Tense over Tenses

Here's the thing. Whenever we get a new job or are updating our resume we simply copy and paste the job description. No judgment, we all do it, but don't be lazy about it.

Job descriptions are written in the future tense. You will do this-or-that or with words that end in "ing" (working, supporting, creating, etc.). You're not there yet, this is what will or could happen.

Sometimes they are written in the third person as in the role supports, leads, manages. But if you are in the job and you have it on your resume or LinkedIn, take a minute and put it in the present tense: work, lead, support, ensure. 

As far as jobs that you had, they should be in the past tense. Worked, supported, led... More than that, read through the bullets and edit the ones that make it look like an online job description. Job descriptions are meant to attract people and therefore have very forward-looking, action-oriented language. Keep the gist but change the verbiage to read as though it was something you did.

My guess is that most people don't even notice this anymore. Copy-and-paste has become so commonplace that I bet most recruiters and hiring managers don't even see it. However, having been both a hiring manager and a recruiter, I can tell you that when a resume is written properly it really stands out.

Correct spelling, proper grammar, and consistent format are all non-negotiables. But if you really want your resume to pop, take the time to write it so that it reads well.

Yours in obsessing over the details,