If you are unsure how to spell “resume,” you are not alone.
The word appears in several forms, and understanding when to use each one can help you avoid confusion in job applications.
What is the correct spelling of resume?
Both “resume” and “résumé” are correct spellings, but “resume” without accents is the most widely used and safest choice for modern job applications.
The version “resumé” with one accent is generally considered incorrect and should be avoided.
In practice, most employers and applicant tracking systems expect “resume” in plain English.
It is easier to type, avoids formatting issues, and works more reliably in file names, online forms, and keyword searches.
The spelling “résumé” reflects the word’s French origin and is still acceptable, especially in more formal contexts.
However, it is less common in everyday hiring workflows, particularly in the US.
| Spelling | Is it correct? | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Resume | Yes | Best choice for most job applications, especially in the U.S. and digital systems |
| Résumé | Yes | Acceptable, more formal or traditional usage |
| Resumé | No | Avoid, not standard in English or French |
Why are there different spellings of resume?
The different spellings of “resume” come from its French origin.
The original word “résumé” includes two accents, but English often drops accents from borrowed words over time.
This is why both “resume” and “résumé” are accepted today.
In most modern job applications, the simpler “resume” is more commonly used.
Should you use resume or résumé on a job application?
No, you should use “resume” without accents in most job applications, especially in the US.
It is easier to type, works better in applicant tracking systems, and avoids formatting issues in file names and online forms.
While “résumé” is still correct, it is less common in modern hiring processes.
The most important rule is to stay consistent with whichever version you choose.
If these options aren’t working or you can’t remember them, you can always find the word “résumé” online, copy and paste it into your document.
You just have to be sure to make the font, size and formatting match the rest of your document.
Also, be sure the word you copy doesn’t contain any unwanted web links.
Here’s the keyboard shortcut paste without the original formatting:
Windows: Ctrl+Shift+V
Mac: Option+Shift+Command+V
Is “resumé” with one accent correct?
No, “resumé” with one accent is generally considered incorrect and should be avoided.
It does not follow standard French spelling and is not commonly accepted in English usage.
While you may occasionally see it used, it is not recognized as a preferred or professional spelling in most job application contexts.
To avoid confusion or appearing careless, it is best to use either “resume” or “résumé.”
Do you need to capitalize the word “resume”?
No, “resume” should not be capitalized because it is a common noun.
Only capitalize it at the beginning of a sentence or when it is part of a proper noun, such as a website or brand name.
What is the plural of resume?
The plural of “resume” is “resumes.”
This follows standard English plural rules and does not require any accents.
Key takeaways
- There are three common resume spellings: “resume,” “resumé” and “résumé.”
- Of the resume spellings with accent marks, “résumé” is considered the most correct since it matches the word’s French origins.
- The word resume doesn’t need to be capitalized unless part of a proper noun.
- The proper resume plural spelling is “resumes.”
Bonne chance!
