How You Know It’s Time To Update Your Resume

Writing and maintaining your resume isn’t easy. It’s tempting to send off the same document you’ve always used and hope that it impresses employers enough to interview you. However, if you really want that dream job, your resume counts more than you might think. Want to know when it’s time to update your resume? Here are some tips from our executive resume writing service.

It’s been over a year since you updated your resume

If it’s been a while since you even thought about your resume it’s time for an update. It’s important to look at your resume as an ever-changing tool that grows with you. If you’re using the same resume from decades ago, you’re missing big opportunities. Think about that document and what changes you can make to highlight who you are and what you do.

Update your resume if your personal information has changed

You do want to include contact information on your resume. However, potential employers don’t need to know your age or your home address. If this information is still on your resume, it’s got to go. Free up space to show off experience or write an engaging statement about yourself.

If you are changing careers you definitely need to update your resume

Have you done a 180 in your professional life? If so, you’ll want to take another glance at your resume. Why? It’s likely that you’ll need to showcase different roles you’ve had and other skills. Employers want to know what makes you the right candidate. If you’re changing industries, your old resume won’t do you much good. This is also a time to consider hiring a professional resume writing service. Here is an example of one of our award-winning Career Change Resume  Samples.

Your resume is full of irrelevant experience

Your potential employer doesn’t care about the summer job you had at the ice cream shop as a teenager. In most cases, you should only include work experience from the last 10-15 years. When you list every job you’ve ever had, the roles that do matter get buried in pages of text that your potential employer may not sift through. Make it easy for them to see why they should interview you. In today’s job market it is very important to target your resume by branding yourself for the position you are applying for and presenting examples of your achievements that are relevant to the position you are applying to.

Update your resume by adding your skills and keyword optimizing

The skills section is part of the resume that many people overlook. This is a big mistake. We’re always learning, and your resume is a great place to show that off. So list that new software you’ve mastered or what your takeaway was from your last big project. These are the things that make you stand out. These skills could also be relevant keywords that will assist you in passing the ATS systems.

Wrapping Up

If the tips in this post apply to you, it’s time to take a look at your resume. Remember, having a great resume is the first step to presenting yourself as the right fit for your next job. Want to update your resume? We can help. We are a multi-award-winning professional resume service that offers the best resume writing service. Book a free resume review with iCareerSolutions professional resume writing service now using this calendar link.