
Should You Use “I” in a Resume?
Your resume is your personal sales pitch. It’s your golden ticket to landing interviews. But here’s the million-dollar question: should you use the word “I”? It’s a classic conundrum that trips up job seekers all the time.
Spoiler alert: the answer is usually “no,” but let’s unpack why and when exceptions might apply.
To “I” or Not to “I”?
Your resume is about you; it’s your story of triumphs, challenges, and professional victories. But mentioning “I” over and over again? That’s where it gets messy. Using “I” in a resume can make it feel like you’re narrating your autobiography. And let’s face it: recruiters don’t have time to wade through unnecessary pronouns when hunting for hard facts and numbers.
Think of it this way: Would you rather come across as confident and polished or overly casual and self-centered? Ditching “I” clears the clutter and keeps the focus where it belongs: on your accomplishments.
What’s the Deal with Implied First Person?
The secret sauce of professional resume writing is the implied first person. It means writing from your perspective without explicitly saying “I.”
For example:
With “I”:
“I successfully managed a team of 10 to boost sales by 40% in six months.”
Without “I”:
“Successfully managed a team of 10 to boost sales by 40% in six months.”
The second version gets straight to the point. It’s clean and crisp and communicates your success without unnecessary fluff.
Remember, recruiters review resumes at warp speed. Removing “I” helps them skim and digest key details quickly.
How to Master Resume Writing Without “I”
Ready to transform your resume into a powerhouse of professional prowess? Here’s how:
1. Start with Action Verbs
Action verbs pack a punch. They grab attention and showcase your initiative. Begin every bullet point with an action verb to immediately highlight your contributions.
Examples:
- “Led a team of developers to create a groundbreaking app that increased user retention by 25%.”
- “Implemented a new customer service process, cutting response times by 30%.”
Avoid passive phrases like “Responsible for” or “Tasked with.” They’re weak and don’t reflect ownership.
2. Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers don’t lie. Whenever possible, include measurable results to prove your impact.
Instead of:
“Handled payroll.”
Say:
“Processed monthly payroll for 150 employees using QuickBooks, ensuring 100% accuracy.”
3. Stick to Consistency
Choose the implied first person and stay consistent throughout your resume. Mixing styles—like jumping between “I” and third person—makes your resume feel scattered. Consistency keeps it polished.
4. Use Bullet Points Wisely
Recruiters scan resumes, not read them word for word. Bullets help them pinpoint the gold nuggets of your experience. Keep each point concise and impactful; ideally, one or two lines.
When Can You Use “I”?
Here’s where things get interesting: there are rare occasions when “I” is okay. The most common place? Your summary or objective statement.
For example:
“I’m a dynamic marketing manager with a proven ability to drive revenue growth through innovative campaigns.”
In this context, “I” feels natural because the summary is conversational by nature. But even here, use it sparingly. Let your achievements shine louder than your pronouns.
Why Not the Third Person?
Writing in the third person, “she led,” “he managed,” or even worse, “John Smith designed” is a major faux pas in modern resumes. It’s outdated, impersonal, and screams awkward. A recruiter knows your resume is about you. There’s no need to remind them by adding “he” or “she.” Stick to the implied first person for a sleek, modern vibe.
Final Thoughts
Your resume is your stage, and your achievements are the stars. By ditching “I” and sticking to the implied first person, you’ll craft a polished, professional, and recruiter-ready document.
Keep it clear. Keep it concise. And let your success speak for itself.
Now, go out there and build the resume that’ll land you your dream job. You’ve got this!
Should You Use “I” in a Resume FAQs
Q: Can I use “I” in my cover letter?
Yes! A cover letter is the place to express your personality. Here, “I” helps you connect with the reader and explain your qualifications more personally.
Q: What if I’m writing about team efforts?
Even in collaborative roles, focus on your unique contributions. Instead of “We increased sales,” say: “Developed strategies that contributed to a 20% increase in sales.”
Q: Is omitting “I” really that important?
Yes. Cutting unnecessary pronouns saves space, keeps your resume focused, and makes your accomplishments pop.
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