4 Tips for Keeping an Updated Resume

Many people only think about their resume when they're on the hunt for a new job. However, keeping an updated resume, even during periods of employment, can serve future job-seekers in the long run. Learn more about strategies that will make a resume appear fresher and more eye-catching to potential employers.

Writing a resume and cover letter can feel like a chore. However, if you've already written one, you shouldn't feel like you're starting from scratch every time you seek a new position. It's important to think of updating your resume as a continuous process throughout your career rather than a complete overhaul when you need to seek a new position.

In other words, this document should evolve as you do. Consider these ideas for making the resume update process quick and easy.

KEEP CAREER NOTES
Have you recently been promoted to a new role? Maybe you secured a new client or celebrated a milestone at work. Jot down a basic description of the event and the date it happened on a blank digital document, a note on your phone, or even a piece of paper you keep in your desk drawer. When you update your resume, pull from this list to detail your accomplishments.

REVISIT YOUR RESUME ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE
Revisiting your resume every few months will allow you to update your growth in real time. When you're thinking about which parts to keep and which to delete, it helps to pay close attention to the story your updated resume is telling. How can you best phrase your updates to tell the story of your career growth in this limited space?

KEEP YOUR INFORMATION RELEVANT
If you know that you're seeking jobs in a particular industry, look over your resume to determine whether it reflects that industry's ideal candidate. Do you really need to list a volunteer position from your sophomore year in college? Are your descriptions too long or overly wordy? How could you best describe your last position to make it reflect where you want to go next? If you're unsure, get in touch with a professional resume writer or recruitment agency to help you edit this crucial document and avoid common resume mistakes.

USE KEYWORDS
In today's job market, most people apply for jobs online and keep a resume in the digital sphere. Many employers use applicant tracking systems to scan resumes in hopes of finding the perfect candidate. Look for industry-specific keywords and plug them into your resume to catch the attention of hiring managers.

NEED UPDATED RESUME IDEAS?
Writing and keeping an updated resume is one of the most important parts of the job-seeking process. If yours isn't getting the attention it deserves, it may be time to update it. TSP helps connect potential job seekers to growing companies. If your goal is to grow your company, outsource your IT services, or simply learn more about how we can help you succeed, get in touch today.