The Pongo Blog
Should I Write My Resume in Past or Present Tense?
November 18, 2009 (4:00PM) by Brianna Raymond, CPRW
Let's talk about verb tenses: past, present, and future. Only two of these should ever be used on your resume, and future isn't one of them.
Confused yet? Here's a grammar refresher:
- Past tense verbs express actions that already happened, and they usually end in -ed (except the funky ones like ran or made)
Example: Organized and analyzed data obtained during testing.
- Present tense verbs refer to current or ongoing actions—either something you're doing right now, or that you do repeatedly
Example: Develop curriculum for K-12 environmental program.
But how do I know what tense to use in my resume?
It's simple: If you're employed and writing about the responsibilities and accomplishments in your present job, use the present tense. If you're writing about a past job, use past tense.
See? Easy-peasy.
But wait! Here's a curve ball: What if your current job involves a responsibility that you no longer have? Like hiring seven new staff members? You accomplished that goal, but technically you can't describe it in the present tense because you're no longer performing that duty.
So now what do you do? One option is to write your everyday responsibilities in present tense and your accomplishments in past tense. In this case, make sure all of your current responsibilities are followed by your past accomplishments for that position. Here's what that might look like:
- Create and maintain quarterly department reports
- Manage product engineering and development process
- Hired and trained 7 staff members
- Developed new task management system that increased productivity 25%
When in doubt...
The simplest option is to put everything in past tense (yes, even your current responsibilities). After all, if you're an active job seeker, you're ready to put that current job in the past and make your next career move, so you might as well start with your resume.
But whatever you do, the key is to be consistent throughout the entire resume. Random mixing and matching of verb tenses is a resume don't.
Still confused? We're here to help! Ask your question (with examples if you have them) in the comments below and we'll help you figure out the best way to express it.
I am a recuriter and my advise is be honest. Write what you did in the past and what you are doing now (if you are currently taking time off explain it). Work with q recuiter who can be honest and tell employers what is going on in your life;
Posted by: Jai | November 20, 2009 at 7:07 PM | Quote This Comment
well im having a little problem cause after 5yrs working for my organizatin i need a reume i know what they want but its hard for me to put it togeather.
Posted by: minerva | November 29, 2009 at 11:53 AM | Quote This Comment
thank you for the info, never was sure what tense to use in a resume. I usally use present tense.
Posted by: 411 webconnect canada usa | December 08, 2009 at 10:08 AM | Quote This Comment
Hi,
what about the situations where you you need to use present and past tense in the same point.
For example, I developed a new way of doing something and I am currently executing it. My point look like this:
Developed and using (should i say currently) a new open order review process.
Thanks
Posted by: Fatih | July 02, 2010 at 11:38 PM | Quote This Comment
is it correct usage to write something like"Involve in the Model level testing", for the current job.
Posted by: Pallavi | May 15, 2011 at 1:49 PM | Quote This Comment
Hi Pallavi,
To imply that you are still involved in Model level testing you would want to write "Currently involved in...". If you are are not still working on that project you could write "Was involved in...". These would be your past and present tenses of the word to use in the resume.
Hope this helps you in writing your resume!
Posted by: Pongo Customer Support - Cassi | May 16, 2011 at 2:43 PM | Quote This Comment
But if one is using present tense, what person should it be? My English teacher daughter insists it is 3rd person, and I insist it should be 1st person.
For instance, say I am a musician, and want to give my instrument. I think it should be:
- Play snare, bongos, and tamborine
Daughter says it is
- Plays snare, bongos, and tamborine
Who is right?
Posted by: Justin Thyme | August 24, 2011 at 9:18 PM | Quote This Comment
Hi Justin, On a resume, the action verbs are always first person. I was the one who performed these actions. In this case, I'm sorry to say your English Teacher daughter is incorrect.
Hope this helped!!
Posted by: Pongo Support - Corey | August 25, 2011 at 9:54 AM | Quote This Comment