On a resume, which rule describes how to describe current vs former jobs?

On a resume, which rule describes how to describe current vs former jobs?

• A. Use Past Tense for Current Jobs / Use Present Tense for Former Jobs
• B. Use Present Tense for Current Jobs / Use Past Tense for Former Jobs
• C. Use Passive Voice for All Entries
• D. Use Future Tense for All Jobs

Answer: (B)

Verb tense on a resume signals when duties occurred. For a job you currently hold, use present-tense verbs to describe your responsibilities, and for a job you previously held, use past-tense verbs to describe what you did there. This makes the timeline clear and helps the reader quickly see what you’re still doing versus what you did in the past. For example, a current role might read “Manages a team of five and oversees project execution,” while a former role might read “Led a team of five and delivered project milestones.” Using past tense for a current job or present tense for a former job can mislead readers about your current status. Passive voice is less direct and vibrant than active voice, and future tense would suggest plans rather than actual work.

Verb tense on a resume signals when duties occurred. For a job you currently hold, use present-tense verbs to describe your responsibilities, and for a job you previously held, use past-tense verbs to describe what you did there. This makes the timeline clear and helps the reader quickly see what you’re still doing versus what you did in the past. For example, a current role might read “Manages a team of five and oversees project execution,” while a former role might read “Led a team of five and delivered project milestones.” Using past tense for a current job or present tense for a former job can mislead readers about your current status. Passive voice is less direct and vibrant than active voice, and future tense would suggest plans rather than actual work.