Should Your Resume Be Written in First or Third Person?

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What does it mean to write a resume in first or third person?

When people ask whether a resume should be in first or third person, they’re wondering if they should include pronouns like "I" or "he/she" in their descriptions. Writing in the first person means using pronouns such as “I,” “me,” or “my,” for example, “I managed a team of five.” Writing in the third person means describing yourself as if someone else is talking about you, using “he,” “she,” or your name, such as, “She managed a team of five.”

However, the traditional and widely accepted approach to resume writing is to avoid pronouns altogether. Instead, resumes typically use an implied first-person perspective, where the subject “I” is understood but not written. For example, rather than saying “I increased sales by 20%,” you write “Increased sales by 20%.” This style keeps the focus on your achievements and skills without the extra words that pronouns add.

Avoiding pronouns makes your resume more concise and professional. It also helps improve readability, since hiring managers scan resumes quickly and prefer content that gets straight to the point. Writing without pronouns also fits well with the bullet point format common in resumes, which allows you to list your accomplishments clearly and efficiently.

How does writing a resume without pronouns work in practice?

Writing a resume without first or third person pronouns means structuring every sentence or bullet point to start with an action verb and directly describe what you did, how you did it, and what results you achieved. This style emphasizes your actions and outcomes rather than the narrative about yourself.

For example, instead of writing “I coordinated a team project,” you write:

• Coordinated a team project to develop a new software tool on deadline.

Or instead of “She improved customer service satisfaction,” use:

• Improved customer service satisfaction by redesigning feedback surveys.

This method works because the subject “I” is implied in each bullet point. The hiring manager understands you are talking about your own experience, so there’s no need to state it explicitly. This avoids repetition and keeps the resume brief.

Here’s a hypothetical example of a small resume section using this style:

Experience Marketing Specialist, ABC Company

• Developed and executed digital marketing campaigns that increased website traffic by 35%.
• Managed a budget of $50,000 for advertising across multiple channels.
• Trained three new hires in content creation and social media strategies.

Each bullet begins with a strong verb and focuses on specific, measurable accomplishments. No pronouns are used, but the meaning is clear and professional.

Why does it matter whether you use first or third person on a resume?

The perspective you choose affects how your resume reads and how professional it appears. Using first person pronouns like “I” can make a resume feel more like a personal narrative or cover letter. It can also lead to redundancy and longer sentences that waste valuable resume space.

Using third person pronouns risks sounding distant or awkward, as if someone else wrote about you. For example, “He managed a project team” can feel impersonal and can confuse automated resume screening systems.

Implied first-person writing without pronouns is the standard because it communicates your skills and accomplishments clearly and succinctly. This style meets employer expectations and makes it easier for hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to understand your qualifications.

Employers typically spend just seconds scanning each resume. Writing in a concise, pronoun-free style helps your most important information stand out quickly. This approach also aligns better with the bullet point format, which is easier to read and scan than paragraphs.

What common terms related to resume perspective do people confuse?

When discussing resume voice, people often confuse resumes with cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and other job application materials, where writing perspective varies.

• Cover Letters: These are usually written in first person because they serve as a personal introduction. It’s natural and expected to say, “I am excited to apply for this position,” or “I have five years of experience.”

• LinkedIn Profiles: Profiles often mix first and third person. Some people write in first person to sound conversational, others use third person to sound professional. This flexibility is fine for LinkedIn but not for resumes.

• Resume Summaries and Objectives: These short sections at the top of a resume can sometimes be confusing. A summary briefly highlights your experience and skills, usually in an implied first-person style without pronouns. An objective states what you want in your career and may be written more like a sentence. However, many modern resumes skip objectives because they can sound generic.

• Biographical Statements or Bios: Sometimes used in applications or portfolios, these can be in third person, especially if written by someone else. But these are different from resumes.

It’s important to keep your resume focused on concise, pronoun-free bullet points even if you use first person in other job documents.

How do you write strong resume bullet points without using pronouns?

Writing effective resume bullet points without pronouns relies on clear and direct language that shows your skills and achievements. Use the following formula to create compelling bullet points:

1. Start with a strong action verb: Words like “Managed,” “Created,” “Improved,” “Designed,” “Led,” or “Developed” grab attention.
2. Describe the task or responsibility: What did you do? Be specific about your role.
3. Include measurable results or outcomes: Numbers, percentages, or clear benefits make your accomplishments concrete.
4. Keep it concise: Stick to one idea per bullet point.

For example, here’s a before-and-after comparison:

• First person: “I led a team of five employees to redesign the company website, resulting in better user engagement.”
• Pronoun-free: “Led a team of five employees to redesign the company website, increasing user engagement by 25%.”

Another example:

• Third person: “She improved the inventory system to reduce errors.”
• Pronoun-free: “Improved inventory system, reducing errors by 15%.”

Avoid filler words like “responsible for” or “duties included.” Instead, focus on action and results.

Sample bullet points:

• Spearheaded product launch that generated $150,000 in revenue within six months.
• Coordinated scheduling and logistics for weekly training sessions attended by 30+ staff.
• Implemented workflow changes that decreased processing time by 20%.

This approach ensures that every bullet point is a clear, impactful statement about your role and achievements.

What should you do next to write or revise your resume with the right perspective?

1. Draft your resume content in bullet points avoiding any pronouns like “I,” “me,” “he,” or “she.”
2. Use action verbs to start each bullet and focus on what you accomplished or contributed.
3. Quantify your achievements wherever possible, such as the number of people you managed, percentages of improvement, or dollar amounts.
4. Edit your draft carefully to remove any pronouns or unnecessary filler words.
5. Match keywords from the job posting to your resume to help it get noticed by applicant tracking systems.
6. Use the cover letter to tell your story in the first person, explaining why you are interested and how your experience fits the job.
7. Review examples of resumes from your industry to get a feel for the typical style and tone.

For example, if you are applying for a customer service job, a bullet point might read: “Resolved 50+ customer inquiries daily, maintaining a 95% satisfaction rating.”

If you are revising an old resume that uses “I” or “he/she,” rewrite each bullet point in the pronoun-free style. You could turn “I increased sales by 10%” into “Increased sales by 10% through targeted promotions.”

Finally, remember that your resume’s goal is to communicate your qualifications quickly and clearly. Avoiding pronouns helps you do that.

For additional guidance, check out articles about writing a resume summary and how to write your first resume.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use first person pronouns in a resume summary or objective?

It’s best to avoid first person pronouns even in summaries or objectives. Write concise phrases like “Experienced sales professional with a track record of exceeding quotas” instead of “I am an experienced sales professional.” This keeps your resume professional and consistent.

Are there situations where third person pronouns are acceptable on a resume?

Generally, no. Third person pronouns can sound impersonal or confusing on a resume. Writing without pronouns is clearer and preferred. Third person is more common in biographies or LinkedIn profiles.

Should I use first person in my cover letter?

Yes. Cover letters are a place to write in the first person to explain your interest and qualifications personally. Saying “I am excited to apply…” is appropriate, unlike in your resume.

How can I make a resume engaging without using “I” or “he/she”?

Use strong action verbs, specific tasks, and measurable results. For example, “Designed a new filing system that reduced retrieval time by 30%” is clear and compelling without pronouns.

What if I find resume examples online that use “I”?

Some samples use “I,” but this is less common and may feel informal. Employers usually prefer the traditional, no-pronouns style for clarity and professionalism.

Does resume style vary by industry or region regarding pronouns?

Yes, some industries or countries have different preferences. In the U.S., resumes without pronouns are standard. Creative fields or international resumes might allow more flexibility. Research industry norms when possible.