Writing a resume can be challenging, especially if it’s not your first language! Grammar and spelling should be spot-on, plus cultural formatting preferences vary. For example, in the U.S., resumes never include photos, and are usually limited to a single page. Although style preferences vary, best practices are universal.
Let’s look at some dos and don’ts for writing a resume in English!
DOs for writing a resume in English
✅ 1. DO use bullet points and incomplete sentences.
Incomplete sentences may seem unusual, but not in resumes! For example, an applicant for a lab research assistant might list prior experience as follows:
- Implemented a research project
- Developed a serum
💡 Tip: You can put periods after the bullets or leave them off, as long as you’re consistent.
✅ 2. DO ensure verb tenses are consistent.
Resumes follow parallel structure, meaning the starting words are the same part of speech. They can be verb phrases (example 1), or noun phrases (example 2):
- Example 1:
- Implemented a research project
- Organized data
- Assisted with administrative tasks
- Example 2:
- Implementation of a research project
- Organization of data
- Assistance with administrative tasks
You can use either, as long as it’s consistent and easy to read!
✅ 3. DO only include relevant experience.
It’s not necessary to list every experience or skill. You only have one page, but don’t worry, more will be covered in interview questions! Focus on job listing requirements and highlight your most relevant skills and experience.
Example 1: For the lab assistant position, highlight relevant skills, especially those mentioned in the listing.
- Skills: coding, chemistry, research
- ❌ Don’t include “cooking skills,” even if you have them!
Example 2: For a restaurant job, it would look different!
- Skills: prepping, catering, customer service
- ❌ Don’t include “research skills.”
✅ 4. DO include all language skills, even your native language(s)!
Language skills are helpful for ANY job: the more languages you know, the better! You can say you have "excellent written and verbal skills” wherever applicable, as both are incredibly valuable. You may think it’s a given, but it’s not! Employers will be glad to know that you’d never send an email saying “heres the doc 4 u,” or use other unprofessional-sounding language.
You can also consider listing the CEFR level of your languages or using other standardized measures, like your Duolingo English Test score, and breaking down your proficiency by speaking, reading, writing, and listening, especially if relevant for the position.
✅ 5. DO include commonly relevant skills you have.
Think about skills broadly: What are tools and technology you know how to use? What are things you do well, and what do your colleagues come to you for help with? Your skills might include things like software, including Microsoft Excel, Google Docs, and task-management platforms, or your abilities, like time-management skills.
💡 Tip: You can say “proficient” for more than just languages! For example, you can also say “proficient in Microsoft Excel” to mean that you know how to use it really well. Again, just make sure the list is consistent:
- Microsoft Excel
- Time management
Or:
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel
- Excellent at time management
Now that we have the basics for a great resume, let’s highlight common pitfalls.
DON’Ts for writing a resume in English
The “don’t”s for a resume go hand-in-hand with the “do”s:
❌ 1. DON’T use “I.”
This is unnecessary, as the employer knows you’re referring to yourself.
- ❌ “I implemented a research project. I formulated a serum.”
❌ 2. DON’T write full sentences for job titles.
This takes up room, leaving less space for other experiences and skills.
- ❌ Job title: “I completed an internship at Duolingo Laboratories.” Instead, your title could be “Intern, Duolingo Laboratories."
❌ 3. DON’T use inconsistent tenses.
This is easy to miss, and can make a resume look disorganized.
- ❌ Implemented a research project
- ❌ Organization of data
- ❌ Report writer
💡 Tip: Say each bullet point aloud to check for consistency. If you’re using verbs to start each bullet, you can say them as “I” statements to ensure they match: “I implemented, I organization? Wait, it should be… I implemented, I organized…” Or for noun phrases, try “Implementation of a research project… (is what I did). Organization of data… (is good).”
❌ 4. DON’T use specialized language unless applicable.
A recruiter or employer should understand what you’re talking about. You don’t want them to do extra work interpreting your resume, especially when they have a pile to sift through! If there’s specific vocabulary related to your previous experience, list synonyms:
- ❌ Monolingual exercise writer for Duolingo
- ✅ Content writer for Duolingo
❌ 5. DON’T use uncommon abbreviations.
While YOU may know what they mean, an employer or recruiter may not. Stick to universal abbreviations and try to avoid jargon:
- ✅ PhD, Feb., CEO
- ❌ L&C, OSI, KR
💡 Tip: Consistency is key on a resume, and this also applies to abbreviations for dates! Don’t write “Feb-Oct” on one line and “July-January” on another.
Now that we’ve reviewed the dos and don’ts, let’s put it all together and see a sample resume section! Here’s how that former research intern might format their experience on their resume, and how they might format their “Skills” section:
Don’t let different formats and styles overwhelm you. Remember two things:
A resume is your potential employer’s first impression of you and your work, and we’re rooting for you! 💪
