Amanda Clark — January 23, 2017 Follow @GrammarChicInc
The new year is in full swing, and many people are still faithfully carrying out their resolutions. For some people, this means searching for a new job. Even if your resolutions didn’t include a job change, it can still be a great time to put some focus on updating your resume. A fresh start all around. No, that doesn’t necessarily mean totally scrapping your old resume and starting again, but rather breathing new life into it. Here are a few areas to consider revisiting:
Consolidate Old Information
Reality check: the year 2000 was 17 years ago, even if seems like (January 28, 2017). Your resume should highlight the last 10-15 years of your career, so that means anything past 2002 (or even 2007), could be consolidated. Move older jobs into an “additional professional experience” section that just highlights the company, job title, and years. Updating your resume doesn’t just mean tacking on new information – it also means paring down previous information.
Update Competencies
Have you acquired new skills since the last time you updated your resume? Are you still listing outdated skills such as Microsoft Office? Comb through what you have listed and select those that are most current and relevant to the type of work you’re seeking or presently performing. You could also keep a master resume document that lists a wide variety of skills so that when you tailor your resume you have more to choose from and don’t forget – this is also beneficial for remembering information about previous jobs that you have since consolidated.
Update Metrics and Accomplishments
A new year often means a new quarter has started. Pull figures from last quarter or the year as a whole and plug those into your resume. This way you’ll be showing the most up-to-date achievements and can make comparisons for year-over-year changes. Also highlight any major projects or undertakings that you have wrapped up or newly taken on. You can replace less impressive bullet points with current ones that more effectively demonstrate your abilities and leadership.
Review Contact Information
If you’ve moved, changed phone numbers, or created a new email address, it’s a good idea to double-check your contact information and make sure that it’s up-to-date. This is an area that is easy to overlook. You don’t want potential employers contacting an email address that you rarely check, or trying to call you only to realize that you’ve mistyped your phone number.
Spruce Up the Format
It’s common for newer graduates to put their education at the top of their resume especially if they have little experience to show. However, if you’ve been working in the field for several years, it’s time to bump the education section to the bottom and show your hands-on experience. You can also remove your GPA and other outdated information. A possible addition would be if you’ve joined any professional associations or engaged in consistent volunteer work. These are also sections that could go above your education and show diversity in your skills and training. Consider changing up the font or style as well if you’re ready for your resume to take on a new look.
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