Spring is almost here and you still haven’t updated your resume! If you’re still contemplating what needs to be changed, here are five simple things that will get your resume ready for your next job search or for that promotion:
- Update contact information: Did you move recently, change your email address, get a new phone number? This seems like a no-brainer but there are so many job candidates that forget this vital step. They submit an old resume without realizing the contact information in the heading is no longer valid. One simple mistake like this can cause you to lose out on landing a good job.
- Summary revision: A summary statement at the top of your resume represents who you are, what you do, and what you’re seeking. Since our goals and accomplishments change from year to year, a summary you wrote in 2011 doesn’t paint an accurate picture of you anymore. Although you can make a few tweaks, sometimes it’s best to just delete it and start from scratch, especially if your last job search was over three years ago. You’ve grown and your resume should reflect this.
- Change the layout: Resumes, just like furniture and fashion change with the times. You need to update your décor, so to speak, to visually bring your document into the current century. Play around with new fonts (but don’t go crazy) and change your headings.
- Update work history: Some revisions on your work history section will be necessary, especially at the top and bottom of your resume. Add recent positions, include relevant accomplishments and any special contributions, add new skills and accomplishments from your current or most recent job and finally, drop any position that you left before 2011. Make sure you shine the spotlight on your current career instead of past accomplishments.
- Add new skills and remove the old: Since your last job search, you’ve learned new skills. Now it’s time to make sure potential employers take notice! Where to start?
- First, read over the skills you have listed on your resume.
- Next, ask yourself if you’ve used each skill recently. If you can’t remember the last time you used it, it’s probably time to delete it.
- Go over your list again and think about the job you most want, then delete the skills that won’t help you land the position you desire.
- Now it’s time to add your most recently acquired skills!
Remember, you should always keep your resume tight, clear and in-line with your current goals and plans. If you’re evolving, so should your resume! For more guidance, explore the tools and tips on our blog and website.