If you're like most people, the chances are that you only update your resume when you start searching for a new job. And, in fact, you aren’t alone. According to a recent Monster poll, nearly 8% of Americans said they don’t remember the last time they updated their resume.

You may be surprised to learn that updating your resume regularly – regardless of whether you are looking for a job – is incredibly important for your career.

In this post from One Tech Staffing in Minnesota, we’re looking into the top reasons you should consider updating your resume regularly. To connect with our recruiters, give One Tech a call today.

Why Should You Keep Your Resume Updated?

Your resume needs to be updated every time you achieve a new goal or learn a new skill. The information on your resume should mention the latest skills and experiences you have had to make you stand out as an excellent job candidate.

With time, you will gain more exposure/experience, skills, licenses, degrees, etc., which should all go into your updated resume.

Additionally, your resume should also include your current experience level, how long you have worked in an industry, what role you are currently in, additional training you’ve received, soft skills you’ve improved on, examples of how you use them, and more.

How Often Should You Update Your Resume?

Ideally, updating your resume twice a year would be a smart idea, primarily if you are currently employed. If you are currently unemployed, update your resume whenever you achieve each goal or learn a new skill.

Here are a few common instances when you should consider updating your resume.

When Your Information Is Out of Date

Keeping your information updated in your resume is extremely important. You may want to update your current academic experiences, internships, awards, volunteer positions, etc.

You don't want to give interviews in a well-known, large-scale industry with your high school grades. Try including your professional experiences from at least the last five years in your resume and cut out jobs and activities that are older than ten years old.

When You Have a Career Update

New career updates may include promotions, achieving larger goals, receiving degrees, getting licenses and certificates, and attending professional development conferences or courses.

Additionally, updating your resume when you have learned new skills, like learning how to be the lead on a team project or being tasked with developing a new project management system, is mandatory.

When You Complete a Big Project

Every time you finish a big project, make sure to add the details to your resume. Adding your latest accomplishments to your resume will help you stand out from the rest of the candidates by giving you clear, real-world examples of your work, skills, and expertise.

And remember, there’s no such thing as bragging on your resume. Try to show off as much as you can.

When You Get a Promotion

Congratulations, you just got promoted! Understandably, you must be feeling accomplished right now, but before the excitement wears off, update your resume.

Don’t just casually update your position in the resume. Make sure to add a few lines about what your new role entails and the additional responsibilities you’ll be taking on.

What Should You Add to Your Resume?

Every section of your resume should only contain relevant information to help you stand out. Before updating your resume, review each section carefully and add extra information if needed.

Here are a few things you can add to your resume:

●        Overview of your skills

●        Educational background

●        Job/work history

●        List of skills, including certifications

●        Any additional accomplishments that are relevant

●        Your interests and hobbies

Buzzwords That Make Your Resume Stand Out

While you’re updating your resume, take a look at your phrasing and word choices. Some words and descriptions can sound out-of-date or cliché, so make changes to your diction that can really help your resume pop to future employers.

Here are some recommendations on the types of verbiage you should be using that make you sound appealing, impressive, and most importantly, hireable:

●        Use the job description as a guide to the language your future employer wants to see and mimic that phrasing.

●        Research the company you want to apply for and do a deep dive into their values and how they describe themselves. Then use their wording and descriptions in your resume.

●        Know your industry-related keywords and incorporate them into your job explanations and examples.

●        Boost your action verb usage. It’s easy to get into the habit of using simple verb phrases to describe your achievements, like “provided help with project development,” but common verbs are boring. Instead, liven up your resume with words like facilitated, supervised, advised, consolidated, documented, coordinated, initiated, implemented, developed, etc.

Better Your Job Search by Connecting With Our Minnesota Engineering Recruiting Services!

If you are ready to take on your next big project or career role, our technical and engineering recruiters at One Tech can help you make it happen! We have connected thousands of exceptional job seekers with our clients and are committed to being an ally for employees. Our only mission is to make the process of finding a job easier for all parties.

To get hired, call and speak with our recruiters at 952.884.9199, or contact us to learn how we can help you grow professionally!