ResumesResumes
InterviewsInterviews
Cover LettersCover Letters
Job Seeker TipsJob Seeker Tips
Beginner BasicsBeginner Basics
In the WorkplaceIn the Workplace
Work/LifeWork/Life
Build Your
Resume With
Our Easy Wizard
Have Your
Resume
Professionally
Written
Get A
Professionally
Written Cover
Letter
Home > Blog: Resumes > Should I Write My Resume in Past or Present Tense?

Should I Write My Resume in Past or Present Tense?

Image created on wordle.net

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.

Ready To Jump Start Your Job Search?
Looking for Help with Your Job Search?
Pongo has been helping Job Seekers for over 10 years. If you think our articles are great, try our Resume Builder, Letter Builder and Exclusive Interview Strategy Videos! Our easy-to-use tools and expert advice have helped over 70% of our Members get the job they want! Learn More »
Like what you see?
Join over 4.6 million Pongo Members — and let us help you land your dream job.
Pongo Raves
Nurse Finds Fulfillment in New Position
Deanna was unhappy in her current job but didn't know how to go about making a change. She explains how Pongo helped her target her resume to land a great position as a Pediatric Nurse.
Learn More About Pongo
More Success Stories