Is It Time To Update Your Resume?

The motto "Be prepared," isn't just great advice for Boy
Scouts; it's also great career advice. You never know when
the perfect career opportunity will present itself. If a
recruiter called you today with your dream job, are you
prepared to send out an up-to-date resume right away?

There are four critical times to update your resume:

* At least once a year

* Any time your career focus changes

* When you anticipate layoffs with your company

* When you begin to feel dissatisfied with your current
position

1. Update your resume every year.

This is where many people fall short. When that recruiter
calls with the perfect job, you may suddenly find your
resume is years out of date, and you'll have to scramble to
catch up.

Keep your resume current by including your best
accomplishments each year. Don't count on your memory to
recall everything you achieved in years past! You are
likely to overlook critical achievements and contributions.
If you need assistance, a resume coach may be able to help
you through the process with some targeted questions on
your most recent jobs.

2. Update your resume when your career focus changes.

If you want to change your career path, then you also need
to change your resume. There are several ways to shift the
focus away from your current job and toward your new career.

By focusing on the skills that will be useful in your new
career, you can position yourself as a stronger candidate
for the job. Highlight those transferable skills in your
new resume, bringing them front and center.

In addition to highlighting your transferable skills, shift
your list of accomplishments to support those skills.
Accomplishment statements give credibility to transferable
skills and prove your ability to cross industry or
occupational lines. Well-crafted accomplishments make a
big difference in whether you win the interview or are
passed over.

Finally, be sure you understand your audience. As you
shift career focus, it is critical to understand the hiring
motives of your target market. Use your resume as an
effective selling tool by correctly anticipating the
recruiter's "wish list" for great job candidates.

3. Update your resume when you anticipate layoffs within
your company.

A harsh reality of today's economy is the need for
corporate downsizing. Layoffs and losses are becoming more
and more common. But you can prepare for any worst-case
scenario by keeping your resume up-to-date.

Don't make the mistake of being overly optimistic. It's
safer to assume that you are on the "out" list. Most
people who get caught unexpectedly in a layoff thought they
were indispensable to their employers. You might be
important or well-liked, but remember that the bottom line
always has a louder voice than you do. Get your resume
ready as soon as you see any indications that downsizing is
on the way.

Don't mistake company loyalty for a fear of change. Often
employees would rather take their chances with a potential
layoff than make proactive steps toward finding a new job.
Once they're laid off, it's already too late. Remember, as
a candidate, you are always more marketable while still
employed. Avoid this trap and start your job search early
with self-marketing tools (resume and cover letter) that
are up-to-date and top quality.

4. Update your resume when you are dissatisfied with your
current position.

Job dissatisfaction leads to feelings of frustration,
worthlessness, and often hopelessness. But there is no
reason to stay in a job you hate. Being prepared with an
updated resume can help you feel better in your current
job. When you have a really terrible day at work, you can
respond to job opportunities that same evening with
confidence in your up-to-the-minute resume. Taking
proactive steps toward a new career will give you back your
optimism and self worth.

If it's time for you to update your resume, first decide
whether your resume requires a simple update or a complete
rewrite. If you have been using the same resume format
throughout your career, it's possible that you have
outgrown the old look. What your resume promoted ten years
ago may not be appropriate or significant for your career
choices today. And if you've simply been "tacking on" to
your old resume, it may start to resemble a house with too
many additions, with little sense or direction.

A professional resume critique can help you decide exactly
what you need to move forward. A well-written resume can
make an incredible difference in:

* The length of time it takes to make your career move

* The quality of your next position

* The income potential of your next position

Your resume is your best sales tool in finding a new job,
and it deserves the investment of your time and commitment.
With a little extra effort now, you'll be prepared for
anything that comes your way-and be well on the path to
your next great job.

----------------------------------------------------
Deborah Walker, Career and Resume Coach, provides job
seekers up-to-the-minute advice on all phases of resume and
job-search effectiveness. Find more career-expert tips and
see sample resumes at:
http://www.AlphaAdvantage.com