Mastering Resume Verb Tense for Maximum Impact

Crafting a compelling resume requires attention to detail, and one crucial aspect that often goes
unnoticed is the use of proper verb tense. The way you describe your past experiences can
significantly influence how employers perceive your qualifications. AtBestResumeHelp.com , we
understand the importance of mastering resume verb tense to create a winning impression.

Why Does Verb Tense Matter?

Choosing the right verb tense is essential for conveying the timeline of your professional journey
accurately. Proper tense usage not only ensures clarity but also demonstrates your attention to
precision and professionalism. Whether you're highlighting past achievements or detailing your
current responsibilities, the right verb tense can make a significant difference in how your resume is
perceived.

Key Guidelines for Resume Verb Tense

1. Past Tense for Past Experiences: Describe previous roles and accomplishments in the past
tense. This gives a clear indication that these achievements were completed in previous
positions.
2. Present Tense for Current Roles: Current job responsibilities should be presented in the
present tense, emphasizing that you are currently engaged in these activities.
3. Consistency is Key: Maintain consistency in your choice of verb tense throughout your
resume. This ensures a smooth and professional flow, making it easier for employers to
follow your career progression.
4. Use Present Perfect Tense for Achievements: When showcasing accomplishments that are
ongoing or span your entire career, consider using the present perfect tense to convey a sense
of continuous achievement.
5. Avoid Mixing Tenses Within Roles: When describing a specific position, stick to one verb
tense. Mixing past and present tenses within the same role can create confusion and
undermine the cohesiveness of your resume.

How BestResumeHelp.com Can Assist You

At BestResumeHelp.com , we specialize in creating resumes that leave a lasting impact. Our team of
experienced writers understands the nuances of verb tense and will meticulously craft your resume
to ensure it reflects your career journey accurately. By trusting us with your resume, you are investing
in a document that not only showcases your skills and achievements but also presents them with the
right verb tense for maximum effectiveness.

Order your resume on BestResumeHelp.com today and let us help you stand out in the competitive
job market. Your success begins with a well-crafted resume, and we are here to guide you every step
of the way.
However, there are a few key information that you should never forget to include on your resume
whether you’re a fresher or a professional. This may seem obvious, but because a resume reflects
your past, present, and (hopeful) future, it can be easy to get tripped up on verb tenses. Please make
sure you have typed your email address correctly so we can send you the checklist. If this is your
situation, consider dropping some of your older or less relevant work experience in favor of a
dedicated projects section that can highlight your hands-on experience with specific technical skills.
Guide to Writing Resumes, CVs, and Cover Letters swarthmore.edu Details File Format PDF Size: 1
MB Download This document is an all-in-one guide for How to Write Effective Letters for Job
Searching. List the project name at the top, like you would an employer. Contents of a Resume What
you put in your resume is all up to you and will also depend on your experience level and skills. ATS
can be very sensitive to how information is presented on your resume, including verb tense. For roles
involving software development, coding, or data analysis, a few relevant projects may even be more
worthy of inclusion on your resume than a lot of work experience in a different industry. But there
are exceptions where the present tense may be more appropriate. It is in your best interest to
optimize your resume in a manner that it will be picked up by the ATS from the sea of job
applications and give you an edge over the rest. At worst, this could cause recruiters to reject your
application because it shows a lack of attention to detail — so don’t risk it when it’s an easy thing to
get right. Looking for an entry-level position with growth opportunities while preparing for my CPA
exam. Resume Verbs careerservices.uni.edu Details File Format PDF Size: 13 KB Download Resume
verbs are great to incorporate in your resumes. Companies value skills that you already have because
that is what will make you an asset to them. In just one week after making the changes the AI
suggested, I received three times the number of profile views and. This means that, regardless of
what you were taught in high school English, it's okay to mix tenses on your resume when writing
about your current job. By following these simple rules and avoiding common resume mistakes, you
can ensure that a hiring manager won’t get stuck on minor details and can focus on what makes you
a great candidate for the job. I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now
fixed. When to use present tense on a resume When talking about your current position, you're likely
to have accomplishments that are still ongoing. This can be achieved by making sure that your
resume is intriguing and includes all of the necessary information to prove to the potential employer
that you are a good match for the available position. This also applies to a short (1-2 sentence) blurb
you might include as a quick overview of your current job — overviews of past jobs should be
written in past tense. While grammar and its many rules might seem like a bit of a pain when you are
crafting your resume you might want to pay it some attention. However, there is an exception: if you
are listing your current position you can use the present tense. To get around this, you can use
projects as a way to legitimately include skills that are required by the job listing if you have no other
way of demonstrating them. If you’re describing something in your past, use past tense. How to list
projects on your resume in the work experience section In a dedicated projects section When: If you
have the space for it on your resume and you have one or more significant projects you want to make
a focal point. Chances are your resume already includes many action verbs. Key advice from a
recruiter to keep in mind when considering whether to use past or present tense on a resume Should
your resume be in present or past tense. Flipping randomly between tenses can confuse a recruiter
trying to skim your experience and pick out your relevant skills.
If you've decided to include projects on your resume, keep scrolling for step-by-step guides with
templates you can copy and paste. Well-established network of prospects in the hospitality
industry.”. It will aid you in presenting your skills and achievements in the most compelling manner.
It is important to note that while it is all right to use both past and present tense in your resume as
the situation warrants it, it is important to maintain consistency. The biggest mistake people make on
their resumes is listing job duties rather than accomplishments. There are a few times it’s okay to use
present tense in your resume instead of past tense. Use a resume checker to score your bullet points
and give you personalized feedback. Projects might be particularly relevant if: You have a lot of
freelance or contract work If some (or all) of your work has been project-based, your resume should
highlight this — not hide it. Why? Your resume should be about your accomplishments, not your
responsibilities. The one exception is a current position for which you're listing both responsibilities
and accomplishments. If this is your situation, consider dropping some of your older or less relevant
work experience in favor of a dedicated projects section that can highlight your hands-on experience
with specific technical skills. Title your section 'Education.' List your education as normal, including
the university you attended, degree attained, and date of graduation (this last one is optional).
Examples of present tense resume statements: Manage a team of 10 people. Overuse of present
tense: Using present tense for past positions can confuse recruiters about your employment history.
Use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your role whenever possible. It’ll also identify any
grammatical and spelling errors and give you suggestions for improvements. If you were self-
employed, give yourself a standard job title. Although the answer might seem logical, one can never
be too sure or help double and triple-checking. Read our tips on how to list contract work and self-
employment on a resume. After all, your resume is the all-important professional document that can
either open or close doors for you during a job search. This might include: General day-to-day
responsibilities Ongoing projects that haven't wrapped up yet In this case, it's appropriate to write in
the present tense on your resume when discussing your current job. There's actually an easy answer
to this one — resumes should be written in past tense. Use resume action verbs in past simple (one
verb per each bullet point). There is a place for both personal and educational projects on your
resume. List each project briefly in 1-2 lines, including what you did and what the results were.
(Optional) List the date of completion or duration of the project. Following good resume formats
and condensing the content to the most important one will help you do just that. Using present tense
incorrectly, on the other hand, may raise a few red flags. This list of verbs can be used to describe
the skills and qualifications you possess in order to make your resume more dynamic and unique. It’s
formed by using the auxiliary verb “will” in the simple future, the auxiliary verb “have” in the present
form and the past participle of the main verb. In just one week after making the changes the AI
suggested, I received three times the number of profile views and.
However, there are a few key information that you should never forget to include on your resume
whether you’re a fresher or a professional. When listing achievements that are currently ongoing, you
can still use the past tense, if you prefer, to maintain consistency throughout your resume. For
example, if the ATS software is looking for specific words, such as “taught” or “managed” on your
resume, and you’ve written these in the present tense, as “teach” and “manage”, the software might
not register this as relevant experience, and flag your resume as not including the right keywords.
Well-established network of prospects in the hospitality industry.”. In the first semester, my cohort
received grades above 90% on all exams.”. Just as you use past tense to write about events that have
already happened, you use present tense to write about actions that are currently taking place. Here’s
how to write an objective for a resume: Pin on Jobs Description in. There is a place for both personal
and educational projects on your resume. Using the present tense on your resume can be used for
ongoing accomplishments, while completed accomplishments should be listed in the past tense.
While you should write your current job in the present tense, write specific accomplishments from it
in the past tense. It’s fine to write your cover letter more conversationally than the rest of your
resume, which means you can write in present tense about things you’re currently doing. However,
there is an exception: if you are listing your current position you can use the present tense. By using
a project-based format for your work experience, you can keep the focus squarely on your
accomplishments without cluttering up your resume. If you aren’t certain whether you should list
something in past or present tense, always default to past tense. It even gives a description of a good
simple resume format to ease your confusion when it comes to formatting your resumes. In this
article, we'll discuss how to decide what tense to use on your resume, provide examples of how and
when to use the correct tense, and discuss how using the proper tense can boost your resume's
readability and ATS compatibility. Should you write your resume in the past or present tense. This
means your bullet points should sound like they were written by you. After all, your resume is the
all-important professional document that can either open or close doors for you during a job search.
In general, you should avoid mixing past and present tense under a single heading. List your specific
role in the project as your job title. Hamlet’s question was big, but he only worried about one tense.
Resume summary Your resume summary is another section where it’s fine to write in present tense.
Chances are your resume already includes many action verbs. This can be achieved by making sure
that your resume is intriguing and includes all of the necessary information to prove to the potential
employer that you are a good match for the available position. Including projects on your resume is
entirely optional, but it can be a good idea if you’ve completed any personal or educational projects
that highlight transferable skills or are relevant to the job you’re applying for. How to list a project
on your resume, while linking to the portfolio and using hard skills to get past resume screeners In
your education section When: If you're a current student or recent graduate without a lot of relevant
work experience. Although the answer might seem logical, one can never be too sure or help double
and triple-checking. Using past tense verbs like “analyzed” and “designed” is the correct way to list
accomplishments on a resume. Avoid combining present and past tense under one heading.
List the project name at the top, like you would an employer. The rule for present or past tense on
resume is pretty straightforward. To help you choose the right resume tense, use the following
guidelines: Here’s a list of example resume action verbs in the past tense: Projects that are still
ongoing (that you have not finished yet) in other words, each bullet point for your current role
should start in an action verb in the present tense, such as: Present tense on a resume. With this
knowledge under your belt, now you can focus on bigger questions to write an incredible resume. To
put your best foot forward, you should make sure that you write a resume that is neat, accurate, and
grammatically correct. Tailor the projects to the specific job you’re applying for. You should use
action verbs in the simple present tense when you’re writing bullet points for your current role that
describe: Use past tense for past jobs. After all, they are what bring action and emphasis to your
statements and help you to better convey your potential. Flipping randomly between tenses can
confuse a recruiter trying to skim your experience and pick out your relevant skills. It’s formed by
using the auxiliary verb “will” or “shall” before the base form (infinitive without “to”) of the main
verb. It’s formed by using the auxiliary verb “have” (or “has” for the third-person singular) in the
present tense and the past participle of the main verb. You have a bigger question, job-seeker: should
you write your resume in the past or present tense. Neglecting completed projects: When describing
completed projects in current roles, use past tense to emphasize the accomplishment and its impact.
But for accomplishments, you can use the past tense. When listing achievements that are currently
ongoing, you can still use the past tense, if you prefer, to maintain consistency throughout your
resume. Ongoing accomplishments Some accomplishments may make more sense written in present
tense. Remember to begin each bullet point with an action verb. This means your bullet points
should sound like they were written by you. In the first semester, my cohort received grades above
90% on all exams.”. Using the correct verb tense not only demonstrates your attention to detail but
also makes your resume easier to read. In just one week after making the changes the AI suggested, I
received three times the number of profile views and. While some action verbs pack a punch, others
are tired and boring. How to list your projects on your resume, under an education section In an
additional section When: For personal projects, especially if you don’t have the real estate to dedicate
to a significant projects section. I’d recommend uploading your resume to the tool below to check if
you’ve listed your projects the right way. This document will help you draft not only an exemplary
resume but also an outstanding resume cover letter. This list of verbs can be used to describe the
skills and qualifications you possess in order to make your resume more dynamic and unique. There
is a place for both personal and educational projects on your resume. Use the present tense to
describe the things you still do at your job, the relevant activities you perform, and anything
associated with industry associations that you belong to. This might include: General day-to-day
responsibilities Ongoing projects that haven't wrapped up yet In this case, it's appropriate to write in
the present tense on your resume when discussing your current job. Just like with your job history,
you should only use the present tense for anything that describes your current situation.
It’s formed by using the auxiliary verb “will” in the simple future, the auxiliary verb “have” in the
present form and the past participle of the main verb. If you were self-employed, give yourself a
standard job title. It even has Examples on How to Write an Amazing Resume Summary, which is
great. Cover letter A lot of resume “rules” — like writing in past tense or not using “I” statements —
don’t apply to cover letters. Even in cases where present tense may be more appropriate, past tense is
never wrong and is unlikely to look strange to a hiring manager. This may seem obvious, but because
a resume reflects your past, present, and (hopeful) future, it can be easy to get tripped up on verb
tenses. However, there are a few key information that you should never forget to include on your
resume whether you’re a fresher or a professional. You should especially consider including projects
in your education section if you completed a specific pre-professional program, like an MBA. If you
attended a coding boot camp, mention the specific programming languages you learned. Please make
sure you have typed your email address correctly so we can send you the checklist. It’s formed by
using the auxiliary verb “had” in the past tense and the past participle of the main verb. By following
these simple rules and avoiding common resume mistakes, you can ensure that a hiring manager
won’t get stuck on minor details and can focus on what makes you a great candidate for the job.
Here’s how to write an objective for a resume: Pin on Jobs Description in. The present tense is verbs
used to describe actions that are currently being performed, whereas past tense is verbs used to
describe actions that were previously performed or no longer being completed. How: At the bottom
of your resume, or on the side if you prefer a two-column format. Excellent professional references
available upon request. This includes your summary where you might be describing your current role
and responsibilities. However, there is an exception: if you are listing your current position you can
use the present tense. While some action verbs pack a punch, others are tired and boring. Please
make sure you have typed your email address correctly so we can send you the checklist. As a
general rule, you should avoid mixing past and present tense under a single topic. By ensuring that
your resume is complete, it would be easier for the hiring manager to gauge whether or not you will
be invited for an interview. Don’t opt for a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to job
applications. By using a project-based format for your work experience, you can keep the focus
squarely on your accomplishments without cluttering up your resume. Resume Guides
pitweb.pitzer.edu Details File Format PDF Size: 501 KB Download This document will be of
amazing help for job seekers who are looking into making their resumes stand out from the crowd.
This should be in the present tense, but also passive voice, meaning that the subject is being acted
upon by the verb. One day, a prince came to the kingdom and fell in love with her. Mixing tenses in
the same bullet point: While you can use both past and present tense to describe your current job,
avoid mixing tenses within the same bullet point, as this can make your statements difficult to
follow. Related: Improve Your Resume by Eliminating Adverbs If you’re not sure what tense to use.
ATS can be very sensitive to how information is presented on your resume, including verb tense.
Excellent professional references available upon request. The following words may help with
organizing and writing your resume action verb phrases. Your contact information should be found
at the very top part of the resume. I found out why I wasn't getting interviews and exactly what to
add to get past resume screeners. In just one week after making the changes the AI suggested, I
received three times the number of profile views and. How to list a project in a dedicated project
section on your resume This is another example that explicitly demonstrates your skills and expertise.
Don’t: Don't use projects for soft skills like communication or leadership. Check out our guide on
when, where, and how to include projects on your resume. Resume Verbs careerservices.uni.edu
Details File Format PDF Size: 13 KB Download Resume verbs are great to incorporate in your
resumes. This should be in the present tense, but also passive voice, meaning that the subject is being
acted upon by the verb. Please make sure you have typed your email address correctly so we can
send you the checklist. If you happen to have two phone numbers, only include the one that you use
most often. Keywords. Read the job posting over and over again. Hamlet’s question was big, but he
only worried about one tense. I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now
fixed. If you’re not sure which technical skills are required by the job you’re applying for, use the
skills search tool below to find the right ones. How resume verb tense affects ATS Modern
companies often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter job applications based on
predetermined keyword criteria. Add a short blurb describing the nature of your work. The present
tense is verbs used to describe actions that are currently being performed, whereas past tense is verbs
used to describe actions that were previously performed or no longer being completed. Resume
Guidelines cals.ufl.edu Details File Format PDF Size: 97 KB Download This is a step-by-step guide
that you can use in creating your very own resume. It is formed by using the auxiliary verb “will” or
“shall” in the simple future, the auxiliary verb “be” in the present form and the present participle (-
ing form) of the main verb. To get around this, you can use projects as a way to legitimately include
skills that are required by the job listing if you have no other way of demonstrating them. While you
should write your current job in the present tense, write specific accomplishments from it in the past
tense. Passive vs active voice You may have heard the advice to always use active voice, but what
does that mean. You should use past tense for your current job when listing accomplishments, such
as completed projects or skills, and when quantifying your experience to show the result of your
work. How to list a project on your resume, while linking to the portfolio and using hard skills to get
past resume screeners In your education section When: If you're a current student or recent graduate
without a lot of relevant work experience. Tailor the projects to the specific job you’re applying for.
This doesn’t mean you should write every bullet point from your current job in present tense, but you
might include the occasional accomplishment that’s still ongoing. This means your bullet points
should sound like they were written by you. These generic verbs are so familiar to recruiters that
their eyes may skim right over them. How to include relevant keywords in your resume's projects
section If your projects demonstrate hands-on experience with specific programming languages or
other practical skills, use your projects section to link to an online portfolio.
Using past tense verbs like “analyzed” and “designed” is the correct way to list accomplishments on
a resume. Should you write your resume in the past or present tense. As a general rule, you should
avoid mixing past and present tense under a single topic. How to feature projects on your resume So,
you’ve decided to include one or two well-chosen projects on your resume — but how do you
format them. In just one week after making the changes the AI suggested, I received three times the
number of profile views and. These phrases are more direct and convey a sense of completion or
active engagement. This list of verbs can be used to describe the skills and qualifications you possess
in order to make your resume more dynamic and unique. If you’re not sure which technical skills are
required by the job you’re applying for, use the skills search tool below to find the right ones. I
realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. Including projects on
your resume is entirely optional, but it can be a good idea if you’ve completed any personal or
educational projects that highlight transferable skills or are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
How to list your projects on your resume, under an education section In an additional section When:
For personal projects, especially if you don’t have the real estate to dedicate to a significant projects
section. Don't include projects just to bulk up your resume. However, there are a few key
information that you should never forget to include on your resume whether you’re a fresher or a
professional. While grammar and its many rules might seem like a bit of a pain when you are crafting
your resume you might want to pay it some attention. Using past tense for previous roles and
accomplishments creates a clear, chronological flow for anyone reading your resume, helping
recruiters quickly understand the progression of your career. This ensures you're focussing on
accomplishments rather than responsibilities and is what most modern recruiters expect to see. With
this knowledge under your belt, now you can focus on bigger questions to write an incredible
resume. If you’re describing something in your past, use past tense. Here are a few resume action
verbs you can consider using. Chances are your resume already includes many action verbs. When
you’re writing in present tense for your current job, note that you should use the verbs that you
would use if you were talking about yourself in the first person (“sell,” “create,” “manage,” and so
forth) rather than if you were talking about someone the third person (“sells,” “creates,” “manages”).
It’ll also identify any grammatical and spelling errors and give you suggestions for improvements.
How to Write a Professional Resume utdallas.edu Details File Format PDF Size: 847 KB Download
When you want your resumes to look top-notch and professional, you can definitely refer to this
document. How: At the bottom of your resume, or on the side if you prefer a two-column format. In
general, you should avoid mixing past and present tense under a single heading. It is the tool that will
be used to see if you are aligned with what it is they are looking for. Strategically using action verbs
in the past tense, combined with specific examples and quantified metrics, can make your resume
more engaging, memorable, and persuasive. When to use present tense on a resume When talking
about your current position, you're likely to have accomplishments that are still ongoing. Even in
cases where present tense may be more appropriate, past tense is never wrong and is unlikely to look
strange to a hiring manager. List the project name at the top, like you would an employer.