What's the preferred style for a résumé? [closed]

Question

I’m in the process of converting my CV into a résumé.

I have a few options for the bits about where I worked and what I did.

1. I implemented X, I used Y to do it, I coordinated Z.

2. (current CV format, kinda) Implemented X. Utilised Y. Coordinated Z.

3. Third Person: He did X, He used Y He coordinated Z

I hate 1 and 3 as options. 1 reads like a junior-school essay “wot I did on my holidays”. 2 is the current format for my CV, bulleted list with lots of “action verbs”.

What’s the right way to do this for an American-style résumé?

Answer 1

2 is the best choice. Recruiters are scanning hundreds of resumés, so they are looking for key words, not to read an essay. Never use third person in a resumé - you are talking about you.

Answer 2

Of the three, number 2 is the best choice. Pronouns are avoided and past tense is used unless you are currently involved in the activity.

Today's resumes showcase transferrable skills. They are no longer a list of work history. You must stress significant and measurable achievements rather than just a list of activities.

Some businesses expect a single page format, but check with the practice in your field. In all cases, the top third of page one should have the information that is likely to have the most impact for the job at hand.