Numbers on a Résumé

Dear Deb:

On my résumé, I want to show that I have 24 years of experience in event marketing.  Do I write “24” or “twenty-four?”

Thanks!

Margo

Dear Margo,

Great question!  On a résumé, we use the numbers.  So, it would be “5” instead of “five” and “14” instead of “fourteen.” That is because résumés use a special format to facilitate a quick read.  Also, numbers pop off the page more than words. Usually numbers are tied with accomplishments, so it is good for them to pop.

There is another issue here. For many years résumés were quite formulaic. One of the elements was a standard line, “__ years of experience.”  Today, that is not considered wise. The first reason is that a reader can easily glance at your résumé to see your experience. Therefore those words are wasting space that you can use for a stronger selling point. 

Secondly, it is smart to only show ten to fifteen years of relevant work history. Featuring only the most recent, relevant experience makes most candidates more marketable – not to mention that it will prevent your résumé from being too long.  

Thanks for writing!

Deb