Update your resume regularly to ensure you are ready to submit it at a moment’s notice to capture a career opportunity that appears out of the blue. Don’t procrastinate.
Over the last 16 years, I have seen many people lose out on excellent positions.
Why? Because they weren’t prepared.
Does this sound like you? You created a stellar resume a couple of years ago and are now wondering whether it’s still effective?
Perhaps you have some new experiences or training you need to add to beef up your resume and keep it up-to-date. Update your resume as new accomplishments happen or when you complete professional development or gain new skills. This will ensure you don’t forget anything pertinent.
If you are actively in a job hunt, you may need to learn how to develop a job search plan to achieve results quicker. Part of the job search plan will be to have an updated resume targeted toward the position you are seeking.
Targeted resumes get results. Being sure of your goal is critical to writing a superb resume.
You don’t want to rush putting together your resume. Resume writing takes time. When your resume lands on the decision maker’s desk, it needs to grab the reader’s attention for the right reasons.
Remove Outdated and Irrelevant Information
Updating your resume isn’t just about adding in your most recent job information at the top. It’s important to keep your resume current by updating many relevant details and reviewing the resume layout. It’s also a good idea to remove outdated information such as old professional development, irrelevant credentials, community service work, and professional affiliations.
Maintaining your resume is all about ensuring that it continues to market the most up-to-date and accurate version of you in a format that will continue to wow employers. Tighten up the language, add some great action words and keywords to match your job target. Ensure the resume accurately describes the jobs you’ve had with your achievements bulleted under the scope of the positions.
Update Your Resume to Act Quickly on a Dream Positon
If you are actively searching for new employment, an updated resume is a necessity. Always be ready to send your resume, even if you’re employed. A perfect job posting could appear, or a company decision-maker or recruiter may request one.
By consistently adding to and updating your resume, it will end up being a much simpler task than having to completely overhaul the document when you realize it’s incredibly out-of-date.
Add all relevant new information, including courses, training programs, and other academic qualifications that you receive along the way. Ensure your email address is current. Did you include a link to your LinkedIn profile or a personal profile?
Testimonials are an attention grabber. Look at letters of recommendation or performance reviews or evaluations for any kudos you would like to include. This will punch up your resume or cover letter. Quotes from supervisors or customers add credibility.
Take out any old information or qualifications that may not apply or be valid anymore. Keeping track of monthly changes will ensure you don’t end up sending an obsolete resume.
Ensure the Information is 100% Truthful and Accurate
Double-check to ensure everything is 100% accurate and honest. You’d be surprised to discover how many people don’t intend on sharing something inaccurate. A resume written quickly may easily include incorrect details.
Even small inaccuracies can be hurtful for your chances of landing your dream job. Apart from being wrong and untruthful, most HR departments perform background and reference checks. If you’re busted, it could ruin your credibility.
Triple-check your GPA averages, academic information, job titles, contact details, and the dates of your employment. Even if you accidentally misrepresented any of this information, an employer could suspect otherwise.
Don’t be disqualified yourself from a great opportunity by rushing through the resume writing process.
Need help to update your resume? Reach out to Candace for assistance!