Ever stared at a blank document, fingers hovering over the keyboard, wondering if you should type résumé, resumé, or just plain resume? You're not alone. This tiny accent mark has confused more people than a GPS in a parking garage.
The French Connection
The word résumé comes straight from French, where it means "summary." Think of it like the little accent mark is the word's passport — it shows where it came from. Like how your tía might say "café" and actually stress the last syllable, the accent matters in French.
In everyday English, we borrowed the word but didn't always borrow the rules perfectly. Some style guides keep the accents, others drop them entirely, and some pick just one. It's like adding salt to your recipe — different cooks, different preferences.
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Three Ways to Type It
First, there's résumé with two accents — the fully French version. This is what the AP Stylebook and many formal documents prefer. If you want to look polished, this is your go-to.
Then you've got resumé with just one accent on the last e. Some word processors add it automatically when you type. It's the half-messy compromise, like wearing sneakers with a blazer — casual but still put together.
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Finally, there's plain resume with no accents at all. This is the most common version people type because, honestly, who wants to hunt for that accent button? It's perfectly acceptable in most everyday situations.
So Which One Should You Use?
Here's the fun part: it depends on where you're typing it. On a formal application or in a professional setting, résumé is the safest bet. It signals attention to detail, which is exactly what hiring managers look for.
But if you're just chatting with friends or writing a casual email, plain resume works just fine. Nobody's going to send you a stern note about missing accents in a group text. Life's too short for that.
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How to Actually Type the Accent
On a Mac, hold Option plus e, release both, then press e again. On Windows, hold Alt, type 130 on the number pad, and voilà — there it is. You can also just copy and paste from this very article if you'd rather not play keyboard gymnastics.
Your phone makes it even easier — just long-press the letter e and a little menu pops up with all the accented variations. It's like picking toppings at a salad bar, but less lettuce involved.
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Why Should You Care?
It might seem like a small detail, but tiny details add up — especially on your job application. Using the correct version shows you took an extra moment to get things right. Hiring managers notice that effort, even if they don't say it out loud.
At the end of the day, the accent mark is just a little squiggle on your keyboard. It won't make or break your career, but it might make you smile knowing you did your homework. And honestly, that confidence feels great.
So next time you open a new document to build your résumé, take a breath, find that accent, and type it with pride. You've got this — accent and all.