Update Your Resume Regularly! Always Be Prepared!
The motto "Be prepared," it is a great career advice as you never know when the perfect career opportunity will present itself.
In order to maximize the opportunity getting hired, you should regularly update your resume with relevant accomplishments, new job duties, recently achieved certifications, and other similar achievements instead of trying to remember critical information days, months, or even years after the fact. This is especially true of smaller but equally important achievements that may fade in memory as time passes.
There are three critical times to update your resume:
Number 1
Update your resume every year.
Just imagine, when a recruiter calls with the perfect job, you may suddenly find your resume is out of date, and you'll have to scramble to catch up.
Don't expect your memory to recall everything you achieved in years past! You are likely to overlook critical achievements and contributions. Keep your resume updated by including your best accomplishments each year.
Number 2
Update your resume when your career's focus changes.
You also need to change your resume when you want to change your career path. By focusing on the skills that will be useful in your new career, you can position yourself as a stronger candidate for the job. Highlight those transferable skills in your new resume, bringing them front and center.
In addition, you may shift list of accomplishments to support those skills. Accomplishment statements give credibility to transferable skills and prove your ability to cross industry or occupational lines.
Finally, make sure you understand your audience. As you shift career focus, it is critical to understand the hiring motives of your target market. Use your resume as an effective selling tool by correctly anticipating the recruiter's "wish list" for great job candidates.
Number 3
Update your resume when you are ready for better career advancement.
You've been thinking about changing new job for career advancement. Take the next step up that proverbial ladder. Climbing the career ladder can be a struggle. But with some preparation and planning, you can beat out the competition if you're willing to work hard.
Always have your resume ready as you may not know when the promotional position comes up that you're qualified. You can respond to job opportunities that same evening with confidence in your up-to-the-minute resume. Taking proactive steps toward a new career will give you back your optimism and self worth.
When you decided to update your resume, how are you going to update your resume?
First determine whether your resume requires a simple update or a complete rewrite. What your resume promoted ten years ago may not be appropriate or significant for your career choices today. And if you've simply been "tacking on" to your old resume, it may start to resemble a house with too many additions, with little sense or direction.
A well-written resume can make an incredible difference in:
- The length of time it takes to make your career move
- The quality of your next position
- The income potential of your next position
Always bear in mind, your resume is your best sales tool in finding a new job, and it deserves the investment of your time and commitment. With a little extra effort now, you'll be prepared for anything that comes your way - and be well on the path to your next great job.
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