Why Should You Avoid Writing a Resume in Past Tense?

Why Should You Avoid Writing a Resume in Past Tense?Many people start out by writing a resume in past tense. Though this is a very bad idea, there are some important reasons that are worth exploring.Unless you have a good idea of how to write a resume or job search resume, past tense is usually your best option. This is because past tense makes you sound intelligent. To get a quick glimpse at what your job skills are, you can tell the human resources department what they should expect from you.But the idea behind past tense is also flawed. In fact, most of your skills and experiences will be outdated before you've even begun looking for a new job. If you are applying for an entry-level position, for example, you may find that the job that you think you want is actually available in a different role.You may also have a completely different set of current job duties. The best approach is to focus on looking for positions that you could plausibly fill now. If you do this, you will likel y find that you are able to tailor your resume so that it no longer focuses on positions that you cannot possibly fit into.But how can you get away with writing a resume in past tense? There are two major reasons. One is that your interviewer will see you as someone who has had prior experience in the job that you are seeking.Another reason is that your interviewer will assume that you have already got the job you are applying for, simply because you have not updated your resume. This is an unconscious process and it is important to make sure that you take advantage of it. This way, you can claim credit for past job experience without actually having it.If you are asked about a job you may have held a few years ago, do not be tempted to write a resume in past tense. Instead, focus on taking care of any gaps that you may have in the past. Your resume is a reflection of your skills and accomplishments, not of everything you may have done.But how can you avoid writing a resume in past tense? The most basic way is to not change job roles. Doing this is the most damaging thing you can do. It will make it look like you haven't done enough research about a particular role.Most job seekers also use the phrase 'I have X years experience in X job role.' This is the equivalent of having a great deal of work experience in a certain kind of job. However, you don't need to build on this impressive track record.Instead, you should be truthful about what you have done for other employers and what kind of job you were assigned to handle. A great resume guide can help you do this.One other thing that you can do to avoid writing a resume in past tense is to avoid being direct and specific about the job that you are seeking. The last thing you want to do is set yourself up for future criticism. Instead, make it clear that you are looking for a specific job.The one thing that you can't do is be vague about the position that you are seeking when writing resume cover letters. Howeve r, do not use keywords or abbreviations in the opening paragraph of your resume. This will make it look like you have not really done your homework, so avoid these terms.