Why you ought to Update Your own Resume Right now
Summer may have just ended, but the “summer euphoria” still has a hold on you. As you continue to savor the summer air, it’s time to begin updating your files, most importantly, your resume, in case you’ve emerged from summer without a job.
It may sound tough, but yes, you need to freshen up your resume and set aside that “summer feeling.” By allowing your time to pass with an outdated resume, you risk missing out on numerous opportunities and wasting time. Therefore, regularly updating your resume can enhance your career success and expedite your job search.
So, how often should you update your resume? Career experts suggest that resumes should be updated every six months or whenever you achieve a new accomplishment or milestone. It might not be the most enjoyable task, but doing it consistently is much better than rushing through it.
There are several compelling reasons why updating is a must. Here’s a little something to convince you to refresh your resume:
1. The Big “L” is Lurking You have to acknowledge that in today’s economic climate, job stability is elusive. Layoffs and downsizing are nothing new. However, if you believe that your loyalty or quality will protect you from being let go, you may be mistaken. Downsizing today often depends on your “cost” rather than your “worth” or quality. Therefore, more often than not, high-quality employees are being laid off for one reason: they are being paid more and are considered “expensive” by the company. So, keep your resume updated regularly. This way, you’ll be more prepared when the big “L” hits you.
2. Opportunity Won’t Wait for You Have you noticed how job application deadlines are often tight? Well, employers don’t have much time to wait for the “perfect candidate” to fill a position. Therefore, there’s always a fast turnaround for new job opportunities. If you’ve convinced yourself that you can perform well under pressure, kudos to you. But remember that rushing to update an outdated resume can do more harm than good. Hence, update your resume regularly and ensure that your documents are in the right formats so you can seize opportunities as they come.
3. The Day Seems Longer Than You Thought Have you ever caught yourself staring at the clock, hoping it’s already time to leave work? Well, that’s a clear sign of job dissatisfaction. So, before your unhappiness erodes your remaining dedication, it’s better to start updating your resume. Keep in mind that attempting to overhaul your resume in the midst of boredom and dissatisfaction can result in a subpar resume that undersells your skills and qualifications.
4. You Have Achievements to Showcase Naturally, who wouldn’t want to flaunt their accomplishments? Apart from boosting your professionalism and competence, highlighting your achievements can make you look impressive to an employer. Updating your resume whenever you receive commendations allows you to provide detailed information about your accomplishments. This is important because there are details that you might forget over time.
5. Your Resume Is Showing Signs of Aging Like everything else, resumes also exhibit signs of aging. Certain elements that were previously included, such as personal interests and hobbies, are now often excluded to make room for more professional and career-oriented information. Additionally, as you accumulate more experience, say, over 10 years, it’s advisable to leave out achievements from your college days. You should also remove your earliest job and other roles that are more than a decade old. The reason for this is that hiring managers are primarily interested in what you’ve accomplished in the last 10 years, so you should focus on that time frame. Also, keep your job skills up-to-date and use relevant and current keywords. For example, instead of listing “secretary” on your resume, use “administrative associate.”
Whether your resume requires a complete makeover or just some minor adjustments, it’s a good practice to regularly update it. As you know, opportunity is just around the corner, waiting for the first person to spot it.
Linda Roberts is a part of a research group providing numerous resource components to many various corporate recruitment departments.
