Wondering how often you should be working on your resume? When will it be finished? The answer is always...and never. Your resume (and your portfolio) are living, breathing things and should be updated constantly, even if you're not currently looking for a new job.
Clicking Refresh on Your Resume
Don't you wish your resume had a refresh button? Us too. If it's been a while, you might want to consider updating your doc. Was "internet" still spelled with a capital "I" the last time you opened yours? (That was August 2016 when the AP pulled the plug on that one, FYI.) You probably need an update.
Here are a few suggestions from our sister company Artisan Creative...
How to Freshen up an Old Resume
- Create Charts and Graphs
If your accomplishments can be quantified, try adding some colorful graphics instead of text.
- Double-Check Key Words
Are Recruiters finding you when they look for someone matching your qualifications? Make sure your resume is going to pop up in scans for your skill set.
- Rewrite Your Summary
Take a stab at a new summary using those key words you just discovered or try adding some metrics in your summary. "You only have a couple seconds to stand out," says Wendy Stackhouse, a Consultant for Artisan Creative, "so make sure your summary does the job."
- Hyperlink Your PDF
Make it easy for Recruiters and Hiring Managers to find out more about you. Make sure your social media profiles and online portfolio links are clickable in the PDF version of your resume.
How Often Should You Update?
Even if you're not looking for a new job, it's a good idea to make sure your resume is up to date. A once a year update is a must, but once a quarter or every six months is more preferable.
If you're actively seeking a job and are not getting the number of inquiries you would like, update as often as needed.
Do YOU Need a Better Resume?
...the answer is probably yes!
As you've heard, if you have a bad resume, you might never see the inside of a Hiring Manager's office. So if it's time for an update or a complete redo, we can help! Just download our "Resume 101 Guidebook."
- 3 signs it's time for an update
- Why you don't need a resume objective
- 5 lies you've been told about your CV
- How to create a unique resume
- Tips for dealing with the dreaded applicant tracking system