moment you have to write down the word résumé - no, resumé. Or is it just “resume”?

Well, you get our point, right?

It’s a dilemma that’s bound to happen at one point and we’re gonna help you solve it by discussing:

• Where the word “resume” comes from
• How to spell resume according to dictionaries
• What is the final verdict on spelling

How to Spell “Resume” - Dictionary Definition

Going back to the roots of the word, résumé comes from French. It’s written with an accent on both e-s and it means summary . 

The typical résumé is defined as a document containing a summary of one’s relevant job experience and education. 

The French themselves, however, (along with other European countries), rarely use the term for this purpose. Instead, they refer to it as a CV (curriculum vitae). While they refer to the same document in most European countries, the terms have some differences when used in the US . 

So, to cut it short: The word itself comes from French and has two accents, but it is rarely used in France itself. 

What’s the correct way to use it in other countries then?

Let’s see what the most popular dictionaries have to say about it.

• Oxford Advanced American Dictionary - The noun is suggested with two accents (résumé), but the other two spellings (resumé and resume) are given as equivalent options. All three spellings seem legit.
• Merriam Webster’s Dictionary - The first suggested noun is résumé, but the other two are listed as alternatives as well. The spelling resumé, however, is noted to be less commonly used.
• Cambridge Dictionary - Résumé is suggested, but the spelling resume is also suggested as an equivalent noun. The third spelling, resumé, is not mentioned at all.
• Wiktionary - All three spellings are listed as interchangeable, but their usage in the US is explained. Resume is correct since English doesn’t usually borrow accents from foreign words. In Resumé, the accent indicates that the “e” is not silent, while résumé simply retains the accents taken from French.

So, do we keep the accents or not?

Until recently, the AP (Associated Press) Stylebook strictly advised on transmitting accents from other languages. On their last revision , however, some windows were opened. 

Accent marks can be transmitted on names of people who request them and when quoting directly from a foreign language. So, if the context requires it, the AP Stylebook suggests résumé can be used. In regular use, however, “resume” works best. 

The Chicago Manual of Style , on the other hand, leaves the issue up to dictionaries - more specifically, the Merriam Webster. If the dictionary accepts accents, we can accept them in language as well. 

So, where are we with answering the resume dilemma at this point?

One thing is clear: The resumé spelling is not quite favored. 

Either use both accents ( résumé ) or none at all ( resume ). 

Résumé, Resumé, or Resume? Which One Is It?

If we cross out resumé as an unfavorable choice, that leaves us with a choice between the other two spellings. 

Let’s have a look at the cases for and against each of them.

If you use both accents, you’re being 100% grammatically correct. That is, after all, the way the original borrowed word is spelled.

Spelling it this way also makes sure the noun is not confused with the verb to resume.

The downside? Well, outside academics and professional settings, the word is almost never spelled with both accents. 

Doing so might often give off the pretentious vibe. 

Moving on to the polar opposite - no accents at all - we have to note that this is the most used version in informal contexts. 

It follows the rules of English of removing accents when adopting foreign words and it’s simply easier to type. 

Its con is that there’s a chance it can get mistaken with the verb to resume. 

Despite that, however, it appears that resume is the winning spelling form. It follows the rules of the English language and doesn’t put anyone in a pretentious light. 

If you’re corresponding with a recruiter regarding a job position, you can check how they spelled it in the job posting and consider following their lead.

After making your pick, however, stick with it. Using résumé one day and resume the other is an inconsistency that will work to your disadvantage. 

Keyboard Accent Shortcuts

If you’ve settled on using the accented spelling of “resume”, these pointers will probably come in handy when having to type. 

Unicode: ALT + 0233 = é

Mac: (Option key + e) + e = é

Word: CTRL + ' (apostrophe) + e = é

Google Docs: Insert -> Special Characters -> Latin -> é

Grammar Check: Type resum and then pick the preferred substitution from the software’s suggested corrections. Easy fix, right?

Speaking of easy fixes, if you’re in the process of writing your resume (or résumé), grab one of our free resume templates . Unlike accents, there’s no way you can go wrong with one of these!

Other Resume Resources

Now that we’ve explained the best ways to spell “resume,” it’s time for you to start working on yours (and land your next job).

Check out some of our top resources below on how to create a compelling resume:

• How to Write a Resume - This is the A to Z guide you can follow for an impeccable resume that will land you interviews left and right.
• How to Write a Resume with no Experience - If you’re fresh out of college or simply changing careers, there are some particular tips and tricks to keep in mind for your resume. You can check them out in this article
• 340+ Resume Action Verbs And Power Words - Words have weight and when it comes to your resume, picking one or the other can have a pretty big impact. Make sure you go over our list of verbs and words and cherry-pick the right ones for your profile. 
• The Jobseeker’s Odyssey - Last but not least, the thing that has it all. This ebook is the ultimate guide to helping you navigate the job market. It’ll accompany you from the job search process to learning how to ace your interview. 

Key Takeaways

There is no definitive answer to the resume spelling dilemma, but we do hope this article helped clarify the issue and scenarios a bit. 

Here are the main lessons we got out of our research:

• Among dictionaries, resumé is the least favored spelling. Resume and Résumé on the other hand, are listed as interchangeable.
• While résumé is grammatically correct referring to the word’s French origins, resume follows the rules of English and is most commonly used. 
• To play it safe, check how recruiters spelled the word on their job post and consider following their lead.

Bonne chance!

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How do you spell resume (the job kind)?

We debunk the correct spelling of resume – the one you use to apply for a job. Is it résumé, resume, or resumé?

Are you in the middle of applying for jobs and find yourself second guessing whether you’re spelling the term correctly?

Let’s quickly set the matter straight so that you can, well, resume applying!

We’ll take a look at what three of the top dictionaries have to say and provide our take on the matter.

How do you spell resume, according to the dictionary?

The verb “resume,” which refers to the continuation of an activity, is always spelled without an accent.

The noun, which refers to the document you use to apply for jobs, has multiple variations.

Dictionary.com defines resume as “a brief written account of personal, educational, and professional qualifications and experience, as that prepared by an applicant for a job.”

As shown below, the primary spelling provided is simply resume, with the accented versions of résumé and "sometimes resumé" as alternatives:

Merriam-Webster dictionary, on the other hand, lists résumé as the primary entry with alternative variants of “resume or less commonly resumé.”

Cambridge Dictionary only lists the accented spelling, résumé .

To clarify, Cambridge Dictionary’s note that the equivalent of a US resume in the UK is a “curriciulum vitae,” or CV, is correct.

In the US, however, a CV generally refers to an academic CV , which is much more comprehensive than a resume.

What is the correct spelling to use?

While some resume writers have a habit of writing résumé with the accents included, we like to stick to the unaccented version: resume.

Most skilled and experienced readers will know exactly what you are referring to based on context.

If you send your resume to a recruiter, you can rest assured that they won’t dismiss your application or question your intelligence if you include a note saying that, “I attached my resume for your review.”

On the other hand, the accented version – though technically correct – may leave a slight hint of pretension, in our opinion.

About Resume Pilots

Resume Pilots is an award-winning executive resume writing firm and a proud member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Our previous clients include CEOs and senior executives at the world's leading companies.

As a professional services firm, we take your reputation seriously. We are committed to delivering writing excellence and superior service while operating with integrity and discretion. Recruitment firms we partner with also trust us to consistently deliver quality documents for their clients.

Our writers have studied in the Ivy League and other top-tier universities and have strong writing backgrounds coupled with industry experience.

Here's how we can help you:

Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Writing Services : If you are looking for end-to-end support, hire one of our professional resume writers to rewrite your documents from the ground up.

Executive Resume Template Downloads : If you plan to prepare your own resume, consider using one of our classic, ATS-friendly resume templates for Microsoft Word.

To learn more about our services, book an introductory call with our founder here or email [email protected] .

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About the Author Matt Glodz

Matt Glodz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Resume Pilots and a Certified Professional Resume Writer. After studying business communication at Cornell University, Matt worked within Fortune 500 companies, where he noted that qualified candidates were frequently denied interview opportunities due to poorly written documents. At Resume Pilots, Matt combines his business and writing background - which includes prior work for a Chicago Tribune publication - to craft resumes that give his clients the best chance of landing interviews. He works with clients ranging from CEOs to recent graduates and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. He has been quoted on numerous business and career-related topics in outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, Fortune, Glassdoor, The Ladders, and Thrive Global.

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Definition of 'résumé'

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resume in British English

Résumé in british english, resume in american english, résumé in american english, resume in american english 1, resume in american english 2, examples of 'resume' in a sentence resume, cobuild collocations résumé, trends of résumé.

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What is the correct pronunciation of a resume?

While the word resume is a fairly common word among job seekers and recruiters, the word comes with three variations in its spelling that are differed by the placement and absence of accents.

So, when you see the words Résumé, Resumé, and Resume, you may wonder, is there a difference in their pronunciation, or which of these spellings is the correct one?

Plus, if you have upcoming job interviews, you’d want to ensure that you’re pronouncing the word correctly to not make a fool out of yourself by pronouncing it re-zoom-ay or ray-su-may.

Fret not, you’re in the right place to put your query to rest.

Additionally, if you are reading this word as a verb, which means to begin something again, it is pronounced ri-zoom. But, if you’re reading this word as a noun, referring to an official document summarizing your professional trajectory, it is pronounced rez-oo-mey.

Read on to get clarity on resume pronunciation and other related FAQs like the following:

• What is the meaning of a resume?
• What are the different resume accents?
• Is it Resume or Resumé or Résumé?
• What are some tips for the correct resume pronunciation?

What is a Resume?

As stated earlier, a resume as a noun is an official document that showcases a candidate’s skills, professional experiences, educational background, and other information that may be necessary to land a job.

However, resume as a noun is commonly used only in the US and Canada. Most European countries refer to resumes as Curriculum Vitae or CVs.

Talking about the history of the word “Résumé” comes from the French word “resumer” which means to summarize. It was first used in the 17th century as a noun, and in the 19th century, its meaning went on to shift from a summary to its current meaning.

Although the requirement of resumes comes up during the job search process, it is also used during college admissions, education opportunities, and internships.

And the correct resume pronunciation in American English is “re-zoo-may”, which emphasizes the second syllable, which sounds like the word zoom.

The first “e” in the word must be pronounced with a slightly longer ending than the second “e” to ensure a correct resume pronunciation.

Also Read: How to write a resume with no experience in 2023?

Resume Accents - Résumé, Resumé

Even though the most common spelling is “resume”, the word has two more variations - résumé and resumé with slightly different pronunciations.

Let’s go over them one by one.

Résumé Pronunciation

Along with “resume”, the word “résumé” with two accents is a preferred spelling in US and Canada.

It is pronounced as “ray-zoo-may”, with an emphasis on the first syllable.

While using this version of a resume with two accents looks professional in a linguistic or academic setting, it is rarely used in everyday life by job seekers and employers.

Resumé Pronunciation

The word “Resumé” with a single accent is a preferred spelling in British or UK English. It is commonly used in European countries as well as other countries like Australia and New Zealand.

It can be correctly pronounced as “rez-oo-may”, with emphasis on the second syllable.

Here’s how you can write Résumé or Resumé with accents in Word and other software:

• For Windows: Press the ALT key and the corresponding number code for the letter you want to accent (e.g. "Alt + 0233" for "é" for resume). If you have in-built accent keys, you can use them as well.
• For Mac (with touchpad): You can simply press the word or alphabet “e” for a few seconds and select the accent option for the touchpad.
• To type resume in Word, press CTRL + '(Apostrophe) + e to get é.

Or you can always copy-paste the version you want to use from Google.

Also Read: How to list work experience on a resume?

Is it Resume or Resumé or Résumé

So, since we’ve already established the different spellings and resume pronunciations, which one should you use? Or which version is the best one?

Let’s have a look at what the dictionaries say:

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary: According to this dictionary, while all forms of the word are correct, resumé is considered the least common

Oxford Advanced American Dictionary: Oxford suggests that all three alternatives - resume, resumé, and résumé are correct

American Heritage Dictionary: Also suggests that “résumé, resume, and resumé are all acceptable spellings with respective pronunciation.

Essential American English Dictionary by Cambridge: While this dictionary suggests that the words résumé and resume are synonymous and correct, it doesn’t mention the variant “resumé.”

Meanwhile, the common style guide Associated Press Stylebook (AP) advises users to use and pronounce the word with no accent at all, and the Chicago Manual of Style suggests using accents in borrowings.

Hence, we can conclude that all the variants of resume pronunciation and its spellings are correct, and the user can be the judge of which variant they prefer.

Also Read: How to list your skills on a resume?

Tips for Correct Resume Pronunciation

If you are unsure about your resume pronunciation, given below are some tips you can follow to perfect it and feel more confident:

• Find online recordings on YouTube or watch videos where people use the word resume while speaking in a video and imitate their resume pronunciation.
• Practice saying resume out loud in front of the mirror or before family or friends till you get comfortable with pronouncing the word correctly.
• Consider recording yourself while pronouncing the word to determine your progress.
• Practice is key - put in the effort to practice resume pronunciation till you perfect it.
• Find a native speaker and seek help from them to get your resume pronunciation right.
• Use online resources like YouTube, Frovo, Google Translate, and Merriam-Webster that offer audio recordings of the word.
• Seek phonetic spellings online to help you learn the correct resume pronunciation.

Also Read: How to write a job-winning resume in 2023?

Key Points from the Blog

• Resume as a noun is used commonly only in the US and Canada. Most European countries refer to resumes as Curriculum Vitae or CVs.
• And the correct resume pronunciation in American English is “ re-zoo-may ”, which emphasizes the second syllable, which sounds like the word zoom.
• Even though the most common version of this word’s spelling is “ resume ”, the word has two more variations - résumé and resumé with slightly different pronunciations.
• Resumé can be correctly pronounced as “ rez-oo-may ”, with emphasis on the second syllable.
• Résumé is pronounced as “ ray-zoo-may ”, with an emphasis on the first syllable.
• All the variants of resume pronunciation and its spellings are correct and the user can be the judge of which variant they prefer.
• Finding online recordings on YouTube or watching videos with resume pronunciation is a good way to perfect it.

Visit Hiration’s Career Activator Platform with 24x7 chat support to get expert guidance on any of your career-related issues. You can also write to us at support(at)hiration(dot)com.

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Definition of resume verb from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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“Resume.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resume. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024.

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