Resume Writing - Active Versus Past Tense

Resume Writing - Active Versus Past TenseOne of the most common mistakes that all of us make is failing to use the active voice when writing a resume. This is the one of the most difficult things to understand, and in fact, it may seem that everyone else knows what the mistake is, but we never get it. So let's go over some of the reasons that we should use the active voice when writing our resumes, as well as how we can avoid making this type of mistake in the future.The very first reason that you should use the active voice when writing your resume is that the resume is intended to be used by a hiring manager, not a layperson. Think about it, if you are applying for a job that is relatively easy and simple, you would probably be better off using past tense. The fact that the resume is supposed to be used by a professional who has a thorough understanding of your work history, career goals, and professional expertise makes the active voice the most appropriate choice.Second, past ten se is more specific than active. Say for example, 'Present Company Manager,' instead of 'Current Company Manager.' Using past tense allows the company to better track your career progression as a professional. As a result, it is easier to keep track of your professional accomplishments, or if you have been fired before, your long-term goals as a professional.Third, as far as resumes go, there are a number of variations and applications to choose from. As a professional with a job that is either more specialized or similar to the current job that you are applying for, it is best to use the active voice when writing a resume. You want to come across as a professional, which means that the words that you use must clearly communicate your professional interests and abilities.In contrast, choosing the passive voice might seem like a good idea at first, but in reality, it will make it harder to properly convey your professional expertise. On the other hand, if you are applying for a job t hat is within a specific field, then using the passive voice is always the best choice. When writing resumes that are meant to be used by a layperson, however, it is always best to use the active voice because it is more appropriate for that type of application.Fourth, many people mistakenly believe that the past tense is always correct. While this is true, we want to emphasize that the best way to write resumes is by using active voice, which is more specific and direct. If you are unsure of the specific time frame in which you worked, then using the past tense would be the best option.Fifth, the past tense actually carries a lot of weight in determining whether you sound professional or not. For example, you might be a recent college graduate, but your resume is still written using the past tense. This would certainly have a negative impact on your professional credibility, as would a resume that has been written using the passive voice.So overall, it is important to always use th e active voice when writing your resume. Many people make the mistake of assuming that they know what the writing style is supposed to be when they try to write a resume. For these people, it is always best to opt for the more professional form of writing in order to make sure that they are not making the type of mistakes that most people make when writing resumes.