Terminal punctuation in resume writing refers to the use of periods at the end of sentences or phrases in bullet points and other descriptive sections. For example, a bullet point might read, “Managed a team of five sales representatives.” or “Managed a team of five sales representatives achieving a 15% increase in sales.” The choice between using or omitting the period illustrates the central question regarding this stylistic element.
Consistency and a clean visual presentation are paramount in effective resume writing. A consistent approach to punctuation, whether choosing to use periods or not, contributes to a polished and professional appearance. Historically, complete sentences with terminal punctuation were the standard. However, the modern trend, particularly with the rise of applicant tracking systems (ATS), often favors concise, impactful phrasing, sometimes leading to the omission of terminal punctuation for a more streamlined look. Clarity remains the ultimate goal, and the chosen style should not hinder readability.