career-advice

Expert Tip: When to Spell Out Numbers on a Resume

Matt Glodz
Expert Tip: When to Spell Out Numbers on a Resume

Should you write out numbers on your resume or use numerals?

When preparing your resume, aim to craft as many achievement-based bullet points as possible.

By quantifying the results you achieved using numbers, you’ll build your credibility and impress recruiters.

That said, your grammar also needs to be accurate.

In this article, we’ll discuss the standard grammar rules for writing numbers as well as recommended approaches for using numbers on resumes.

Standard Grammar Rules for Writing Numbers

According to both the AP Stylebook and The Business Style Handbook, the following rules apply when writing out numbers:

  • Numbers under 10: Spell out (two, six, eight)
  • Numbers 10 and above: Use figures (10, 55, 150)

There are a few exceptions to this general rule where you should always use figures, including the following:

  • Ages (4 years old)
  • Building numbers (5 East Erie)
  • Headlines (Developer Builds 5 New Hotels)
  • Figures with decimals (6.2 feet)
  • Percentages (12% increase)
  • Measurements (185 lbs.)
  • Money ($3M increase in revenue)
  • Time of day (5 p.m.)
  • Figures in a series (5 direct reports, 150 employees, and 30 contractors)

Resume Best Practices for Writing Numbers

On your resume, you can choose to go against standard convention and use figures for numbers 1-9 for two reasons:

1) Save space

Because you have limited space on your resume, using the number “5” instead of writing out “five” can save you just enough space to keep a bullet point from spilling onto the next line – especially if you need to squeeze in multiple numbers.

2) Help your accomplishments “pop”

Using numbers can also help your accomplishments stand out.

When you have multiple bullet points that consist primarily of text, numbers under 10 can easily blend into the rest of the content.

For example, compare the following two bullet points:

  • Completed 8 feasibility studies, resulting in 2 new hotel openings
  • Completed eight feasibility studies, resulting in two new hotel openings

It’s easy to see how the structure of the first bullet point makes the numbers more prominent.

When including numbers on your resume, the most important thing is to be consistent.

  • If you decide to follow conventional grammar rules and spell out numbers under 10, do so throughout the entire document
  • If you decide to use figures throughout, stay consistent as well

If you are preparing a resume for an academic context, however, we advise sticking to convention.

In Summary

By following the guidelines above and sticking to one approach throughout your document, you can be sure to avoid any red flags.

To create a resume that impresses recruiters, be sure to incorporate metrics and KPIs into your bullet points.

Such an approach will ensure your resume is accomplishment driven and doesn't simply list the tasks you were responsible for day-to-day.


About Resume Pilots

Resume Pilots is an award-winning executive resume writing firm and a proud member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Our previous clients include CEOs and senior executives at the world's leading companies.

As a professional services firm, we take your reputation seriously. We are committed to delivering writing excellence and superior service while operating with integrity and discretion. Recruitment firms we partner with also trust us to consistently deliver quality documents for their clients.

Our writers have studied in the Ivy League and other top-tier universities and have strong writing backgrounds coupled with industry experience.

Here's how we can help you:

Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Writing Services: If you are looking for end-to-end support, hire one of our professional resume writers to rewrite your documents from the ground up.

Executive Resume Template Downloads: If you plan to prepare your own resume, consider using one of our classic, ATS-friendly resume templates for Microsoft Word.

To learn more about our services, book an introductory call with our founder here or email team@resumepilots.com.


About the AuthorMatt Glodz


Matt Glodz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Resume Pilots and a Certified Professional Resume Writer.

After studying business communication at Cornell University, Matt worked within Fortune 500 companies, where he noted that qualified candidates were frequently denied interview opportunities due to poorly written documents.

At Resume Pilots, Matt combines his business and writing background - which includes prior work for a Chicago Tribune publication - to craft resumes that give his clients the best chance of landing interviews. He works with clients ranging from CEOs to recent graduates and has been writing resumes for over 10 years.

He has been quoted on numerous business and career-related topics in outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, Fortune, Glassdoor, The Ladders, and Thrive Global.


Related Articles

Can Applicant Tracking Systems Read PDF Files?
The short answer is that most ATS systems are able to read and parse PDF files. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when using PDFs in your job application materials.
Read More
Should I Add a Recruiter as a Connection on LinkedIn?
Adding a recruiter on LinkedIn can be a useful way to build your professional network and stay connected with potential employers. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn.
Read More
Free Template for Messaging Recruiters on LinkedIn
Use This Free Template to Contact Recruiters on LinkedIn: We also provide tips for customizing the template to make an excellent first impression.
Read More