Resume Grammar

January 27, 2005 4:58 PM

ResumeGrammarFilter: When describing my current job in my resume, I am torn between using the past tense (which sounds better in sentences that start with a verb, e.g. "Performed extensive data analysis," as well as matches the rest of my resume) and the present (since the job is still going on, but sentences like "Perform extensive data analysis" or "Performs extensive data analysis" sound wrong). Anybody know what's correct here? [anonymous because I don't want my coworkers to know I'm working on my resume]
posted by anonymous to writing & language (12 comments total)

What about "Performing extensive data analysis"
posted by vacapinta at 5:07 PM on January 27, 2005

I use past-tense action verbs for everything in mine--past and present. This is a pretty good list if you need some
posted by amberglow at 5:08 PM on January 27, 2005

No matter what you decide to do, remain consistent throughout. Personally, I imagine those "below-the-job-title" bullet-points with the word "I" in front of each. "[I] Performed extensive data analysis." And do this even through the job is still on-going. The prospective employer should be adept at determining whether or not you are still employed by your "Date Hired to Present" notation.
posted by grabbingsand at 5:21 PM on January 27, 2005

Consistency is what really matters in a document like this. If you're talking about a job that you used to have, you're going to use words in the past tense.

Your prospective employer wants to know what you did at a job, not what you're doing. Use the past tense.
posted by interrobang at 6:34 PM on January 27, 2005

Consistency is what really matters in a document like this. If you're talking about a job that you used to have, you're going to use words in the past tense.

Your prospective employer wants to know what you did at a job, not what you're doing. Use the past tense.

The question is about a job that they currently have, and thus what they are doing. I agree that consistency is important, but I think they need to somehow communicate to the employer that they are still actively doing this job. It might neccesitate using the first person (i.e. "I curently develop blah blah blah")
posted by rorycberger at 6:43 PM on January 27, 2005

Think of it as consistency within sections. I use present tense under "Present Postion" and listing all my responsibilities there. I switch to past tense when writing of previous employment, and that's perfectly acceptable practice.
posted by melissa may at 7:08 PM on January 27, 2005

Past tense is better, even if you're describing current duties. The cover letter is a good place to make clear what you're doing now.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 7:10 PM on January 27, 2005

You ALREADY have the job you're putatively applying for - your current job is ALREADY in your past. So use the past tense. It's a subliminal thing. These aren't the droids you're looking for.

Move along.
posted by ikkyu2 at 7:40 PM on January 27, 2005

You're not describing your experiences (no one cares), you're describing your accomplishments. You're accomplishments have already been accomplished, therefore you should use the past tense.
posted by NortonDC at 9:01 PM on January 27, 2005

Stay consistent and don't use to many "I"'s.
posted by arse_hat at 9:26 PM on January 27, 2005

Get another person to proofread. We all make typos--like arse_hat's typo on "to"—that spellcheckers won't catch.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 12:04 AM on January 28, 2005

Since you currently have a job and are seeking a better one, I still stand by the present tense/past tense construction. I have found that the less you seem to need the job, the more response your resumé gets. The assumption is that you're a solidly employeed go-getter who's seeking a better situation. You can afford to be choosy, and you're choosing them. When you are actually unemployed, obviously you're in past tense territory. (They can tell you're currently employed with a careful read, of course, but the quicker you can convey it, the better, and this is an immediately obvious way to do it.)

I did this, and was hired into my present position (as an editor, no less), so do what you like, but don't assume it's a failing strategy.
posted by melissa may at 4:37 PM on January 28, 2005