The Best Time to Update Your Resume
Friday, November 07, 2014
Photo Credit: istock (image cropped)
Far too many professionals put their resume – and overall branding initiatives, both online and offline, on the back burner. Until they’re under the gun, that is. And then they’re scrambling for, god forbid, a “template” because that’s what they think a resume is about. More on that in a future column.
The fact of the matter is the best time to polish your resume is when you’re not under pressure to do so. And, there are many good reasons for that. Here are just a few.
1. Your boss wants to present you for a promotion, and wants to share your professional credentials.
There are many reasons in the talent management process that a resume can come in handy. Sometimes organizations simply want to get their talent “racked and stacked” and when that kind of initiative is underway, resumes can be requested. When resumes are being passed upwards in an organization, you have to put your best foot forward.
It’s best to keep a current, up to date copy that includes major accomplishments and contributions for the job you’re currently in.
2. You want to be perceived as an expert.
Virtually any application to speak at an industry, association, or other event includes a request for bio and credentials. Anyone who aspires to present himself or herself as an expert in their field of work must have a continuously updated resume.
Keeping a resume updated as you go along, means you won’t need to scramble when it comes time to submit that speaking abstract.
3. You’re not looking for work, but work is looking for you.
Recruiters love passive job seekers. Those folks are currently employed but would classify themselves as “not actively looking” for the next job. Often, these can be fabulous candidates that recruiters reach out to, instead of the other way around. And often they want a resume toot sweet.
Photo Credit: istock
4. It’s time for the annual review.
Well not even the annual review, but the preparation for the annual review. The place where they hand out raises, promotions, and the like. If your organization has no institutionalized repository for tracking your contributions and accomplishments, you need a process for doing so.
Keeping your resume up to date with the latest wins – both individually and as part of a team, will serve your salary and advancement goals. Don’t assume your boss or anyone else in the organization, understands what you do or what you’ve accomplished. If you don’t track and manage that data, no one else does it for you.
5. Things take a bad turn.
More often than not employees are surprised when bad new results in a layoff notice. And that means they aren’t prepared for the job search. When surprised this way, it’s unlikely one’s resume is updated and ready to go.
When a layoff or unexpected termination comes, it can be difficult to feel powerful and accomplished – which is exactly what you need to feel to write an awesome resume. A resume doesn’t come together in minutes; it requires a thoughtful, analytical effort to best position one’s skills and abilities. That can be very tough to do right after a layoff or termination.
So, what’s the best time to update your resume? The best time is right now. Today.
Lea McLeod
Homepage Photo Credit: istock
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