When writing a resume or CV, one of the most common questions job seekers face is whether to use past or present tense. The answer isn’t always straightforward, but understanding the right context for each can make your resume clearer, more professional, and more effective. In this Article, we’ll break down the best practices for using tenses on your resume and provide easy-to-follow guidelines.

1. When to Use Present Tense in Your Resume

The present tense is typically used when describing your current job or ongoing responsibilities. It gives the impression that the work is ongoing and relevant to your present role. Here’s when and how you should use it:

Use Present Tense For:

• Your Current Job: If you’re still employed in a role, you should describe your day-to-day tasks and ongoing responsibilities in the present tense.

• Current Responsibilities: Focus on actions you are actively performing, such as “manage a team,” “oversee marketing campaigns,” or “analyze financial reports.”

Example:

• Present Tense:
  “Coordinate weekly team meetings to track project progress and address challenges.”

Present tense works because it emphasizes that the action is still happening.

When Not to Use Present Tense:

Even if you’re currently in a role, avoid using present tense for accomplishments or projects that have been completed. Instead, use the past tense to highlight achievements that are already finished.

2. When to Use Past Tense in Your Resume

The past tense is generally used for previous jobs or tasks that have been completed in your current job. It provides a sense of completion and indicates that you’ve achieved certain goals.

Use Past Tense For:

• Previous Jobs: Always use the past tense to describe positions you’ve held in the past. This applies to any job you no longer have.

• Completed Tasks in Current Role: For projects, tasks, or accomplishments that you’ve finished, use the past tense, even if you’re still in the role.

Example:

• Past Tense:
  “Developed a new customer outreach program that increased retention by 25%.”

Using past tense in this context emphasizes that the achievement has already been realized.

3. Key Guidelines for Using Tense on Your Resume

To make things simple, here are some clear guidelines on when to use present or past tense on your resume:

• Current Role: Use present tense for ongoing responsibilities and tasks.

• Accomplishments in Current Role: Use past tense for completed projects or achievements.

• Previous Jobs: Always use past tense to describe responsibilities and accomplishments.

Example of Current Role (Mix of Tenses):

Marketing Manager | XYZ Company | 2022–Present

• Develop marketing strategies to expand market reach (present tense, ongoing responsibility).

• Launched a new product line, generating $500K in revenue in the first quarter (past tense, completed achievement).

Example of Previous Role:

Project Coordinator | ABC Corporation | 2020–2022

• Led a cross-functional team to execute projects within budget and timeline.

• Implemented a new workflow system that increased efficiency by 15%.

4. Why Tense Matters on Your Resume

Using the correct tense isn’t just about grammar—it’s about clarity. Here’s why getting it right is important:

• Conveys Professionalism: A resume with consistent tenses looks polished and professional. Using the wrong tense or switching back and forth can make your resume appear disorganized or confusing.

• Clarifies Timeline: Using the appropriate tense helps potential employers understand what you’re currently working on versus what you’ve already completed.

• Highlights Achievements: Accomplishments are more powerful when presented in past tense, as it signals that the task has been successfully completed.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few mistakes to watch out for when choosing the right tense for your resume:

1. Inconsistent Tense Usage

Switching between past and present tense in the same section or bullet point can confuse employers. For example:

• Incorrect: "Lead weekly meetings and developed a new outreach program."

• Correct: "Lead weekly meetings and develop new outreach programs." (Present tense)
  Or: "Led weekly meetings and developed a new outreach program." (Past tense)

2. Using Present Tense for Past Jobs

Even if you’re writing about similar responsibilities across multiple roles, make sure to use the past tense for jobs you no longer hold. For example:

• Incorrect: "Manage a team of five engineers." (In a job you no longer hold)

• Correct: "Managed a team of five engineers."

3. Using Past Tense for Ongoing Responsibilities

Avoid using the past tense for tasks that you still perform in your current role. It gives the impression that you no longer do those tasks, which could mislead potential employers.

6. What About Cover Letters?

The same principles generally apply to cover letters. Use the present tense when discussing your current job and the past tense when referring to previous experiences or achievements. Cover letters often have more narrative flexibility, but maintaining consistency in your tenses will help maintain a professional tone.

7. Final Tips for Polishing Your Resume

• Proofread: Ensure that your resume uses consistent tenses across different sections. Proofread carefully to avoid accidentally switching between past and present.

• Use Active Voice: Wherever possible, use active voice instead of passive voice. Active voice is more direct and impactful, helping you stand out to employers.

• Keep It Simple: Stick to clear and simple language. The easier your resume is to read, the better your chances of catching the employer’s attention.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tense for your resume can make a big difference in how effectively it communicates your qualifications. Use present tense for ongoing responsibilities and past tense for previous roles and completed achievements. By applying these simple guidelines, you’ll create a polished, professional resume that makes a lasting impression.

Remember, the goal is to make your accomplishments stand out while keeping your resume easy to read. With the right tenses in place, your resume will be ready to impress potential employers.