You recently started a new job, and things are going great. You love the company, the work that you are doing, and the people you work with. So, you file your résumé away because you don't need it anymore, or so you think.
At one time, I thought that if I had a job, I didn't need a résumé. Yes, I was much younger and naive at the time. But then things changed.
I had relocated to a different city to open a new office for the company where I was employed. Part of my job was establishing relationships with other companies and potential customers at the new location. In addition, a significant contract was being competed, and we wanted to be included as a subcontractor to one of the companies bidding as a prime.
While waiting for the Metro in DC, I met someone (CS) from one of the companies I was planning to set up a meeting with. After returning to the office, we coordinated to meet but had to cancel twice and reschedule.
Then, one day, I received a call from CS that someone where I worked, had called to try to discuss teaming on the contract bid. He wanted to know what was going on. He thought I was his contact for the discussions.
I released a sigh of exasperation when I heard this. Then, with a slight lapse in professionalism, I said, "I'll be so glad when I can find another job and leave this company." CS replied, "Are you serious?"
Then, I explained that I had already entertained the idea of changing jobs. Unfortunately, the company had paid my relocation expenses, and though it wasn't a requirement, I felt obligated to continue working for them a year after the move. However, the situation had progressively gotten worse.
CS continued, "We have a position open for which I think you would be a perfect fit. Why don't you send me your résumé?" He then gave me the number where to fax it.
Exciting, right? It was and wasn't. I hadn't even looked at my résumé in the last six years. Since I thought I had several months before starting my job search, that meant several months before updating my résumé.
CS expected to receive a copy of my résumé that day or the next. Sadly, with the recent move, I wasn't even sure where to find a copy, which included nothing from the current company and position. Furthermore, I didn't have a copy of the job description to tailor my résumé.
It all turned out well. I found my résumé (paper copy), retyped and updated it. Then, faxed it to CJ. I was called for an interview, offered the job, accepted, and turned in my two weeks' notice. But I learned the hard way the importance of keeping my résumé current. I was lucky. It could have had a very different and not-so-positive outcome.
Keeping your résumé current should be part of your career management plan. So let's look closer at reasons to keep your résumé current. Some are obvious, and others you may not have considered.
Stay Prepared for Opportunities
Even if you're not actively job searching, keep your résumé up to date so you're prepared for potential job opportunities that may come your way. As with my story, you never know when you may be approached by a friend, customer, or business acquaintance that has been impressed with your professionalism and offers you a job. Having a fresh résumé ready can save you time and stress.
Search for a Job
The job market can be volatile. Unfortunately, you may find yourself looking for a job unexpectedly due to temporary layoffs, staff reductions, changes in company ownership, business closing, or management changes. Or, you may become dissatisfied with your current position and suddenly decide to transition to something else.
If you wait until you're actively looking for a new job to update your résumé, you may find that it's a daunting task that takes a lot of time and effort. Trying to remember all of your data needed to update your résumé when emotionally upset complicates the process even more. However, by revising your résumé regularly, you can avoid the stress of trying to remember everything you've accomplished over the past few years.
Position Yourself for Promotion
Many managers review an employee's résumé in consideration of a promotion. This is especially true when promoted to a different department or company division. An up-to-date résumé that shows your accomplishments and professional development demonstrates to your current employer that you are qualified for a promotion.
Many employers require employees to update their résumé annually during their review process. In addition to promotions, they review the résumés and may include them when submitting proposals for new work. The annual résumé update process is a great practice, though many employees dread it and often put it off. If your employer has this process, use it to your advantage.
Demonstrate Career Progression
A well-maintained résumé can show how your career has grown and progressed. You can demonstrate to potential employers that you're a valuable candidate by highlighting promotions, new skills, accomplishments, and achievements. Likewise, a résumé showing increasing job responsibilities over time indicates that you have gained more experience and taken on more challenging tasks.
Accommodate Industry Changes
As industries change and new technologies emerge, the skills and experiences that are most in-demand can also change. By highlighting your skills and experience with language most relevant to the current industry, you can ensure that you're presenting yourself as a candidate up to date with the latest industry trends and developments.
Address Gaps or Changes in Work History
If you've had gaps in employment or made significant changes in your work history, you can help explain these situations and showcase your skills and experience. Then, you can decide whether to include them in your résumé or prepare to address them in an interview should the question arise.
Make it Concise
Over time, your résumé may become cluttered with outdated information. Streamline your experience and make it more concise and relevant. Try to keep your résumé under two pages. Some of your experience may not be relevant to the position you are applying for and therefore requires less detail if included.
Most mid to large companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for candidate résumé submission. This means a simple and concise résumé that speaks to the keywords of the job requirements will more likely be selected for review. However, while pretty, an artistic résumé with tables, graphics, and fancy fonts may not be readable by an ATS.
Maintain a Professional Image
An outdated résumé can give the impression that you are not proactive or engaged in your career. It's vital to ensure that it accurately reflects your current skills and accomplishments. If you don't update your résumé regularly, you may forget to include recent achievements or responsibilities that could make you a strong candidate for a new job or promotion.
Tailor Your Résumé for Specific Job Applications
Each job opportunity is unique, and the requirements and qualifications may differ from one position to another. Tailoring your résumé to a particular job may increase the probability of getting noticed by the employer, obtaining an interview, and ultimately landing the job.
The tailoring process is easier when you have a comprehensive version of your résumé as a starting point. You can then edit portions to highlight the experience, skills, and achievements most relevant to the job or position you are applying for.
Summary
My story had a happy ending. Lack of career management and lack of a current résumé could have resulted in a missed opportunity.
Overall, a résumé showing professional growth tells the story of a candidate committed to developing their career, taking on new challenges, and continuously improving their skills and abilities. Having a current résumé is key to career management.
A strong résumé can help you stand out in a competitive job market. In addition, it is often the first impression a potential employer has of your professional background and potential. With a current résumé, you will be one of the fortunate ready for whatever path your career may take.
If you need assistance updating your résumé, we can help. Schedule a free 30-minute session to discuss. https://calendly.com/scheduleps/30min
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