Maintaining a consistent verb tense when describing present employment is crucial for clarity and professionalism. For positions currently held, the present tense (e.g., “manage,” “oversee,” “develop”) is the standard convention. This clearly communicates ongoing responsibilities and contributions. Using the past tense for a current role can create confusion, potentially implying the role has ended.
Accurate tense usage strengthens a resume by presenting a clear and consistent narrative of professional experience. This contributes to a polished and professional impression, signaling attention to detail and effective communication skills. Chronologically inconsistent verb tenses can distract recruiters and detract from the overall impact of the resume, hindering the applicant’s ability to convey their qualifications effectively. While past tense is appropriate for describing completed experiences in previous roles, consistency with present tense for ongoing responsibilities demonstrates a clear understanding of standard resume conventions.