Terminal punctuation in a resume refers to the use of periods, commas, and other punctuation marks at the end of phrases and sentences within the document. For example, listing skills as “Project Management. Communication. Leadership.” utilizes terminal punctuation. Conversely, “Project Management, Communication, Leadership” omits it. This seemingly minor stylistic choice can influence the readability and perceived professionalism of a resume.
Consistency and visual appeal are key considerations in resume formatting. Historically, full sentences with terminal punctuation were standard practice. Modern trends often favor a cleaner, less cluttered aesthetic, leading many job seekers to omit periods, especially in bulleted lists or concise skill sections. Choosing one approach and adhering to it throughout the entire document contributes to a polished and professional impression. While a lack of terminal punctuation doesn’t necessarily disqualify a candidate, inconsistencies can suggest a lack of attention to detail, a critical attribute employers seek.