Amanda Clark — October 3, 2019 When was the last time you looked at your resume? If you’re eyeing up a new job opportunity, just brushing off the virtual dust and inserting your current role may not be enough. In some cases, you can get away with just a quick update, but in other cases, you may be better off rewriting your resume. Before you hit the delete button and start from scratch, here are a few things to consider.
Updating Your Resume
If you’ve been pretty consistent with updating your resume over the years, you may find it doesn’t need too much work. You can make simple changes such as:
- Updating metrics to reflect current results.
- Changing your contact information if you’ve moved, created an email address specifically for your job search, or switched phone numbers.
- Adding your current job or highlighting your most recent projects and accomplishments.
- Including any new certifications, licenses, or training you’ve received.
- Tweaking your summary and core competencies to align with the job description.
Rewriting Your Resume
If it’s been a few years since you’ve even glanced at your resume, a rewrite may be necessary. You want to ensure that your resume is formatted correctly to work with applicant tracking system (ATS) software. That means having keywords, getting rid of graphics and text boxes, and removing your contact information from the header or footer, among other things. Rather than trying to change what you have, it may be easier to start over, especially if you notice the following:
- You have extensive job history listed, but your past few roles are missing.
- You’ve switched directions with your job or are looking to embark on a career change.
- You still have an objective and no core competencies.
- You haven’t revised your resume since you graduated college, and now you’re mid-career.
- Your resume format is the same as it was 10 years ago.
- Your job experience is a laundry list of responsibilities, there’s no evidence showing accomplishments or impact, and you’re missing measurable results.
If you’re trying to make a lot of major changes, it can be less stressful to start from scratch and create a fresh new resume than trying to rework what you already have. Another good reason to start over is if your current resume either isn’t getting any traction, or it’s getting attention for the wrong kind of jobs.
But you don’t have to do it all on your own. A professional resume writer can help you develop a resume that aligns with current standards and positions you for the type of role you’re interested in. You can feel more confident submitting your resume knowing it’s up to par and not something you pulled off an old floppy disk from more than a decade ago.
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