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How to Maintain the Right Tone in a Resume

The tone of your resume should be professional, confident, and clear. It should sound like you without being casual or arrogant.

Professional Tone

Use formal language. Avoid slang, humor, or overly casual phrases. Write in third person or first person consistently (first person is less common on resumes; fragments and implied "I" are standard). Use strong verbs: "Led," "Managed," "Increased," "Developed."

Confident but Not Arrogant

State your achievements clearly and with numbers where possible. Do not oversell with superlatives ("best," "top") unless they are verifiable. Avoid underselling ("helped with," "assisted in" when you led). Be factual and confident.

Clear and Concise

Use short sentences and bullet points. Avoid long paragraphs. Every line should add value. Cut filler words and redundant phrases.

What to Avoid

Avoid negative language ("failed," "problem"). Avoid vague phrases ("responsible for tasks"). Avoid jokes, emojis, or exclamation points. Keep the tone consistent from summary to experience to education.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What tone should my resume have?
    Professional, confident, and clear. Use strong verbs and factual language. Avoid casual, arrogant, or negative tone.
  • Should I use "I" on my resume?
    Resumes often use fragments without "I" (e.g., "Led team of 8"). If you use first person, use it consistently; otherwise, stick to fragments.
  • How do I sound confident without bragging?
    State achievements with numbers and facts. Avoid superlatives like "best" unless verifiable. Be clear and factual.
  • Can I use casual language on my resume?
    No. Keep the tone professional. Avoid slang, humor, and exclamation points. Save personality for the interview.