Writing your CV for the first time? Have questions in your mind? Thinking about whether to write the resume in the first person or third person?
When you sit to write your resume, there are many things that you need to consider. Out of the long list of things, the most important is to check the tone and style of the content. Later, you need to pay attention to the details being added to all the sections.
Do you know what does first and third person refer to in writing the resume? In this blog, we will look into these concepts and look for the answer to the question in light of the advantages and disadvantages. Let’s sit and write a resume that will make you proud and the HR team to shortlist you.
First and third person, what are these?
First-person persona
First-person is often used when we are talking about ourselves. Writing in this perspective, pronouns like “I”, “me”, and others are used. Some of these examples will help in better understanding the concept:
- I went to the dentist for my tooth checkup.
- The team leader asked me to complete the files today before lunch break.
- Helping the poor is one of my responsibility.
Third-person persona
Using third-person pronouns shows that you are talking about someone else. Words like “he”, “she”, “they”, “their”, or other names will be used. Some examples of sentences using third-person pronouns are:
- She is a mechanical engineer and works for Big Five companies.
- They are awarded with the best team award in the annual function.
- He has good leadership qualities and can lead huge teams.
A silent voice
Hearing this term for the first time? Silent voice also known as implied voice or absent voice, users omit the pronoun. It is difficult to guess the person to whom the statement is referring. For instance:
- Write compelling and engaging blogs and content. (silent first pronoun)
- Deliver their orders before the deadlines. (Silent third pronoun)
Use First or third person for CV?
After understanding the meaning of three versions of the personas that are found in the grammar. It is time to get the answer to the question narrated at the start of the content. There is no hard and fast rule set in the use of the type of pronoun for the CV. However, it is considered professional if the writer uses a silent-first-person voice while crafting a CV or resume.
Benefits of using the silent first-person pronoun
Some of the reasons, we should use silent-first person pronouns in your CV writing.
Less repetitive
Using first-person pronouns, there are chances that you might repeat the word “I” often. You might start writing sentences like I am passionate, I have completed my degree in 2023, and so on.
More personal
Using third-person pronouns, the HR will get a feel that your CV is written by someone else. For instance, Peter has completed his graduation in marketing. He has worked under a named company for a long time.
Concise and catchy
Without using any pronoun, you can save up the space. CVs have limited space to tell about yourself to the hiring manager. When you cut off unnecessary words and complete your content in a short time, you can keep your writing sharp.
The challenge of using a silent-first person persona
One of the obstacles of using silent-first person pronouns is that it is not considered natural to some readers. If you feel that your CV is not giving a natural tone, try using first-person pronouns. In the same situation, if you are struggling to create sentences with a silent voice, you can use the first person. However, make sure that you are not exceeding its use or you will murder all your writing skills.
Avoid third-person pronouns
You might be wondering, why we have not talked about third-person pronouns. This is so as we need to refrain from its use in our resumes. Remember! Your CV is about you and your skills and experiences. Writing using pronouns like “him” or “her” will sound like you are talking about someone else in your resume. Or using your name will feel odd.
Don’t leave sentences incomplete
Removing pronouns from the sentences in the resume doesn’t mean that you should leave the sentences incomplete. Deliver complete sentences even when you are using bullets in your document. Incomplete sentences like invoicing or contact are useless. They don’t clearly explain the message you are trying to deliver. Additionally, make sure that each sentence has a verb (a doing word) that reflects your work. Instead form sentences like:
- Contacted the team and asked for their feedback
- Generated invoices for the discharging patients.
Examples of some sections of a CV
Profile for the resume
The profile is the most important part of the CV format. It will set the tone for the other parts of the document. You can describe yourself to the hiring team in the following ways:
Silent-first person
Working as a business consultant with more than 5 years of experience. Currently leading a team in one of the leading enterprise software companies.
Experience section for the resume
Silent-first person persona
Consultant/ Customer References Manager, XYZ Solutions
2018-present
Formed and led the customer references centre of excellence team. Helped to secure and prepare more than 100 reference participants each year for sales needs and PR opportunities.
Key roles:
- Providing support to sales executives by coordinating reference requests and customer success stories.
- Responsibility to manage customer relationships and references.
FAQs
Can CVs be written in a third-person persona?
You should never write your resumes in third-person pronouns. Make use of either first pronouns or silent-first-person pronouns. If you are using the first pronoun, ensure to avoid the overuse of “I”.
Which tense should be used while writing a resume?
When you are narrating about your previous experience, use past tense. Reflecting on your current job nature and key roles, use the present tense.
What happens if we use third-person pronouns in our resumes?
Using third-person pronouns like “him”, or “her”, gives a feeling that the content is describing someone else. Your resume will reflect on you and your skills.
Can the objective of the resume be written in the first person?
If you are using “I” in the objective section of the resume, it is acceptable. If we observe modern resumes have started using more impersonal and direct approaches. Using “I”, ensures that it is used sparingly and the objective is clear and concise.
First or third person, the decision is made
Writing the CV in the first person is advised. If you want to go professional, choose a silent-first person.
Writing in the first person gives a personal touch and creates an impression on the hiring team. The tone is more engaging and the readers will be directly connected to your material. The main goal is to keep the CV clear, and concise, and your qualifications are highlighted effectively.