In this post, I’ll cover rules for commas using terminology you may remember from high school English class. I promise there won’t be a test at the end. In fact, if you find these concepts difficult to understand, that’s OK. I’ve given examples so that you’ll get the gist without feeling like you need a degree in English or journalism to write your resume.
It isn’t important that you memorize all these punctuation rules. What is important is that you examine your punctuation carefully and look up anything that’s questionable. This post will help you to know what rules to look out for so you can apply them consistently, demonstrating to a future employer that you communicate clearly and pay attention to detail.
Note: This post is the second in my “Punctuation Perfection” series, written to help you get your resume into flawless shape. I’ll share common punctuation mistakes and the rules you should be following. From remembering your commas through formatting with pipe marks, adhering to these guidelines will improve your chances of getting an interview.
If you want all the punctuation rules right away, with examples from real resumes, purchase my e-book “Punctuation Perfection for an Error-free Resume: 20+ Rules You Might Be Breaking.” (Coming soon.)
As I wrote in Punctuation Perfection: How to Use Commas in Your Resume, Part I, on the serial comma, resume writing has unique punctuation rules. Especially when it comes to commas. In addition to using serial commas in your resume, you’ll want to follow punctuation rules regarding clauses — nonrestrictive, restrictive, independent, and dependent.
There are even more rules regarding commas and clauses to watch for in other types of writing, but the following areas are where we see mistakes most frequently in resumes. Misplaced or omitted commas can dramatically change the meaning of your sentences. Read on to learn how to use commas properly and ensure your message gets across to the reader.
Nonrestrictive Clauses
Remember to use commas with nonrestrictive clauses. A nonrestrictive element is a modifier that gives more information about a noun but does not change the sentence's meaning. You could take it out of the sentence, and the sentence would still be complete. Nonrestrictive clauses often include the words which, who, whom, or whose, such as this example:
Lowered absentee rate, which had been escalating, 32% in first year by executing new sick leave policy, saving $15M.
The phrase which had been escalating gives you more information about the absentee rate, but if you were to take it out, the sentence would still make sense, like so:
Lowered absentee rate 32% in first year by executing new sick leave policy, saving $15M.
Therefore, it does not restrict the sentence's meaning and would be surrounded by commas. Here’s another example:
Took initiative to complete leadership training, which was not required, producing an award-winning team.
Often, use of these phrases adds wordiness to your bullet points. You may decide to omit the nonrestrictive clause or rewrite the bullet point to be more concise.
Took initiative to complete optional leadership training, producing an award-winning team.
Rewriting the above bullet point allows it to fit on one line, saving valuable space for more important information in the document.
Restrictive Clauses
Restrictive clauses are dependent clauses (essential to the meaning of a sentence). They usually contain the word that and are used much more commonly than sentences with which. Restrictive clauses are not offset by commas.
Here is an example:
Implemented strategies that yield cost savings, generate revenue, and produce efficiencies.
If you removed the information following that, the sentence would be overly general. You need the information cost savings, revenue generation, and produce efficiencies for the sentence to have enough information to make sense.
A restrictive clause contains essential information to the sentence's meaning and is not offset by commas.
Independent Clauses
An independent clause contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. Sometimes, a sentence is formed by connecting two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet). A comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction between the two phrases.
In resumes, because pronouns (usually the word I) are eliminated, it is uncommon to see two independent clauses connected with a coordinating conjunction. If you find yourself wanting to put a comma between two clauses, don’t. Consider rewriting the sentence to avoid making a grammatical error by including an unnecessary comma.
For more information on pronouns in resumes, see my e-book “Grammar Greatness for an Error-free Resume: 20+ Mistakes You Might Be Making.” (Coming soon.)
Dependent Clauses
A dependent clause contains a subject and verb but is not a complete thought. A comma is not needed in a sentence where the word and precedes a dependent clause. This can be confusing with resumes because there are no pronouns in resumes.
Take this example, where there is no comma before and:
Converted hiring process to ATS and decreased time-to-fill cycle 15%.
The second half of the sentence, decreased time-to-fill cycle 15%, is dependent on the first part of the sentence, Converted hiring process to ATS.
Sentences where both clauses in the sentence share the unstated subject, I, can either be written with and and no comma, or they can be broken up into two sentences.
Performed intervention for 15 non-readers and brought all students up to grade level.
Or,
Performed intervention for 15 non-readers. Brought all students up to grade level.
Again, you’ll most likely not need a comma when it comes to clauses.
Mistakes with commas are easy to make. Pay attention to your spellchecker or use a proofreader to help you determine whether you’ve missed one or have one in a spot where it’s unnecessary.
I hope you found this post on using commas with clauses (nonrestrictive, restrictive, independent, and dependent) helpful for creating an error-free resume. Stay tuned for more punctuation perfection rules next week when I discuss rules about when to use commas with parenthetical phrases, states and dates, and present participle phrases in your resume.
P.S. If you don’t want to wait, get all the punctuation rules right away in my e-book “Punctuation Perfection for an Error-free Resume: 20+ Resume Rules You Might Be Breaking.” (Coming soon.)
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Kristin S. Johnson, CJSS, CCMC, COPNS, CG3C, CBBSC
Job Search Coach and Resume Writer
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