Whether you are currently in the midst of a job search or not, keeping your resume up to date is always a good idea. Your resume is a fluid document that should progress through your career right along with you. There is always room for improvement as the job market is constantly changing. Making small changes along the way saves you the hassle of spending a great deal of time reworking things all at once later on. There are numerous reasons why maintaining a current resume can pay off.
Reflects competencies and abilities that are on trend
Job descriptions are always changing. What was expected of a position five years ago is probably not the same as what is expected now. For those who have held the same position for a number of years, they can probably see how their role has evolved and changed over time. Staying current with what employers are looking for as far as skills and competencies is key. Refresh your core competencies section periodically to reflect your abilities and incorporate keywords that employers seek.
Also adjust your experiences and accomplishments to reflect the latest trends in the industry. This can help to show that you are keeping pace with advancements and your skills are up to date. Should you start applying for new jobs, this can help to remain competitive and appeal to applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Maintains a fresh appearance
Resume formats have gone through many transitions over the years. If your last resume was created 10 years ago, there is a very good chance that it is out of date with what employers are seeking today. Making it a point to revamp your resume at least once a year means adapting to these changes and making your resume reflect them. For example, including an objective is outdated. Now hiring managers are looking for a strong summary of qualifications and core competencies. Bolding, horizontal lines, and other eye-catching features help to break up information while maintaining a professional appearance and improved readability.
Reformatting your resume before you actually need it to apply for jobs gives you the flexibility to spend time perfecting the look and content. You want a professional way to market yourself that doesn’t look rushed or behind the times. You can continue to make tweaks as time progresses and you have more information to add or remove.
Highlights up-to-date progress
By making it a point to update your resume each time you assume new responsibilities, complete a major project, or have access to new metrics, you reduce your risk of forgetting important details. Your resume will reflect your current situation and progress rather than emphasizing numbers from years past. If you have taken on more complex tasks, use those to replace points that may not have as much emphasis on showcasing your abilities.
You never know when an opportunity will arise for a promotion or a new job entirely. Keeping your resume current means that you will be able to be on the front edge of the application process and get your name in early. Your resume may need a few minor adjustments to align it more closely with the job opening, but you will not have to spend the time to overhaul everything and rack your brain to remember accomplishments you wanted to include because they will already be there.
If you are unsure whether your resume may be outdated and not effectively supporting your abilities and accomplishments, contact the team at Chic Resumes today. We stay on top of the latest resumes trends and industry keywords to help job seekers present themselves in a professional and engaging way. Let us help you put your best foot forward and be ready for any opportunity that comes your way. Contact us today at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net.
Amanda E. Clark founded Grammar Chic in 2008. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She launched Grammar Chic after freelancing for several years while simultaneously leading marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies.
