The new year is right around the corner… is it time to refresh your resume? While you’re busy fulfilling everyone else’s wish lists, don’t forget about yourself. Make it a point to invest in yourself and your own future by polishing up your resume for the new year so you can start your job search off strong. Even if you’re not actively looking for a new job, you never know when an amazing opportunity may come your way, and you don’t want to be scrambling to pull your resume together to apply.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when revising your resume:

  • Refresh the Format

Have you been using the same resume for years? Chances are, it’s outdated. Plus, a new format can boost your confidence in applying. Make sure that your resume is ATS-friendly, meaning it is formatted in a way that works well with scanning software. Avoid elements such as:

  • Charts
  • Graphs
  • Images
  • Complicated formatting
  • Creative headings
  • Incompatible file type

Stick with a simple, easy-to-read format and standard sections such as education, professional experience, volunteer experience, and certifications. Use bullet points and tabs to organize information as opposed to charts or tables.

Don’t forget to update your contact information if you moved or changed your phone number. Now is a good time to take a second look at your email address as well. If it’s not something professional such as a combination of your first and last name, it’s time to update. Make sure you’re not using an outdated platform such as AOL or Hotmail as well. Gmail is always a safe bet, even if you only use that address for your job search.

  • Update Your Metrics and Accomplishments

When you refresh your resume, reflect over the past year and what you have achieved in your job. Include new sales figures that show how you’ve performed against targets. Quantify projects to show percentages or other relevant numbers. Highlight recent projects you’ve completed or other ways you’ve contributed to the ongoing success and performance of the business. Did you implement process improvements? Train or mentor new hires? Negotiate a major deal?

  • Add New Training

What have you been working on since you last decided to refresh your resume? Have you completed a degree or certification program? Taken professional development or training courses? Learned a new software program? Don’t overlook the value of these accomplishments and how they can make you a more desirable candidate.

  • Realign Your Resume with Your Career Path

Are you considering a career change or pivoting direction within your current industry? Have you explored other interests that you want to pursue in the future? Update the summary at the top of your resume to reflect that. Make sure that it highlights the knowledge, skills, and abilities you would bring to the roles you are targeting. This also applies if you’re seeking a promotion into a leadership role – what makes you a good fit for management and leading a team?

Change up your core competencies as well so they align with current job openings and the skills that employers are seeking. Read over different job postings to see what stands out the most and how it matches your experience and abilities. These are the keywords you should be incorporating into not just your competencies section but the content of your resume as well.

Invest In Yourself This Holiday Season

It is always a good idea to keep your resume up to date regardless of your current job situation. Things can change in an instant, and you’ll be glad that your resume is ready to go with just some minor tweaks rather than having to overhaul it while you’re already stressed and likely forgetting about important information. Invest in yourself by working with a professional resume writer to create a document that presents you in a positive light and positions you for future job opportunities. Contact Grammar Chic at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to get started.