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Should I use present tense on an English CV/resume?
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I'm looking at an example CV/Resume, and I see the following:
- Develop business relationship
- Apply for patent paperwork
This sounds incorrect to me. Either it already happened, in which case I think they should use past tense, e.g. "engineered a TPS reports framework" or it is happening now, in which case I would write:
- Raising funds on kick-starter
- Soliciting donors
I think present tense diminishes any accomplishments as it sounds like the person is involved in some activity that may or may not be fruitful.
In addition, the way my original example is written sounds like it is a command given to someone else - hey you, develop financial software, and you - get coffee, and you over there - clean bathrooms.
Is this example CV/Resume provide any benefit by using present tense? And if not, is there any benefit to be gained by using present tense on a CV/resume (written in English)?
resume
edited Dec 4 '12 at 20:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 1 '12 at 18:48
Job
136114
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
I'm looking at an example CV/Resume, and I see the following:
- Develop business relationship
- Apply for patent paperwork
This sounds incorrect to me. Either it already happened, in which case I think they should use past tense, e.g. "engineered a TPS reports framework" or it is happening now, in which case I would write:
- Raising funds on kick-starter
- Soliciting donors
I think present tense diminishes any accomplishments as it sounds like the person is involved in some activity that may or may not be fruitful.
In addition, the way my original example is written sounds like it is a command given to someone else - hey you, develop financial software, and you - get coffee, and you over there - clean bathrooms.
Is this example CV/Resume provide any benefit by using present tense? And if not, is there any benefit to be gained by using present tense on a CV/resume (written in English)?
resume
edited Dec 4 '12 at 20:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 1 '12 at 18:48
Job
136114
2
This is short for "It is my job to develop... " and "It is my job to apply..." and so on. Resume-speak, like recipe instructions and newspaper headlines, doesn't follow the regular rules of English.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 1 '12 at 18:55
2
Is this something you were taught or something you have observed? Because as a former teacher of such things, this isn't something in the Big Book of Resume Rules or anything. Present tense for what you're doing now, past for what you did.
– jcmeloni
Dec 1 '12 at 18:56
1
Maybe that applicant is describing stuff she's currently doing now at a current job. Also, you should consider editing your question to focus on the problem. I'm afraid you've answered your own question in the actual question, which makes it not very constructive... If you make it more objective by editing out your opinion, you'll get better answers. Good luck! :)
– jmort253♦
Dec 1 '12 at 19:13
1
In my experienced people tend to use the past tense when refering to achievements, and the present when listing out the dimensions or repsonibilities of a role.
– GuyM
Dec 2 '12 at 18:03
3
Hi Job, I've edited your question a bit to try and get it reopened. If I've changed your question too much, feel free to roll back the edit :)
– Rachel
Dec 4 '12 at 13:32
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
I'm looking at an example CV/Resume, and I see the following:
- Develop business relationship
- Apply for patent paperwork
This sounds incorrect to me. Either it already happened, in which case I think they should use past tense, e.g. "engineered a TPS reports framework" or it is happening now, in which case I would write:
- Raising funds on kick-starter
- Soliciting donors
I think present tense diminishes any accomplishments as it sounds like the person is involved in some activity that may or may not be fruitful.
In addition, the way my original example is written sounds like it is a command given to someone else - hey you, develop financial software, and you - get coffee, and you over there - clean bathrooms.
Is this example CV/Resume provide any benefit by using present tense? And if not, is there any benefit to be gained by using present tense on a CV/resume (written in English)?
resume
edited Dec 4 '12 at 20:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 1 '12 at 18:48
Job
136114
I'm looking at an example CV/Resume, and I see the following:
- Develop business relationship
- Apply for patent paperwork
This sounds incorrect to me. Either it already happened, in which case I think they should use past tense, e.g. "engineered a TPS reports framework" or it is happening now, in which case I would write:
- Raising funds on kick-starter
- Soliciting donors
I think present tense diminishes any accomplishments as it sounds like the person is involved in some activity that may or may not be fruitful.
In addition, the way my original example is written sounds like it is a command given to someone else - hey you, develop financial software, and you - get coffee, and you over there - clean bathrooms.
Is this example CV/Resume provide any benefit by using present tense? And if not, is there any benefit to be gained by using present tense on a CV/resume (written in English)?
resume
edited Dec 4 '12 at 20:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 1 '12 at 18:48
Job
136114
edited Dec 4 '12 at 20:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
edited Dec 4 '12 at 20:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
edited Dec 4 '12 at 20:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 1 '12 at 18:48
Job
136114
asked Dec 1 '12 at 18:48
Job
136114
asked Dec 1 '12 at 18:48
Job
136114
136114
2
This is short for "It is my job to develop... " and "It is my job to apply..." and so on. Resume-speak, like recipe instructions and newspaper headlines, doesn't follow the regular rules of English.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 1 '12 at 18:55
2
Is this something you were taught or something you have observed? Because as a former teacher of such things, this isn't something in the Big Book of Resume Rules or anything. Present tense for what you're doing now, past for what you did.
– jcmeloni
Dec 1 '12 at 18:56
1
Maybe that applicant is describing stuff she's currently doing now at a current job. Also, you should consider editing your question to focus on the problem. I'm afraid you've answered your own question in the actual question, which makes it not very constructive... If you make it more objective by editing out your opinion, you'll get better answers. Good luck! :)
– jmort253♦
Dec 1 '12 at 19:13
1
In my experienced people tend to use the past tense when refering to achievements, and the present when listing out the dimensions or repsonibilities of a role.
– GuyM
Dec 2 '12 at 18:03
3
Hi Job, I've edited your question a bit to try and get it reopened. If I've changed your question too much, feel free to roll back the edit :)
– Rachel
Dec 4 '12 at 13:32
 |Â
show 1 more comment
2
This is short for "It is my job to develop... " and "It is my job to apply..." and so on. Resume-speak, like recipe instructions and newspaper headlines, doesn't follow the regular rules of English.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 1 '12 at 18:55
2
Is this something you were taught or something you have observed? Because as a former teacher of such things, this isn't something in the Big Book of Resume Rules or anything. Present tense for what you're doing now, past for what you did.
– jcmeloni
Dec 1 '12 at 18:56
1
Maybe that applicant is describing stuff she's currently doing now at a current job. Also, you should consider editing your question to focus on the problem. I'm afraid you've answered your own question in the actual question, which makes it not very constructive... If you make it more objective by editing out your opinion, you'll get better answers. Good luck! :)
– jmort253♦
Dec 1 '12 at 19:13
1
In my experienced people tend to use the past tense when refering to achievements, and the present when listing out the dimensions or repsonibilities of a role.
– GuyM
Dec 2 '12 at 18:03
3
Hi Job, I've edited your question a bit to try and get it reopened. If I've changed your question too much, feel free to roll back the edit :)
– Rachel
Dec 4 '12 at 13:32
2
2
This is short for "It is my job to develop... " and "It is my job to apply..." and so on. Resume-speak, like recipe instructions and newspaper headlines, doesn't follow the regular rules of English.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 1 '12 at 18:55
This is short for "It is my job to develop... " and "It is my job to apply..." and so on. Resume-speak, like recipe instructions and newspaper headlines, doesn't follow the regular rules of English.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 1 '12 at 18:55
2
2
Is this something you were taught or something you have observed? Because as a former teacher of such things, this isn't something in the Big Book of Resume Rules or anything. Present tense for what you're doing now, past for what you did.
– jcmeloni
Dec 1 '12 at 18:56
Is this something you were taught or something you have observed? Because as a former teacher of such things, this isn't something in the Big Book of Resume Rules or anything. Present tense for what you're doing now, past for what you did.
– jcmeloni
Dec 1 '12 at 18:56
1
1
Maybe that applicant is describing stuff she's currently doing now at a current job. Also, you should consider editing your question to focus on the problem. I'm afraid you've answered your own question in the actual question, which makes it not very constructive... If you make it more objective by editing out your opinion, you'll get better answers. Good luck! :)
– jmort253♦
Dec 1 '12 at 19:13
Maybe that applicant is describing stuff she's currently doing now at a current job. Also, you should consider editing your question to focus on the problem. I'm afraid you've answered your own question in the actual question, which makes it not very constructive... If you make it more objective by editing out your opinion, you'll get better answers. Good luck! :)
– jmort253♦
Dec 1 '12 at 19:13
1
1
In my experienced people tend to use the past tense when refering to achievements, and the present when listing out the dimensions or repsonibilities of a role.
– GuyM
Dec 2 '12 at 18:03
In my experienced people tend to use the past tense when refering to achievements, and the present when listing out the dimensions or repsonibilities of a role.
– GuyM
Dec 2 '12 at 18:03
3
3
Hi Job, I've edited your question a bit to try and get it reopened. If I've changed your question too much, feel free to roll back the edit :)
– Rachel
Dec 4 '12 at 13:32
Hi Job, I've edited your question a bit to try and get it reopened. If I've changed your question too much, feel free to roll back the edit :)
– Rachel
Dec 4 '12 at 13:32
 |Â
show 1 more comment
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
Every CV I've produced since the '80s used present tense for jobs I still held when the resume was presented, and past tense for those I had left. I've employed that strategy for over 25 years, and I'm still employable. As a matter of fact, I was complimented on my resume at my latest employer. In addition, my resume is three-and-a-half pages long, and I didn't include the first ten years of activity. Not because I didn't think it was appropriate, but, since technology is so different today compared to then, I just didn't think it was relevant.
A resume or curriculum vitae is a marketing tool, plain and simple. It is your first point of contact to develop a potentially lucrative business relationship. What you learn in academia is great when you are just starting out, but the goal is to eventually make the document your own expression of who you are based on your past accomplishments. Keep what you feel is appropriate, expand what you feel is pertinent, and discard what you feel is hampering. Be absolutely honest, but don't be compelled to include that which could be subject to misinterpretation.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:05
Neil T.
5,01711826
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
I review CVs (or resumes) pretty quickly. I have to, because at that stage and in the current economic climate I'm usually looking for a 75-90% "cull rate" to get down to a managable shortlist for interview.
I'm probably not alone in this, and that means it is wise to present yourself in the best possible (and least generic) light. You need to stand out to get to an interview.
In my experience, present tense lists of activities tend to be associated with "roles and responsibilities" of each position; in many cases they read like they have been cut-and-pasted from a job description.
By contrast, the past tense tends to be associated with the candidate's (key) achievements in a given role; these might be the things they are proud of, or the things they feel that highlight their suitability for the role.
In general -
many people have similar jobs, so the roles and responsibilities in the present tense simply do not stand out; minimise these if you have to include them
most people deliver different things within a role, and so key achievements in the past tense tend to be more personalised and less generic; maximise these at all costs
the same idea applies to education and certification; projects are more impressive than exam results, and showing how you employed your training is more impressive than certifications
To sum up - I am always more impressed by what someone has achieved, and how they have demonstrated what they have learned. Using the past tense tends to focus your thoughts on these areas, which arethe things that make you unique when compared to others with a similar employment/education history.
answered Dec 27 '12 at 20:31
GuyM
8,4332743
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I think you obviously should use past tense for positions you no longer hold, and probably either a past or a perfect tense for current positions. For example, on a past job, "Developed social media strategies that raised brand awareness in the Turkish market." With a current position, "I have implemented coding standards that have helped employees better communicate during software development."
Of course, sometimes this comes down to personal style. If a project at a current firm was done some time ago, the past tense is appropriate.
When looking at a CV, I want to see that the person can clearly communicate what they have done and how that has contributed to the team they work/worked with. So long as they can get that across, and the qualifications are relevant, I'll put them in the queue for phone screening.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 22:38
Kenzo
1634
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up vote
3
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I don't think there is a good idea to distinguish between past and present jobs. In the end, you want the reader to imagine the resume as something of the past and imagine you at the new assignment.
Present seems more like a description of what your responsibilities where.
A neutral way is to do something like this:
Random Dude at Random Inc.
Responsibilities:
- Develop business relationships
- Handle patent paperwork
Achievements:
- Increased business relationship with Whatever Inc. by 20%
- Applied for more than 100 patents
Or simply use past tense all over. I mean, even if you still are developing business relationships today, you certainly where doing that yesterday?
edited Dec 28 '12 at 14:48
gnat
3,23273066
answered Dec 28 '12 at 14:34
Petter Nordlander
1,089913
Makes perfect sense, thanks.
– Job
Dec 28 '12 at 15:41
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up vote
2
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For a current position, present tense would be reasonable. But using present tense for past positions will seem odd to most native speakers.
I would not look favorably on a native English speaker who described past work in the present tense. I'm more forgiving when English is not the candidate's mother tongue.
The best candidates will have their resume reviewed by someone fluent in English. At least I would, if I were writing a resume in a language other than English.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:09
kevin cline
15.6k43861
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
Every CV I've produced since the '80s used present tense for jobs I still held when the resume was presented, and past tense for those I had left. I've employed that strategy for over 25 years, and I'm still employable. As a matter of fact, I was complimented on my resume at my latest employer. In addition, my resume is three-and-a-half pages long, and I didn't include the first ten years of activity. Not because I didn't think it was appropriate, but, since technology is so different today compared to then, I just didn't think it was relevant.
A resume or curriculum vitae is a marketing tool, plain and simple. It is your first point of contact to develop a potentially lucrative business relationship. What you learn in academia is great when you are just starting out, but the goal is to eventually make the document your own expression of who you are based on your past accomplishments. Keep what you feel is appropriate, expand what you feel is pertinent, and discard what you feel is hampering. Be absolutely honest, but don't be compelled to include that which could be subject to misinterpretation.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:05
Neil T.
5,01711826
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
Every CV I've produced since the '80s used present tense for jobs I still held when the resume was presented, and past tense for those I had left. I've employed that strategy for over 25 years, and I'm still employable. As a matter of fact, I was complimented on my resume at my latest employer. In addition, my resume is three-and-a-half pages long, and I didn't include the first ten years of activity. Not because I didn't think it was appropriate, but, since technology is so different today compared to then, I just didn't think it was relevant.
A resume or curriculum vitae is a marketing tool, plain and simple. It is your first point of contact to develop a potentially lucrative business relationship. What you learn in academia is great when you are just starting out, but the goal is to eventually make the document your own expression of who you are based on your past accomplishments. Keep what you feel is appropriate, expand what you feel is pertinent, and discard what you feel is hampering. Be absolutely honest, but don't be compelled to include that which could be subject to misinterpretation.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:05
Neil T.
5,01711826
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
Every CV I've produced since the '80s used present tense for jobs I still held when the resume was presented, and past tense for those I had left. I've employed that strategy for over 25 years, and I'm still employable. As a matter of fact, I was complimented on my resume at my latest employer. In addition, my resume is three-and-a-half pages long, and I didn't include the first ten years of activity. Not because I didn't think it was appropriate, but, since technology is so different today compared to then, I just didn't think it was relevant.
A resume or curriculum vitae is a marketing tool, plain and simple. It is your first point of contact to develop a potentially lucrative business relationship. What you learn in academia is great when you are just starting out, but the goal is to eventually make the document your own expression of who you are based on your past accomplishments. Keep what you feel is appropriate, expand what you feel is pertinent, and discard what you feel is hampering. Be absolutely honest, but don't be compelled to include that which could be subject to misinterpretation.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:05
Neil T.
5,01711826
Every CV I've produced since the '80s used present tense for jobs I still held when the resume was presented, and past tense for those I had left. I've employed that strategy for over 25 years, and I'm still employable. As a matter of fact, I was complimented on my resume at my latest employer. In addition, my resume is three-and-a-half pages long, and I didn't include the first ten years of activity. Not because I didn't think it was appropriate, but, since technology is so different today compared to then, I just didn't think it was relevant.
A resume or curriculum vitae is a marketing tool, plain and simple. It is your first point of contact to develop a potentially lucrative business relationship. What you learn in academia is great when you are just starting out, but the goal is to eventually make the document your own expression of who you are based on your past accomplishments. Keep what you feel is appropriate, expand what you feel is pertinent, and discard what you feel is hampering. Be absolutely honest, but don't be compelled to include that which could be subject to misinterpretation.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:05
Neil T.
5,01711826
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:05
Neil T.
5,01711826
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:05
Neil T.
5,01711826
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:05
Neil T.
5,01711826
5,01711826
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
I review CVs (or resumes) pretty quickly. I have to, because at that stage and in the current economic climate I'm usually looking for a 75-90% "cull rate" to get down to a managable shortlist for interview.
I'm probably not alone in this, and that means it is wise to present yourself in the best possible (and least generic) light. You need to stand out to get to an interview.
In my experience, present tense lists of activities tend to be associated with "roles and responsibilities" of each position; in many cases they read like they have been cut-and-pasted from a job description.
By contrast, the past tense tends to be associated with the candidate's (key) achievements in a given role; these might be the things they are proud of, or the things they feel that highlight their suitability for the role.
In general -
many people have similar jobs, so the roles and responsibilities in the present tense simply do not stand out; minimise these if you have to include them
most people deliver different things within a role, and so key achievements in the past tense tend to be more personalised and less generic; maximise these at all costs
the same idea applies to education and certification; projects are more impressive than exam results, and showing how you employed your training is more impressive than certifications
To sum up - I am always more impressed by what someone has achieved, and how they have demonstrated what they have learned. Using the past tense tends to focus your thoughts on these areas, which arethe things that make you unique when compared to others with a similar employment/education history.
answered Dec 27 '12 at 20:31
GuyM
8,4332743
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
I review CVs (or resumes) pretty quickly. I have to, because at that stage and in the current economic climate I'm usually looking for a 75-90% "cull rate" to get down to a managable shortlist for interview.
I'm probably not alone in this, and that means it is wise to present yourself in the best possible (and least generic) light. You need to stand out to get to an interview.
In my experience, present tense lists of activities tend to be associated with "roles and responsibilities" of each position; in many cases they read like they have been cut-and-pasted from a job description.
By contrast, the past tense tends to be associated with the candidate's (key) achievements in a given role; these might be the things they are proud of, or the things they feel that highlight their suitability for the role.
In general -
many people have similar jobs, so the roles and responsibilities in the present tense simply do not stand out; minimise these if you have to include them
most people deliver different things within a role, and so key achievements in the past tense tend to be more personalised and less generic; maximise these at all costs
the same idea applies to education and certification; projects are more impressive than exam results, and showing how you employed your training is more impressive than certifications
To sum up - I am always more impressed by what someone has achieved, and how they have demonstrated what they have learned. Using the past tense tends to focus your thoughts on these areas, which arethe things that make you unique when compared to others with a similar employment/education history.
answered Dec 27 '12 at 20:31
GuyM
8,4332743
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
I review CVs (or resumes) pretty quickly. I have to, because at that stage and in the current economic climate I'm usually looking for a 75-90% "cull rate" to get down to a managable shortlist for interview.
I'm probably not alone in this, and that means it is wise to present yourself in the best possible (and least generic) light. You need to stand out to get to an interview.
In my experience, present tense lists of activities tend to be associated with "roles and responsibilities" of each position; in many cases they read like they have been cut-and-pasted from a job description.
By contrast, the past tense tends to be associated with the candidate's (key) achievements in a given role; these might be the things they are proud of, or the things they feel that highlight their suitability for the role.
In general -
many people have similar jobs, so the roles and responsibilities in the present tense simply do not stand out; minimise these if you have to include them
most people deliver different things within a role, and so key achievements in the past tense tend to be more personalised and less generic; maximise these at all costs
the same idea applies to education and certification; projects are more impressive than exam results, and showing how you employed your training is more impressive than certifications
To sum up - I am always more impressed by what someone has achieved, and how they have demonstrated what they have learned. Using the past tense tends to focus your thoughts on these areas, which arethe things that make you unique when compared to others with a similar employment/education history.
answered Dec 27 '12 at 20:31
GuyM
8,4332743
I review CVs (or resumes) pretty quickly. I have to, because at that stage and in the current economic climate I'm usually looking for a 75-90% "cull rate" to get down to a managable shortlist for interview.
I'm probably not alone in this, and that means it is wise to present yourself in the best possible (and least generic) light. You need to stand out to get to an interview.
In my experience, present tense lists of activities tend to be associated with "roles and responsibilities" of each position; in many cases they read like they have been cut-and-pasted from a job description.
By contrast, the past tense tends to be associated with the candidate's (key) achievements in a given role; these might be the things they are proud of, or the things they feel that highlight their suitability for the role.
In general -
many people have similar jobs, so the roles and responsibilities in the present tense simply do not stand out; minimise these if you have to include them
most people deliver different things within a role, and so key achievements in the past tense tend to be more personalised and less generic; maximise these at all costs
the same idea applies to education and certification; projects are more impressive than exam results, and showing how you employed your training is more impressive than certifications
To sum up - I am always more impressed by what someone has achieved, and how they have demonstrated what they have learned. Using the past tense tends to focus your thoughts on these areas, which arethe things that make you unique when compared to others with a similar employment/education history.
answered Dec 27 '12 at 20:31
GuyM
8,4332743
answered Dec 27 '12 at 20:31
GuyM
8,4332743
answered Dec 27 '12 at 20:31
GuyM
8,4332743
answered Dec 27 '12 at 20:31
GuyM
8,4332743
8,4332743
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I think you obviously should use past tense for positions you no longer hold, and probably either a past or a perfect tense for current positions. For example, on a past job, "Developed social media strategies that raised brand awareness in the Turkish market." With a current position, "I have implemented coding standards that have helped employees better communicate during software development."
Of course, sometimes this comes down to personal style. If a project at a current firm was done some time ago, the past tense is appropriate.
When looking at a CV, I want to see that the person can clearly communicate what they have done and how that has contributed to the team they work/worked with. So long as they can get that across, and the qualifications are relevant, I'll put them in the queue for phone screening.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 22:38
Kenzo
1634
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I think you obviously should use past tense for positions you no longer hold, and probably either a past or a perfect tense for current positions. For example, on a past job, "Developed social media strategies that raised brand awareness in the Turkish market." With a current position, "I have implemented coding standards that have helped employees better communicate during software development."
Of course, sometimes this comes down to personal style. If a project at a current firm was done some time ago, the past tense is appropriate.
When looking at a CV, I want to see that the person can clearly communicate what they have done and how that has contributed to the team they work/worked with. So long as they can get that across, and the qualifications are relevant, I'll put them in the queue for phone screening.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 22:38
Kenzo
1634
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
I think you obviously should use past tense for positions you no longer hold, and probably either a past or a perfect tense for current positions. For example, on a past job, "Developed social media strategies that raised brand awareness in the Turkish market." With a current position, "I have implemented coding standards that have helped employees better communicate during software development."
Of course, sometimes this comes down to personal style. If a project at a current firm was done some time ago, the past tense is appropriate.
When looking at a CV, I want to see that the person can clearly communicate what they have done and how that has contributed to the team they work/worked with. So long as they can get that across, and the qualifications are relevant, I'll put them in the queue for phone screening.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 22:38
Kenzo
1634
I think you obviously should use past tense for positions you no longer hold, and probably either a past or a perfect tense for current positions. For example, on a past job, "Developed social media strategies that raised brand awareness in the Turkish market." With a current position, "I have implemented coding standards that have helped employees better communicate during software development."
Of course, sometimes this comes down to personal style. If a project at a current firm was done some time ago, the past tense is appropriate.
When looking at a CV, I want to see that the person can clearly communicate what they have done and how that has contributed to the team they work/worked with. So long as they can get that across, and the qualifications are relevant, I'll put them in the queue for phone screening.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 22:38
Kenzo
1634
answered Dec 1 '12 at 22:38
Kenzo
1634
answered Dec 1 '12 at 22:38
Kenzo
1634
answered Dec 1 '12 at 22:38
Kenzo
1634
1634
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I don't think there is a good idea to distinguish between past and present jobs. In the end, you want the reader to imagine the resume as something of the past and imagine you at the new assignment.
Present seems more like a description of what your responsibilities where.
A neutral way is to do something like this:
Random Dude at Random Inc.
Responsibilities:
- Develop business relationships
- Handle patent paperwork
Achievements:
- Increased business relationship with Whatever Inc. by 20%
- Applied for more than 100 patents
Or simply use past tense all over. I mean, even if you still are developing business relationships today, you certainly where doing that yesterday?
edited Dec 28 '12 at 14:48
gnat
3,23273066
answered Dec 28 '12 at 14:34
Petter Nordlander
1,089913
Makes perfect sense, thanks.
– Job
Dec 28 '12 at 15:41
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I don't think there is a good idea to distinguish between past and present jobs. In the end, you want the reader to imagine the resume as something of the past and imagine you at the new assignment.
Present seems more like a description of what your responsibilities where.
A neutral way is to do something like this:
Random Dude at Random Inc.
Responsibilities:
- Develop business relationships
- Handle patent paperwork
Achievements:
- Increased business relationship with Whatever Inc. by 20%
- Applied for more than 100 patents
Or simply use past tense all over. I mean, even if you still are developing business relationships today, you certainly where doing that yesterday?
edited Dec 28 '12 at 14:48
gnat
3,23273066
answered Dec 28 '12 at 14:34
Petter Nordlander
1,089913
Makes perfect sense, thanks.
– Job
Dec 28 '12 at 15:41
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
I don't think there is a good idea to distinguish between past and present jobs. In the end, you want the reader to imagine the resume as something of the past and imagine you at the new assignment.
Present seems more like a description of what your responsibilities where.
A neutral way is to do something like this:
Random Dude at Random Inc.
Responsibilities:
- Develop business relationships
- Handle patent paperwork
Achievements:
- Increased business relationship with Whatever Inc. by 20%
- Applied for more than 100 patents
Or simply use past tense all over. I mean, even if you still are developing business relationships today, you certainly where doing that yesterday?
edited Dec 28 '12 at 14:48
gnat
3,23273066
answered Dec 28 '12 at 14:34
Petter Nordlander
1,089913
I don't think there is a good idea to distinguish between past and present jobs. In the end, you want the reader to imagine the resume as something of the past and imagine you at the new assignment.
Present seems more like a description of what your responsibilities where.
A neutral way is to do something like this:
Random Dude at Random Inc.
Responsibilities:
- Develop business relationships
- Handle patent paperwork
Achievements:
- Increased business relationship with Whatever Inc. by 20%
- Applied for more than 100 patents
Or simply use past tense all over. I mean, even if you still are developing business relationships today, you certainly where doing that yesterday?
edited Dec 28 '12 at 14:48
gnat
3,23273066
answered Dec 28 '12 at 14:34
Petter Nordlander
1,089913
edited Dec 28 '12 at 14:48
gnat
3,23273066
edited Dec 28 '12 at 14:48
gnat
3,23273066
edited Dec 28 '12 at 14:48
gnat
3,23273066
3,23273066
answered Dec 28 '12 at 14:34
Petter Nordlander
1,089913
answered Dec 28 '12 at 14:34
Petter Nordlander
1,089913
answered Dec 28 '12 at 14:34
Petter Nordlander
1,089913
1,089913
Makes perfect sense, thanks.
– Job
Dec 28 '12 at 15:41
add a comment |Â
Makes perfect sense, thanks.
– Job
Dec 28 '12 at 15:41
Makes perfect sense, thanks.
– Job
Dec 28 '12 at 15:41
Makes perfect sense, thanks.
– Job
Dec 28 '12 at 15:41
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
For a current position, present tense would be reasonable. But using present tense for past positions will seem odd to most native speakers.
I would not look favorably on a native English speaker who described past work in the present tense. I'm more forgiving when English is not the candidate's mother tongue.
The best candidates will have their resume reviewed by someone fluent in English. At least I would, if I were writing a resume in a language other than English.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:09
kevin cline
15.6k43861
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
For a current position, present tense would be reasonable. But using present tense for past positions will seem odd to most native speakers.
I would not look favorably on a native English speaker who described past work in the present tense. I'm more forgiving when English is not the candidate's mother tongue.
The best candidates will have their resume reviewed by someone fluent in English. At least I would, if I were writing a resume in a language other than English.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:09
kevin cline
15.6k43861
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
For a current position, present tense would be reasonable. But using present tense for past positions will seem odd to most native speakers.
I would not look favorably on a native English speaker who described past work in the present tense. I'm more forgiving when English is not the candidate's mother tongue.
The best candidates will have their resume reviewed by someone fluent in English. At least I would, if I were writing a resume in a language other than English.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:09
kevin cline
15.6k43861
For a current position, present tense would be reasonable. But using present tense for past positions will seem odd to most native speakers.
I would not look favorably on a native English speaker who described past work in the present tense. I'm more forgiving when English is not the candidate's mother tongue.
The best candidates will have their resume reviewed by someone fluent in English. At least I would, if I were writing a resume in a language other than English.
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:09
kevin cline
15.6k43861
edited Dec 5 '12 at 17:22
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:09
kevin cline
15.6k43861
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:09
kevin cline
15.6k43861
answered Dec 1 '12 at 21:09
kevin cline
15.6k43861
15.6k43861
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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2
This is short for "It is my job to develop... " and "It is my job to apply..." and so on. Resume-speak, like recipe instructions and newspaper headlines, doesn't follow the regular rules of English.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 1 '12 at 18:55
2
Is this something you were taught or something you have observed? Because as a former teacher of such things, this isn't something in the Big Book of Resume Rules or anything. Present tense for what you're doing now, past for what you did.
– jcmeloni
Dec 1 '12 at 18:56
1
Maybe that applicant is describing stuff she's currently doing now at a current job. Also, you should consider editing your question to focus on the problem. I'm afraid you've answered your own question in the actual question, which makes it not very constructive... If you make it more objective by editing out your opinion, you'll get better answers. Good luck! :)
– jmort253♦
Dec 1 '12 at 19:13
1
In my experienced people tend to use the past tense when refering to achievements, and the present when listing out the dimensions or repsonibilities of a role.
– GuyM
Dec 2 '12 at 18:03
3
Hi Job, I've edited your question a bit to try and get it reopened. If I've changed your question too much, feel free to roll back the edit :)
– Rachel
Dec 4 '12 at 13:32