Ah, the resume—a seemingly evergreen document that captures our professional journey, yet one which many of us update only when we're actively on the job hunt.
But wait, isn't there a better way?
In a fast-paced world where new skills are acquired, roles shift, and accomplishments stack up, the traditional resume calls for a modern refresh. Just as we nurture our careers, our resume also requires regular TLC.
Enter the seasoned advice of professionals who've cracked the code—from CEOs to Community Managers. They've generously spilled the beans on the smartest strategies to keep that resume not just updated, but gleaming with relevance. From the genius of setting regular reminders to the transformative power of maintaining a professional online portfolio, these insights redefine what it means to have a resume in the digital age.
As we delve deeper into this treasure trove of wisdom, you'll find that your resume isn't just a piece of paper, but a dynamic testament to your growth and potential. Ready to unravel these golden nuggets? Let's hear directly from our HR experts on how they make the magic happen! ✨
One thing I've started doing is setting regular reminders throughout the year for updates and improvements. For example, if I attend workshops or training sessions throughout the year, I note these down immediately and reflect them in my updated resume at appropriate intervals.
Structuring this approach makes it much easier for yourself in the long run—plus, I believe employers appreciate an individual who takes diligent steps towards their professional development!
Roksana Bielecka, Community Manager, ResumeHelp
Keep a running document or file where you can jot down notable achievements, new responsibilities, and projects as they happen. This ensures that you capture the details while they are fresh in your mind and makes it easier to update your resume later. You'll avoid feeling completely overwhelmed when it comes time to create those dreaded bullet points on your resume.
Kelli Anderson, Career Coach, Resume Seed
Adding keywords pertinent to the post you are applying for is a smart way to keep your resume current. This is essential as it quickly catches the attention of hiring managers.
Specific keywords related to your required skills, experience, qualifications, and industry-specific terms make it easy for the ATS to scan your resume, increasing the chances of your application getting selected for future review.
Avoid keyword stuffing while incorporating relevant phrases in your resume. ATS and hiring managers spot this quickly, which may affect your interview chances.
In conclusion, using relevant keywords in your resume is an effective way to keep it up-to-date, and it increases your chances of getting noticed by an ATS and securing an interview.
Peter Bryla, Community Manager, ResumeLab
Your resume should be full of achievements that demonstrate the fantastic contribution you would make to anyone smart enough to hire you into their organization.
What is the other time that we pull together a list of our achievements?
It's during our end-of-year review, of course!
You are competing against your peers to secure the biggest piece of the bonus pie. Keep a note of these and add them to your "Database of Achievements." When it comes to updating your resume, all you need is right there. Just pick the examples that are the best fit for the role you are putting yourself forward for and voila, your resume is selling you in the best possible way.
Jane Ferré, Executive Career Coach, Jane Ferre Coaching
Your resume is constantly changing and evolving as you progress in your career. An easy way to do this is by keeping a running list of all your activities and responsibilities.
By adding to this list as things are added to your plate at work, you'll be able to quickly add new skills to your resume. Keep track of measurable success, as these are likely the areas that most recruiters are looking for, and being able to remember the results if you do not record them as they occur is often hard after the fact. It is suggested to revise your resume at least each quarter if you are not actively looking for new roles.
Megan Blanco, Career Coach, Adjunct Faculty, Employer Relations Liaison, Relationship Development, University of Central Florida
A smart strategy to keep your resume up-to-date is regular maintenance of your LinkedIn profile. Keep it current by adding any new skills, projects, or roles you take on, almost treating it as a real-time reflection of your professional self. LinkedIn is a widely recognized professional platform, and maintaining an up-to-date profile there can serve as an ongoing "draft" for your formal resume.
When the time comes to update your resume, you can simply translate the information from your LinkedIn profile. This way, you are not scrambling to remember what you did two years ago. Regular updates on LinkedIn can save you significant time and help ensure your resume is always ready to impress.
Martin Potocki, CEO, Jobera
One smart way to keep your resume up-to-date is to treat it as a living document. Don't just update it when you're job hunting. Instead, make a habit of adding new skills, projects, or achievements as they happen. This way, you won't forget important details and your resume will always be ready to go. It's like keeping a journal of your professional life. Plus, it's a great way to track your progress and see how far you've come.
Lou Reverchuk, Co-Founder and CEO, EchoGlobal
Not one person in the travel business lacks experience longer than their entire height. This is due to the necessity of taking on many roles for different people and places, even if the tasks are similar.
To simplify resume writing, consider organizing your experience by job role, rather than by company. For those in travel, you could also categorize by country and type of work performed. Employers are interested in your journey to the present moment, so this should be the focus.
If a resume becomes too lengthy, it risks being overlooked. To keep your resume updated and readable, the blocking method is suggested. You might also consider having two versions of your resume: a detailed one and a more generic one to initially get your foot in the door.
Aiden Higgins, Senior Editor and Writer, The Broke Backpacker
As we wrap up, one thing is crystal clear: your resume is so much more than a mere chronicle of your professional past—it's a vibrant narrative of your evolving journey, passion, and aspirations. The heartbeat of your career is right there in every line and bullet point, echoing your dedication, growth, and potential.
Embracing these savvy strategies not only ensures that your resume is always ready but also mirrors your commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. After all, in a world that never stops changing, why should your resume? Stay ahead, stay updated, and let your professional story shine brighter than ever!