Do Resumes Need Periods?
Unsure about punctuation on your resume? Discover if bullet points need periods and the simple rules that make your resume clean and professional.
Sarah
Head of Content
Nov 22, 2025
When you’re creating or updating your resume, the tiniest details can drive you crazy. One of the most common questions candidates struggle with: should you put a period at the end of each bullet point?
Some guides say yes, others say absolutely not… so what’s the right answer?
This article clears up the confusion and shows you when periods make sense — and when they can actually hurt your resume.
Do You Need Periods on Resume Bullet Points?
Most resumes do not include periods at the end of bullet points describing job responsibilities or achievements. This isn’t an absolute rule, but a convention:
Employers expect bullet points to be concise statements, not full sentences.
Periods are usually omitted unless the bullet is a complete sentence.
Consistency is more important than strict grammar—pick one style and use it throughout your resume.
When Should You Use Periods on Your Resume?
Full sentences in a resume summary or job description should end with periods.
If a bullet is a complete, grammatically correct sentence, you may use a period—the key is consistency.
For lists detailing education, certifications, hobbies or skills, periods are generally unnecessary.
Why Consistency Matters Most
Whether you choose to use periods or not, the most important rule is consistency.
Avoid this mistake!
Some bullet points with periods, others without — or switching between verb tenses and different font styles. These inconsistencies may seem small, but recruiters notice them more than you think, and they can make your resume appear careless or unfinished.
Set a style and stick to it across the entire resume.
SuperCandidate can help you ensure formatting consistency automatically — so your resume looks clean and professional every time.
Quick Rules to Follow
Resume Section | Periods? | Why |
Bullet points | ❌ Mostly no | They are phrases, not sentences |
Resume summary paragraph | ✔ Optional | Acceptable if full sentences |
Skills section | ❌ Never | No sentences used |
Cover letter | ✔ Always | Full professional writing |
Conclusion
Your resume does not need periods at the end of bullet points. They can make your resume look busy and distract you from the most important information.
Instead, focus on strong action verbs, clear results and consistent formatting
Small details like this help your resume look polished — and improve how recruiters perceive your professionalism.
If you want help ensuring formatting, consistency, and clarity, SuperCandidate can refine your resume automatically so you can focus on landing the interview.
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