When was the last time you updated your resume? If you have to spend time thinking about it, it was probably too long ago. Most people only bother with their resume when they are actively involved in a job search or are concerned about the stability of their current position. If you are happy in your role, chances are, your resume has taken a back burner.
However, updating your resume is something you should do at least once a year, and even more often if there have been notable accomplishments in your career. Failing to incorporate promotions, recent projects, current metrics, and other details while they are still fresh in your mind can create unnecessary stress later.
Why You Should Keep Your Resume Updated
There are a multitude of benefits to having a current resume on hand.
- It is an accurate reflection of your accomplishments.
The longer you wait to update your resume, the greater the chances of forgetting the specifics. Suddenly you can’t remember what year you completed a project, how much revenue growth you generated, or how many new accounts you brought on. Whenever you get new metrics, finish a major project, take on new responsibilities, or have other significant changes, these should be incorporated into your resume.
- You are prepared for unexpected opportunities.
You never know when an incredible job opportunity will present itself. Even if you were not actively looking for a new position, if something is too good to pass up, you want to have your resume ready to go so you can apply with short notice. In addition, if your boss wants to put you up for a promotion, or you want to apply for something internal that opens up, you are prepared and can submit your resume without wasting time.
- You can save time and stress.
Updating your resume on your own time means you can think through what needs to be changed, make tweaks so it sounds just right, and ensure it presents you as effectively as possible. When you are up against a sudden deadline and scrambling to remember what you’ve done since the last time you revamped your resume, it can be stressful, and the final product might not be as polished or impactful as you hoped. Regular revisions can prevent these types of situations from occurring.
- It makes tailoring your resume faster and easier.
When you keep your resume current, adjusting it for different job postings is a much simpler process. You only have to make minor changes so that it aligns better with the role rather than overhauling everything or starting from scratch.
- You can use it for volunteer positions or awards.
There are other uses for your resume outside of job searching. For instance, if you are asked to join a board or are nominated for an award, the organization will likely want a copy of your resume so they can get a better idea of your background, experience, and accomplishments. Rather than holding up the process by frantically trying to update your resume, you have a polished document that is ready to submit.
- You can position yourself as a thought leader.
Whether you are speaking at a conference, submitting your work for publication, authoring a guest post, or leading training, having an updated resume on hand enables you to quickly demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field. You can show how you have progressed through your career, what your educational background is, and what makes you a trusted authority on the topic.
- It can improve your networking.
If you are putting out feelers looking for your next job opportunity, being able to share a current copy of your resume can help others recommend appropriate positions and refer you to their connections. You can also use your resume as the foundation for building out your LinkedIn profile, as it contains all of the essential information, and that enhances your ability to network and be found by others.
Tips for Updating Your Resume
As you make it a point to keep your resume up to date with your most recent experience, here are a few other considerations to keep in mind:
- Create a master copy of your resume that includes every job you’ve held, including the details of each role and major accomplishments. This can serve as an excellent reference if a job application requires you to go further back in your career history than you have on your resume, or if you want to add an older position that is especially relevant for a specific job posting. It can also help you see how you have grown over the years and how your career has changed.
- Save your resume in an easily accessible location. You may want to save it in more than one place, but make sure you update all versions. It can be a good idea to keep your resume on the Cloud or a flash drive so that if something happens to your computer, it is not lost.
If it has been a long time since you last polished up your resume or you’re not sure where to start, consider working with a professional resume writer who can ensure your document is ATS-friendly, aligns with current industry standards, and presents you in a positive light. Contact Grammar Chic at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to learn more and get started updating your resume.
