For a job application, the correct spelling is "résumé" with two acute accents, but "resume" without accents is widely accepted in English. I’ve been reviewing applications for over 15 years, and I can tell you that most recruiters and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) treat both as the same word. The key is consistency: if you use accents, use them correctly throughout your entire document. However, in practice, the no-accent version is simpler and avoids any formatting glitches when uploading files.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the common variations:
| Spelling | When to Use | Notes |
|---|
| résumé | Formal, traditional, or French-influenced contexts | Correct accent marks; often used in academia or creative fields |
| resume | Most common in English, especially in tech and corporate | No accents; accepted by all ATS and HR software |
| resumé | Less common, one accent (e) | Often considered a mistake; avoid it |
My advice? Use "resume" without accents for a clean, modern look. It’s what the majority of hiring managers expect. I’ve seen candidates trip up by adding an accent on the first ‘e’ but not the second, or vice versa, which looks sloppy. Stick with the plain English version and you’ll be safe. The only exception is if you’re applying to a highly traditional industry (like law or finance) where the company itself uses "résumé" in their job postings. Then match their style. But honestly, in 2026, no reputable recruiter is going to reject you over a missing accent – they’re far more focused on your experience and skills.
