The Importance of Keeping Your Resume Updated

There is so much emphasis placed on developing a well structured resume, but how many of us actually update them?  Remember, a resume is the first point of contact job seekers have in selling themselves to an organisation and it is the make-or-break point in proceeding to the interviewing stage.  A resume needs to be up-to-date and fine-tuned to the particular role you are applying for. If you are not constantly customising or updating your resume, you could be potentially lowering your chances of landing that dream job. Remember that your resume is the first brief impression that a recruiter has of you.

All resumes should be customised for each separate application.  A good way to start customising your resume is to relate your skills to the job requirements.  Do some research of the organisation, and try and relate yourself to the company’s mission statements and goals.  Also edit your resume, read through and remove any material irrelevant to the role that you are applying for.  Such material could be personal skills, training and certificates, which may clutter your resume and hide your key abilities. Lengthy descriptions of positions not related to the role you are applying for can also be edited.

This process can be quite challenging if you are in the job search mode and have lifestyle and time restraints impacting on the implementation and recall of events.  If you are having any problems getting started, here are a few questions you can ask yourself to get you on the right track.

• Have any of your personal details changed since your last update?
• Have you taken on any new positions, tasks or responsibilities within the workplace?
• Have you completed or are you undertaking any training or certificate programs since your last update?
• Have you been involved with some projects at work, and how have you helped in the implementation process and outcomes of the project?
• Have you been involved with any industry events, networks or presentations?
• Is there any irrelevant data that needs to be removed from your resume?