by Deborah Walker
The motto “be prepared” isn’t just great advice for 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; and 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out-of-date, and you’ll have to scramble to catch up.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. 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 the 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 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.
If it’s time for you to update your resume, first decide whether your
resume requires a simple update or a complete rewrite. If you have been
using the same resume format throughout your career, it’s possible that
you have outgrown the old look. What your resume promoted ten years ago
may not be appropriate or significant for your career choices today.
And if you’ve simply been “tacking on” to your old resume, it may start
to resemble a house with too many additions, with little sense or
direction. A professional resume critique can help you decide exactly
what you need to move forward. A well-written resume can make a
difference in the length of time it takes to make your career move, the
quality of your next position and the income potential of your next
position
Your resume is your best sales tool in finding a new job, and it
deserves the investment of your time and commitment. With a little
extra effort now, you’ll be prepared for anything that comes your
way—and be well on the path to your next great job.
Deborah Walker, CCMC, is a professional career coach and resume writer. You can get more job-hunting tips and resume samples at www.AlphaAdvantage.com or email her at Deb@AlphaAdvantage.com.
© Copyright 2007 by the Network of Executive Women. All rights reserved.