Resume Tense: Should a Resume be in Present or Past Tense?

When it comes to resume writing, details matter. A properly formatted, well-designed resume signals to employers that you’re someone who strives for perfection. Part of making the perfect resume is using the right resume tense.

Not sure what tense to use on your resume? We’ll teach you everything you need to know about when to use past or present tense.

When should a resume be in past tense?

This is when you should use the past tense on your resume:

1. When discussing previous job roles

If you’re writing a standard chronological resume, your job titles will be listed from most to least recent. When providing details about your responsibilities from roles you no longer hold, use the past tense.

For example:

“Conducted market research and analysis to identify emerging trends and adjusted sales strategies accordingly”

2. When highlighting your achievements

Past tense should be used to describe one-off accomplishments from your professional history.

Highlight achievements like meeting sales targets, implementing successful strategies, or receiving awards to emphasize your track record of success in previous or current roles.

For example:

“Awarded Employee of the Year in 2022 for exceptional performance and dedication”

3. When describing completed projects

Completed projects should also be discussed using the past tense. This will allow you to clearly communicate that the project has been finished successfully and discuss the results that were achieved.

For example:

“Developed and launched a mobile application that received over 100,000 downloads in the first month”

4. When mentioning past volunteer work

Previous volunteer work should, just like previous work experience, be discussed in the past tense. Make it clear to the employer which volunteer positions you’re no longer holding, and describe the skills and knowledge you gained while in those roles.

For example:

“Assisted as a volunteer at Treasure Coast Food Bank, sorting and distributing food donations to individuals and families in need”

When should a resume be in present tense?

Use the present tense on your resume in these situations:

1. When describing your current job

Resume bullet points that explain ongoing responsibilities at your current job should be written in the present tense.

For example:

“Handle customer inquiries and complaints via phone and email, providing accurate information and resolving issues promptly”

2. When talking about ongoing projects

If you’re listing an in-progress project on your resume, whether it’s a personal project or something you’re doing for work, use the present tense to describe your involvement. This shows that the project is actively being worked on.

For example:

“Spearheading an ongoing research project focused on identifying innovative solutions to optimize supply chain efficiency and reduce costs”

3. When writing your resume summary

Your resume summary is the first thing a hiring manager sees when picking up your resume, and it should provide a snapshot of who you are as a professional. Writing it in the present tense makes it more engaging and emphasizes your current responsibilities.

For example:

“Dynamic Marketing Specialist with deep expertise in digital marketing strategies, social media management, and campaign optimization. Proven ability to drive brand visibility, engage target audiences, and increase customer acquisition. Seeking a marketing role to leverage my creative thinking and analytical skills to develop impactful marketing campaigns at Eisai.”

Can you mix resume tenses?

Yes, you can (and should) mix resume tenses in some cases. Specifically, you should use past and present tense when you’re discussing both past and present events in the same resume section.

If you’re employed at the time of writing your resume, you’ll want to highlight both ongoing job responsibilities and previous accomplishments you’ve achieved while in your current role in your work experience section.

Similarly, if you add a projects section to your resume, current projects should be described in the present tense, and finished projects in the past tense.

When done correctly, mixing present and past tense won’t lead to confusion, but will provide hiring managers with a more accurate overview of your professional history.

Here’s an example of a work experience entry that mixes the present and past tense (the right way):

To increase readability, start off with your present tense bullet points and place your past tense bullet points at the bottom.