Which CV Verb Tense Is Correct? (And Why It Matters)

Small errors on your CV—especially inconsistent verb tenses—can quickly undermine your application. Recruiters are trained to spot mistakes, and something as simple as a mixed-up tense may be enough to raise questions about your attention to detail.

In this article, we’ll explain which verb tenses to use on your CV, how to apply them consistently, and why they make your document easier to read.

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Why Action Verbs Matter

Your CV is more than a list of responsibilities. It’s a record of impact—a showcase of what you achieved and how you contributed.

That’s why every bullet point should start with an action verb.

Examples of strong action verbs include:

• Led

• Implemented

• Developed

• Negotiated

• Optimised

• Delivered

Varying your verbs will make your writing more engaging and give your CV momentum. Instead of sounding like a job description, you’ll come across as someone who gets things done.

When to Use Present Tense

Use the present tense when writing about your current role, specifically for:

• Daily responsibilities you continue to perform

• Projects or initiatives still in progress

• Ongoing areas of accountability

Examples:

• Prepare monthly financial reports for executive leadership

• Manage client relationships across EMEA region

• Devise and implement strategic growth initiatives

• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings

Present tense tells the recruiter what you are actively doing today. It’s immediate and relevant, helping them picture you in the role right now.

When to Use Past Tense

Use the past tense for:

• All previous roles

• Completed projects within your current position

Examples:

• Organised an international conference with 5,000 attendees

• Developed a new CRM system, improving response times by 30%

• Taught lectures to 120 undergraduate students per semester

• Increased affiliate revenue by 200% within 12 months

Past tense communicates accomplishments you’ve already achieved and positions them as evidence of what you could deliver in a future role.

Can You Mix Present and Past Tense in Your Current Role?

Yes—if done carefully.

In your current job, it’s natural to include both:

• Present tense for ongoing responsibilities

• Past tense for significant projects or achievements that are already complete

For example:

• Manage a team of five analysts focused on regulatory reporting (present)

• Delivered a new reporting framework that reduced processing time by 40% (past)

This approach gives your CV depth and balance, showing both what you do now and what you’ve already achieved.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using past tense for your current daily tasks
   This makes it sound like you’re no longer responsible for them.

2. Mixing tenses randomly
   Inconsistency is distracting and looks sloppy.

3. Forgetting to update old roles
   When you add a new position, make sure all your earlier roles are switched entirely to past tense.

4. Starting bullet points with non-action words
   Phrases like “responsible for” or “in charge of” weaken your writing. Always lead with action.

In Summary

The rule is simple:

• Current position = present tense (for ongoing work) + past tense (for completed achievements).

• Past positions = past tense only.

By keeping your verbs sharp and consistent, you’ll not only avoid careless errors but also make your CV easier to skim, more professional, and more compelling.

To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk