When on the job hunt, it is essential that you update your resume. Even if you’re not actively looking for a new opportunity, it is definitely a good idea to do so regularly. This document is essential to your career trajectory and should be ready to go on a moment’s notice.
While it may seem like a tedious, daunting task, it does not have to be. Here are a few quick, simple steps that will help you to make your resume shiny and new.
Step 1: Update Your Personal Info
Let’s start with something easy – your personal info. If you have a new email address, phone number, or even a new name, make sure that is reflected in your resume. Make sure the basics are correct before you move on to more in-depth sections.
Step 2: Remove Older Jobs
Do you have an old internship or position listed which is no longer relevant to your job search or career trajectory? Eliminate the position from your resume and add relevant elements from that job to your skills section.
Step 3: Add Your Most Recent Experience
If your most recent position is not yet on your resume, add it. Make sure it is in the same format as your other listed positions, but this section should also be the most in-depth on your resume. As it is your most recent, employers will want to know the most about this bit of experience.
Step 4: Beef Up Your Skills Section
Along with any knowledge you’ve transferred over from older positions that are no longer relevant, add newer skills you’ve acquired since your last update. Include technologies or platforms you’ve learned, as these skills are increasingly valuable in any market.
Step 5: Reevaluate the Structure
Is your education still at the top of your resume? Unless you’re a recent grad, this should be amended. Make sure your most recent experience is at the top, and that your past positions are listed in reverse chronological order. Skills should follow experience, and education should follow skills. Make sure that the document is still a single page, especially if you’re under 10 years of work experience.
Step 6: Proofread, Then Proofread Again
Make sure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors on your resume. This is extremely important. Read it, reread it, then have a friend or family member read it. Getting a new set of eyes can help you catch and eliminate the small mistakes that a potential employer is sure to notice.
Step 7: Transfer the Updates to LinkedIn
Though your resume and LinkedIn are certainly different, make sure that your profile is up to date, as well. Anything you’ve added or fixed should also be reflected on your LinkedIn page, as a potential employer is sure to check your online presence.
If you’d like more assistance finding a new opportunity, please reach out to our expert recruiters at Michael Page. You can also peruse our advice section, submit a resume, and browse our job listings.
