Don't Use "I" in Resumes
Kent R.
Q. Why is it common to not use “I” in resumes? A. Here are three reasons why implied first person is the resume writing standard.
Repetition – Imagine how often one could use “I” on a resume. If every one of your bullet points started with “I,” your resume would become very repetitive, very quickly. It’s hard enough to keep a reader's attention as is, so something that reduces repetition is a no brainer.
Space – When you are trying to create the most focused and concise document possible, every word matters. Eliminating multiple uses of a word can make the difference between a one and two page resume or may just free up enough space for you to work in one more quantifiable achievement.
Voice – Broadly speaking (like it or not), implied first person is the “voice” readers will expect to see on your resume. If the majority will be looking for this approach, then not doing so could lead a reader to believe that you don’t know what your doing. Additionally, using first person – or worse yet, third person – on a resume can be perceived as a very “junior” approach.