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What tense should I use for current job duties on my resume?
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I am searching for a more stable job but I have not left my current position yet. In my resume, I have listed duties in my former jobs in past tense, but that seems awkward for things I am currently doing. However, I'm concerned that it looks non-standard if I switch tenses partway through.
Should my resume list responsibilities for my current job in the current tense (building, creating) or in the past tense (built, created) like all the other entries?
What if I'm currently working on a large project that I haven't finished? Does that change the correct answer?
Examples (all information is made-up)
Secretary
Last month to Present
- Transcribing emails
- Tracking client information
Wal-Mart Employee
Long time ago to Sooner
- Carried heavy boxes
- Engaged with customers
Or
Secretary
Last month to Present
- Transcribed emails
- Tracked client information
Wal-Mart Employee
Long time ago to Sooner
- Carried heavy boxes
- Engaged with customers
resume
asked Sep 8 '14 at 18:11
Jerenda
356159
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
I am searching for a more stable job but I have not left my current position yet. In my resume, I have listed duties in my former jobs in past tense, but that seems awkward for things I am currently doing. However, I'm concerned that it looks non-standard if I switch tenses partway through.
Should my resume list responsibilities for my current job in the current tense (building, creating) or in the past tense (built, created) like all the other entries?
What if I'm currently working on a large project that I haven't finished? Does that change the correct answer?
Examples (all information is made-up)
Secretary
Last month to Present
- Transcribing emails
- Tracking client information
Wal-Mart Employee
Long time ago to Sooner
- Carried heavy boxes
- Engaged with customers
Or
Secretary
Last month to Present
- Transcribed emails
- Tracked client information
Wal-Mart Employee
Long time ago to Sooner
- Carried heavy boxes
- Engaged with customers
resume
asked Sep 8 '14 at 18:11
Jerenda
356159
1
I am aware of this question: workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/6690/… but it doesn't seem to answer my question exactly. I thought it would be valuable to separate this question out to provide an easy resource for other askers.
– Jerenda
Sep 8 '14 at 18:13
2
Why do you feel a need to use past tense at all? You are indicating on your CV what you did at each job at "that" time or what the job required.
– user8365
Sep 8 '14 at 18:21
1
@JeffO So I could just use present tense all the way through?
– Jerenda
Sep 8 '14 at 18:22
Since these are bullet points and not a narrative, you don't need to use past-tense like you would in a cover-letter.
– user8365
Sep 15 '14 at 17:45
"Carrying heavy boxes" is funny. It has no purpose. You should rather write what you were carrying. For example: "Carrying heavy wine boxes".
– Nicolas Barbulesco
Jun 24 '15 at 7:20
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
I am searching for a more stable job but I have not left my current position yet. In my resume, I have listed duties in my former jobs in past tense, but that seems awkward for things I am currently doing. However, I'm concerned that it looks non-standard if I switch tenses partway through.
Should my resume list responsibilities for my current job in the current tense (building, creating) or in the past tense (built, created) like all the other entries?
What if I'm currently working on a large project that I haven't finished? Does that change the correct answer?
Examples (all information is made-up)
Secretary
Last month to Present
- Transcribing emails
- Tracking client information
Wal-Mart Employee
Long time ago to Sooner
- Carried heavy boxes
- Engaged with customers
Or
Secretary
Last month to Present
- Transcribed emails
- Tracked client information
Wal-Mart Employee
Long time ago to Sooner
- Carried heavy boxes
- Engaged with customers
resume
asked Sep 8 '14 at 18:11
Jerenda
356159
I am searching for a more stable job but I have not left my current position yet. In my resume, I have listed duties in my former jobs in past tense, but that seems awkward for things I am currently doing. However, I'm concerned that it looks non-standard if I switch tenses partway through.
Should my resume list responsibilities for my current job in the current tense (building, creating) or in the past tense (built, created) like all the other entries?
What if I'm currently working on a large project that I haven't finished? Does that change the correct answer?
Examples (all information is made-up)
Secretary
Last month to Present
- Transcribing emails
- Tracking client information
Wal-Mart Employee
Long time ago to Sooner
- Carried heavy boxes
- Engaged with customers
Or
Secretary
Last month to Present
- Transcribed emails
- Tracked client information
Wal-Mart Employee
Long time ago to Sooner
- Carried heavy boxes
- Engaged with customers
resume
asked Sep 8 '14 at 18:11
Jerenda
356159
asked Sep 8 '14 at 18:11
Jerenda
356159
asked Sep 8 '14 at 18:11
Jerenda
356159
asked Sep 8 '14 at 18:11
Jerenda
356159
356159
1
I am aware of this question: workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/6690/… but it doesn't seem to answer my question exactly. I thought it would be valuable to separate this question out to provide an easy resource for other askers.
– Jerenda
Sep 8 '14 at 18:13
2
Why do you feel a need to use past tense at all? You are indicating on your CV what you did at each job at "that" time or what the job required.
– user8365
Sep 8 '14 at 18:21
1
@JeffO So I could just use present tense all the way through?
– Jerenda
Sep 8 '14 at 18:22
Since these are bullet points and not a narrative, you don't need to use past-tense like you would in a cover-letter.
– user8365
Sep 15 '14 at 17:45
"Carrying heavy boxes" is funny. It has no purpose. You should rather write what you were carrying. For example: "Carrying heavy wine boxes".
– Nicolas Barbulesco
Jun 24 '15 at 7:20
suggest improvements |Â
1
I am aware of this question: workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/6690/… but it doesn't seem to answer my question exactly. I thought it would be valuable to separate this question out to provide an easy resource for other askers.
– Jerenda
Sep 8 '14 at 18:13
2
Why do you feel a need to use past tense at all? You are indicating on your CV what you did at each job at "that" time or what the job required.
– user8365
Sep 8 '14 at 18:21
1
@JeffO So I could just use present tense all the way through?
– Jerenda
Sep 8 '14 at 18:22
Since these are bullet points and not a narrative, you don't need to use past-tense like you would in a cover-letter.
– user8365
Sep 15 '14 at 17:45
"Carrying heavy boxes" is funny. It has no purpose. You should rather write what you were carrying. For example: "Carrying heavy wine boxes".
– Nicolas Barbulesco
Jun 24 '15 at 7:20
1
1
I am aware of this question: workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/6690/… but it doesn't seem to answer my question exactly. I thought it would be valuable to separate this question out to provide an easy resource for other askers.
– Jerenda
Sep 8 '14 at 18:13
I am aware of this question: workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/6690/… but it doesn't seem to answer my question exactly. I thought it would be valuable to separate this question out to provide an easy resource for other askers.
– Jerenda
Sep 8 '14 at 18:13
2
2
Why do you feel a need to use past tense at all? You are indicating on your CV what you did at each job at "that" time or what the job required.
– user8365
Sep 8 '14 at 18:21
Why do you feel a need to use past tense at all? You are indicating on your CV what you did at each job at "that" time or what the job required.
– user8365
Sep 8 '14 at 18:21
1
1
@JeffO So I could just use present tense all the way through?
– Jerenda
Sep 8 '14 at 18:22
@JeffO So I could just use present tense all the way through?
– Jerenda
Sep 8 '14 at 18:22
Since these are bullet points and not a narrative, you don't need to use past-tense like you would in a cover-letter.
– user8365
Sep 15 '14 at 17:45
Since these are bullet points and not a narrative, you don't need to use past-tense like you would in a cover-letter.
– user8365
Sep 15 '14 at 17:45
"Carrying heavy boxes" is funny. It has no purpose. You should rather write what you were carrying. For example: "Carrying heavy wine boxes".
– Nicolas Barbulesco
Jun 24 '15 at 7:20
"Carrying heavy boxes" is funny. It has no purpose. You should rather write what you were carrying. For example: "Carrying heavy wine boxes".
– Nicolas Barbulesco
Jun 24 '15 at 7:20
suggest improvements |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
Really it matters less whether you use past or present tense than if you are consistent in your use of the same tense. As an advertisement for your services, a resume is just a document that highlights things about you, such as your attention to detail. The old advice about "always use past tense" is more about looking consistent and "style guide correct" than anything else.
If only to show your new employer that you are already in the mindset of working for them, I would suggest being consistent in the past tense- but only to the extent that it seems natural. I doubt anyone reading the resume will even notice what you do there.
answered Sep 9 '14 at 12:35
Affable Geek
1,61811525
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
The answer is "yes". If you're citing things you have accomplished, that would be past tense. If you're citing things you are currently working on, that would be present tense, or past-continuing-into-present (I forget the proper term -- past imperfect?) such as "have spent the past year developing...."
answered Sep 8 '14 at 18:41
keshlam
41.5k1267144
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
As you can see in my comment on your question, I would naturally write every activity at present:
Carrying wine boxes
Engaging with customers
So all your jobs are described consistently. These phrases describe activities. They do not mean you are doing the tasks right now.
answered Jun 24 '15 at 7:26
Nicolas Barbulesco
1194
suggest improvements |Â
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
Really it matters less whether you use past or present tense than if you are consistent in your use of the same tense. As an advertisement for your services, a resume is just a document that highlights things about you, such as your attention to detail. The old advice about "always use past tense" is more about looking consistent and "style guide correct" than anything else.
If only to show your new employer that you are already in the mindset of working for them, I would suggest being consistent in the past tense- but only to the extent that it seems natural. I doubt anyone reading the resume will even notice what you do there.
answered Sep 9 '14 at 12:35
Affable Geek
1,61811525
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
Really it matters less whether you use past or present tense than if you are consistent in your use of the same tense. As an advertisement for your services, a resume is just a document that highlights things about you, such as your attention to detail. The old advice about "always use past tense" is more about looking consistent and "style guide correct" than anything else.
If only to show your new employer that you are already in the mindset of working for them, I would suggest being consistent in the past tense- but only to the extent that it seems natural. I doubt anyone reading the resume will even notice what you do there.
answered Sep 9 '14 at 12:35
Affable Geek
1,61811525
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
Really it matters less whether you use past or present tense than if you are consistent in your use of the same tense. As an advertisement for your services, a resume is just a document that highlights things about you, such as your attention to detail. The old advice about "always use past tense" is more about looking consistent and "style guide correct" than anything else.
If only to show your new employer that you are already in the mindset of working for them, I would suggest being consistent in the past tense- but only to the extent that it seems natural. I doubt anyone reading the resume will even notice what you do there.
answered Sep 9 '14 at 12:35
Affable Geek
1,61811525
Really it matters less whether you use past or present tense than if you are consistent in your use of the same tense. As an advertisement for your services, a resume is just a document that highlights things about you, such as your attention to detail. The old advice about "always use past tense" is more about looking consistent and "style guide correct" than anything else.
If only to show your new employer that you are already in the mindset of working for them, I would suggest being consistent in the past tense- but only to the extent that it seems natural. I doubt anyone reading the resume will even notice what you do there.
answered Sep 9 '14 at 12:35
Affable Geek
1,61811525
answered Sep 9 '14 at 12:35
Affable Geek
1,61811525
answered Sep 9 '14 at 12:35
Affable Geek
1,61811525
answered Sep 9 '14 at 12:35
Affable Geek
1,61811525
1,61811525
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
The answer is "yes". If you're citing things you have accomplished, that would be past tense. If you're citing things you are currently working on, that would be present tense, or past-continuing-into-present (I forget the proper term -- past imperfect?) such as "have spent the past year developing...."
answered Sep 8 '14 at 18:41
keshlam
41.5k1267144
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
The answer is "yes". If you're citing things you have accomplished, that would be past tense. If you're citing things you are currently working on, that would be present tense, or past-continuing-into-present (I forget the proper term -- past imperfect?) such as "have spent the past year developing...."
answered Sep 8 '14 at 18:41
keshlam
41.5k1267144
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
The answer is "yes". If you're citing things you have accomplished, that would be past tense. If you're citing things you are currently working on, that would be present tense, or past-continuing-into-present (I forget the proper term -- past imperfect?) such as "have spent the past year developing...."
answered Sep 8 '14 at 18:41
keshlam
41.5k1267144
The answer is "yes". If you're citing things you have accomplished, that would be past tense. If you're citing things you are currently working on, that would be present tense, or past-continuing-into-present (I forget the proper term -- past imperfect?) such as "have spent the past year developing...."
answered Sep 8 '14 at 18:41
keshlam
41.5k1267144
answered Sep 8 '14 at 18:41
keshlam
41.5k1267144
answered Sep 8 '14 at 18:41
keshlam
41.5k1267144
answered Sep 8 '14 at 18:41
keshlam
41.5k1267144
41.5k1267144
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
As you can see in my comment on your question, I would naturally write every activity at present:
Carrying wine boxes
Engaging with customers
So all your jobs are described consistently. These phrases describe activities. They do not mean you are doing the tasks right now.
answered Jun 24 '15 at 7:26
Nicolas Barbulesco
1194
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
As you can see in my comment on your question, I would naturally write every activity at present:
Carrying wine boxes
Engaging with customers
So all your jobs are described consistently. These phrases describe activities. They do not mean you are doing the tasks right now.
answered Jun 24 '15 at 7:26
Nicolas Barbulesco
1194
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
As you can see in my comment on your question, I would naturally write every activity at present:
Carrying wine boxes
Engaging with customers
So all your jobs are described consistently. These phrases describe activities. They do not mean you are doing the tasks right now.
answered Jun 24 '15 at 7:26
Nicolas Barbulesco
1194
As you can see in my comment on your question, I would naturally write every activity at present:
Carrying wine boxes
Engaging with customers
So all your jobs are described consistently. These phrases describe activities. They do not mean you are doing the tasks right now.
answered Jun 24 '15 at 7:26
Nicolas Barbulesco
1194
answered Jun 24 '15 at 7:26
Nicolas Barbulesco
1194
answered Jun 24 '15 at 7:26
Nicolas Barbulesco
1194
answered Jun 24 '15 at 7:26
Nicolas Barbulesco
1194
1194
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
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1
I am aware of this question: workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/6690/… but it doesn't seem to answer my question exactly. I thought it would be valuable to separate this question out to provide an easy resource for other askers.
– Jerenda
Sep 8 '14 at 18:13
2
Why do you feel a need to use past tense at all? You are indicating on your CV what you did at each job at "that" time or what the job required.
– user8365
Sep 8 '14 at 18:21
1
@JeffO So I could just use present tense all the way through?
– Jerenda
Sep 8 '14 at 18:22
Since these are bullet points and not a narrative, you don't need to use past-tense like you would in a cover-letter.
– user8365
Sep 15 '14 at 17:45
"Carrying heavy boxes" is funny. It has no purpose. You should rather write what you were carrying. For example: "Carrying heavy wine boxes".
– Nicolas Barbulesco
Jun 24 '15 at 7:20