If you’ve stayed with the same company or in the same position for a while, it can be easy to forget about your resume, especially if you’re not looking for a new job. It’s one of those things that most people only think about when they realize they need it. But rushing through updating your resume from 10 years ago can leave you with a jumbled mess that doesn’t accurately express your accomplishments or abilities. That is why you should make it a point to update your resume at least once a year. Here are a few more reasons:

  1. So you know what’s on it.

Have you ever looked at your resume and wondered what you meant or realized that certain projects were tough to recall? You don’t want to be sitting in an interview and have a potential employer ask you about something that is listed and have no idea what they’re talking about. By regularly revisiting your resume, you can ensure that you’re able to confidently speak to each bullet point, accomplishment, or skill.

  1. So your metrics are current.

You want your resume to reflect what you’re doing now, not just what you did in the past. While it’s great that two years ago you reached 105% of your quota or managed $3M in new business, what have you done since then? Periodically updating your resume means you can add up-to-date metrics as they’re available so you know they’re accurate and you aren’t just guesstimating.

  1. So you can stay motivated.

Do you feel as though you’ve fallen into a rut with your current job? Reviewing your resume can remind you of all of the amazing things you’ve done and what you still want to accomplish. It can give you a better sense of direction as you look toward the future and motivate you to take a chance on that promotion or new opportunity.

  1. So you are ready for anything.

Unfortunately, layoffs happen, and you don’t always get advanced notice. But if you’ve been regularly updating your resume, you’ll be ready to dive in and start applying for new jobs. If you haven’t been keeping up, it will take more time to polish everything up and recall what you’ve accomplished over the past few years, adding more stress to the situation. Likewise, if an opportunity for a promotion or your dream job opens up, having a current resume means you can apply more quickly. You’ll be less likely to miss out on an amazing opportunity because it took too long for you to prepare your materials.

Remember that your resume can be used for other purposes too such as providing more information if you’re going to be a presenter, applying to be on a board, or need to show your experience or expertise. It’s a handy resource to have readily available.

If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your resume and you’re not sure where to start, let the team at Grammar Chic lead the way. We’ll help you figure out how to present yourself in the best light and decide what should and shouldn’t be on your resume. Contact us at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to learn more and get the process started.