At a time when the work landscape is in constant flux, a static resume is like a relic from the past. Just like your phone needs regular software updates, your resume needs periodic refreshes to stay relevant and competitive, regardless of where you are in your career.
Whether you're a woman in midlife making a career change, actively searching for a new job, or happily employed with an eye towards advancement, regularly updating your resume positions you for career success. Here's what to showcase and why:
1. Highlight In-Demand Skills
Technology and business models are constantly changing, and so are the skills employers seek. Make sure your resume highlights the skills most in demand, including "soft" skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
2. Personalization is Key
There's no one-size-fits-all resume. Employers want to see tailored documents that demonstrate how you specifically fit their unique needs and challenges. Research each company and position thoroughly, and customize your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
3. Connect the DotsÂ
Careers rarely follow a straight line. Your professional journey is a unique adventure filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours – and that's okay!Â
Every experience, accomplishment, and even those "what-was-I-thinking?" moments have shaped you into the amazing, adaptable professional you are today.
Instead of trying to hide your non-linear path, embrace the narrative. Showcase your past accomplishments, highlight your present skills, and connect the dots to demonstrate how your experiences make you the ideal candidate for the position.
4. Reflect Your Evolving Goals
As you progress in your career, your goals and aspirations naturally evolve. Updating your resume to reflect these changes shows employers your proactiveness, adaptability, and forward-thinking mindset.
5. Showcase Your Expanding Skill Set
Formal training, on-the-job learning, and self-directed development – you're constantly acquiring new skills and refining existing ones. Updating your resume ensures you're advertising these valuable assets to potential employers and showcasing your commitment to continuous improvement.
6. Keywords are Your Key to Visibility
Hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) rely heavily on keywords to scan through piles of resumes. If yours doesn't include the latest industry buzzwords, it might never reach human eyes.Â
Pull keywords from relevant job descriptions and strategically integrate them throughout your resume.
7. Your Resume = Your First Impression
Think about the last time you met someone new. The first few seconds are crucial – you form an impression based on their appearance, demeanor, and the way they present themselves.
The same principle applies to your resume. It's your first impression, your chance to make a positive impact and stand out from the crowd!
8. Show Your Professionalism
A well-formatted, error-free resume demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to quality. It shows employers you take yourself seriously and are invested in your professional success.
9. Outdated Resumes Raise Red Flags
A stale resume with outdated information can leave the impression you lack the necessary skills to thrive in a dynamic workplace. Keep your resume fresh and relevant to avoid sending the wrong message.
10. Highlight Your Unique Value
Your resume is your marketing tool - your opportunity to showcase what makes you unique and how you stand out from other candidates.Â
You want a resume that grabs attention and screams, "I'm the perfect candidate for this position!"
By reflecting the incredible value you bring to the table, a regularly updated resume is a dynamic and powerful tool that reflects the unique value you bring to the table, driving career growth and success.
Once you’ve updated your resume, grab a colleague or career BFF and ask them for specific feedback to ensure it reflects the best version of you. When it comes to resumes, the more eyes, the better!
Check out EvolveMe’s 1:1 Coaching Career Reinvention Audit and get clear on your next move.Â
