How to correctly state "to present" on a CV

How to correctly state "until today" in your resume

Anyone who creates or updates a CV will sooner or later encounter the same question: How do you list a current activity that is still ongoing? Many people are unsure whether they need to state a specific end date or if formulations like "to date," "since 2022," or "currently" are more appropriate.

At first glance, the question seems trivial, but it can influence how clear and professional a CV appears. After all, a recruiter should be able to immediately see which positions have already ended and which are still ongoing. At the same time, applicants want to avoid misunderstandings or suspected gaps that do not exist.

Especially with ongoing employment, further training, study courses, or self-employment, this phrasing regularly comes up. There are some proven ways that are both clear and professional. You can find out which variants make sense and what you should pay attention to in this article.

Table of Contents:

When "bis heute" is actually used
Which alternatives are also common
Consistency is more important than the specific wording
Which mistakes you should avoid
Presenting ongoing activities correctly in your resume
How to make your resume clear and understandable
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When "until today" is actually used

The phrase "to date" is used when an activity is still being pursued at the time of application. It indicates that there is no end date yet.

Typical examples include:

Current employment
Ongoing studies
Further education or training
Self-employment
Voluntary work

An entry could look like this, for example:

January 2022 – to date
Marketing Manager at Muster GmbH

This immediately makes it clear that the position is still held and currently being performed.

What alternatives are also common

Not every resume uses the phrase "to date." In fact, there are several accepted variations in the application process.

Commonly used are:

January 2022 – Present
January 2022 – Current
Since January 2022
01/2022 – Present
01/2022 – Current

The phrasing "since January 2022" often appears more modern and concise. At the same time, it saves space and clearly indicates that the activity is ongoing.

Example:

Since 01/2022
Project Manager at Muster GmbH

This writing style is now found in many modern resume templates and is easily understood by HR managers.

Consistency is more important than the specific wording

Whether you use "to date," "today," "current," or "since" is usually less important than a consistent presentation throughout the entire CV.

Problems often arise when different spellings are mixed.

For example:

01/2018 – 05/2020
June 2020 – current
Since January 2023

Such mixed forms quickly appear messy. It is better to choose one system and stick to it consistently.

For example:

01/2018 – 05/2020
06/2020 – 12/2022
01/2023 – present

or:

01/2018 – 05/2020
06/2020 – 12/2022
Since 01/2023

A well-structured CV makes it easier to read and conveys a professional impression.

Mistakes to avoid

Small, avoidable errors often creep into ongoing activities.

These include:

Specifying an end date even though the activity is still ongoing
Listing the current position without a time reference
Mixing different date formats
Using "until now" or similar colloquial phrases
Not clearly indicating that the current activity is ongoing

Another common mistake is using only years without months, which can create unintentional gaps.

Example:

2021 – present

Much more precise is:

03/2021 – present

This allows the timeline to be understood more clearly.

How to Properly Present Ongoing Activities in Your Resume

In a modern resume, the current position is usually listed at the very top of its respective section. This allows the reader to immediately grasp your current professional standing.

A typical structure might look like this:

Since 04/2023
HR Administrator
Muster GmbH

Drafting employment contracts
Maintaining personnel data
Assisting with payroll

If you have multiple ongoing activities, each position should be clearly identified. This applies, for example, to people who are self-employed on the side or are simultaneously pursuing further education.

Above all, it is important that the chronological progression remains logical and easy to follow. HR managers want to be able to understand your current standing and previous roles within a few seconds.

How to make your CV clear and comprehensible

The phrase "bis heute" (to date/until today) is neither outdated nor incorrect. It remains one of the common ways to present ongoing activities in a CV. Alternatives such as "heute" (today), "aktuell" (currently), or "seit" (since) are also common and understood equally well.

What matters is not the individual phrase, but the clarity of the entire CV. Using a consistent date format, clearly marking ongoing activities, and avoiding unnecessary mixed forms ensures that your career path can be quickly understood. This is precisely the real goal of a good CV: to present relevant information clearly, comprehensibly, and without room for misinterpretation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is "to present" still relevant in a CV?

Yes. The phrasing continues to be widely used and is considered professional and generally understandable.

Is "since" better than "until today"?

Not necessarily. Both variants are correct. "Seit" (since) often sounds a bit more compact and modern, while "bis heute" (to date/until today) is particularly clear.

Should I list months or only years?

Months and years are recommended. This avoids possible gaps and illustrates the timeline more precisely.

Can I write "currently" instead of "until today"?

Yes. "Current" is a common alternative and is easily understood by hiring managers.

How do I list an ongoing professional development course?

For example, you could write: "Since 09/2025 further training as a payroll accountant" or "09/2025 – present further training as a payroll accountant."

Does every current activity need to be marked as ongoing?

Yes. The reader should be able to immediately recognize which activities have been completed and which are still ongoing.

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