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10.25.05
Is
It Time To Update Your Resume?
 By
Deborah Walker, CCMC
The motto "Be prepared," isn't just great advice for Boy Scouts; it's also great
career advice. You never know when the perfect career opportunity will present
itself. If a recruiter called you today with your dream job, would you be prepared
to send out an up-to-date resume right away?
There are four critical times to update your resume:
· At least once a year
· Any time your career focus changes
· When you anticipate layoffs with your company
· When you begin to feel dissatisfied with your current position
1. Update your resume every year.
This is where many people fall short. When that recruiter calls with the perfect
job, you may suddenly find your resume is years out of date, and you'll have to
scramble to catch up.
Keep your resume current by including your best accomplishments each year. Don't
count on your memory to recall everything you achieved in years past! You are
likely to overlook critical achievements and contributions. If you need assistance,
a resume coach may be able to help you through the process with some targeted
questions on your most recent jobs.
2. Update your resume when
your career focus changes.
If you want to change your career path, then you also need to change your resume.
There are several ways to shift the focus away from your current job and toward
your new career.
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 to highlighting your transferable skills, shift your list of accomplishments
to support those skills. Accomplishment statements give credibility to transferable
skills and prove your ability to cross industry or occupational lines. Well-crafted
accomplishments make a big difference in whether you win the interview or are
passed over.
Finally, be 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.
3. Update your resume when you anticipate layoffs within your company.
A harsh reality of today's economy is the need for corporate downsizing. Layoffs
and losses are becoming more and more common. But you can prepare for any worst-case
scenario by keeping your resume up-to-date.
Don't make the mistake of being overly optimistic. It's safer to assume that you
are on the "out" list. Most people who get caught unexpectedly in a layoff thought
they were indispensable to their employers. You might be important or well-liked,
but remember that the bottom line always has a louder voice than you do. Get your
resume ready as soon as you see any indications that downsizing is on the way.
Don't mistake company loyalty for a fear of change. Often employees would rather
take their chances with a potential layoff than make proactive steps toward finding
a new job. Once they're laid off, it's already too late. Remember, as a candidate,
you are always more marketable while still employed. Avoid this trap and start
your job search early with self-marketing tools (resume and cover letter) that
are up-to-date and top quality.
4. Update your resume when you are dissatisfied with your current
position.
Job dissatisfaction leads to feelings of frustration, worthlessness, and often
hopelessness. But there is no reason to stay in a job you hate. Being prepared
with an updated resume can help you feel better in your current job. When you
have a really terrible day at work, 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.
Read
the rest of the article.
About the Author:
Deborah Walker, CCMC Resume Writer ~ Career Coach For more tips on resumes, job-search
strategy and interview skills, check out the article archive at my website: www.AlphaAdvantage.com
Email: Deb@AlphaAdvantage.com |
