Has it been a while since you updated your resume? Now would be a great time to get started!
When you’re updating your resume, start by taking a quick look at it so you remember what’s on that you’d like to keep and what might drop off so that you can add new info. I usually prefer a simple format without columns, call-out boxes, text boxes, et cetera, because I think the fancier formats are both harder to skim and more confusing for the bots to read. Bonus: your simple resume will be much easier for you to edit as your career takes new directions.
Next, take some time to make notes on what you’ve accomplished that isn’t already captured on the resume. New projects, new tech, new skills—just write all of this info down for yourself. It doesn’t have to be formal yet, so just capture it and then reflect on what you want to say about it. If you have measurable outcomes to list, be sure to do so, since those results are real selling points on the document. Then start adding the new details to the resume. At the start, you don’t need to worry about how long the document becomes, or if your pages break in strange places. Just add the updates, being sure to quantify anything you can, and paying extra attention to tooting your own horn.
If you’re like me, you may find you need to step away every once in a while to clear your head a bit. Take little breaks to stretch, get a cup of coffee, take a quick walk. But come back to the resume! You deserve to have your accomplishments listed so that future employers can be impressed with your work.
Once you’ve added the new stuff, take a moment or two to check how the document looks now. You may want to adjust things like where the pages break or how the bullet points line up, and be sure you don’t have a stray orphan line on a page by itself.
Finally, add a reminder to your calendar for next year so you can get in the habit of keeping your resume updated. It’s much easier if you do this at least once a year, instead of needing to go back and capture 5 years’ worth of achievements because you’re seeking a promotion. So do your future self a favor and keep that resume updated!
