Em Dashes vs. En Dashes

Did you know that there are two different types of dashes? It is an easy detail to quickly pass over, but using the correct dash is important so the ATS can correctly parse your resume. 

The shorter en dash (–) is used to mark the range of numbers or periods. This dash can be read as to or through. 

The longer em dash (—) is used to separate extra information or mark a break in a sentence. This dash can function similarly to parentheses, a pair of commas, or in place of a semicolon or colon. 

The names come from the letters of the alphabet. The en dash is approximately the length of the letter n, and the em dash is approximately the length of the letter m. 

When you use the en dash to represent a period, do NOT add spaces before or after the dash.

Example 

Incorrect: March 2019 - May 2020

Correct: March 2019-May2020

You can find more information about em dashes vs. en dashes here!