Quick/Stupid resume question: What tense do you use when talking about a CURRENT job?

[charlie and algernon]

I'm updating my resume so I can apply for a part-time job as a second source of income. I'm currently employed and will be when I apply for the part-time job.

What tense do you use in the resume when talking about the current job?

As in the following:

- Reviews documents relating to ABC and writes reports to CEO

or

- Reviewed documents relating to ABC and wrote reports to CEO




It seems wierd writing in present tense on a resume, but is that the correct form for describing a currently held position?

[Chan790]

1. Present tense is actually the only good tense to write resume in.

It makes your skills sound lively and current even if you're describing a job from 20 years ago. That's what I've been told repeatedly over the years by HR professionals and resume writers.

[meegbear]

2. Agreed ...

I am currently ...
Using Word to ...

Use past tense for older jobs:
Used Word to ...

[SwissTony]

3. Agree with the present tense

and wouldn't

"Review documents relating to ABC and write reports to CEO"

be better than

"Reviews documents relating to ABC and writes reports to CEO"?

In fact, even that might be a bit clipped if it's a standalone sentence. I'd write

"I review documents relating to ABC and write reports to the CEO".

Clipped is OK for bullet points. It's also OK in places like DU, but not in job aps (IMO).

Best of luck with the application.

[charlie and algernon]

4. yeah, those were just examples I made up

I do my resume with bullet points and do use full sentences on actual job applications.

[RedCloud]

5. If the present is so "tense", return it!