Sentence fragments, prevalent in resume writing due to the emphasis on concise language, often raise the question of terminal punctuation. While complete sentences typically end with periods, the prevalence of bulleted lists and short phrases within resume sections often leads to omitting them. For example, a skill listing might include “Project Management” rather than “Proficient in Project Management.”
Consistency in punctuation contributes to a polished and professional appearance. While some style guides advocate for omitting periods after sentence fragments in resumes, maintaining consistent punctuation throughout the document enhances readability and demonstrates attention to detail. This seemingly small stylistic choice can influence how a resume is perceived, particularly in industries where precision and adherence to standards are highly valued. Historically, periods were more common in resumes, reflecting traditional business writing styles. However, evolving trends in resume formatting have led to a more varied approach.