When (And How) to Update Your Resume, Even If You're Not Looking for a Job

April 28 2020 - On average, it takes about 5 months to search for and get a job. That's a long time, which means when you're considering a new career, you need to hit the ground running.

Are you wondering: should I update my resume? Then read on. We'll tell you when and how to do so, even if you're not looking for a job.

Should I Update My Resume?

Let's tackle the first question of whether or not you should update your resume.

The answer is a resounding "yes"! Not only can it help you get a better job, but it can also give you more room to negotiate a higher salary.

By not keeping your resume up-to-date, you're only hurting yourself. The small investment of time to update your resume is worth it when you can land a job you enjoy and also pays well.

When Should I Update My Resume?

The second most important thing to consider is when you should update your resume.

In general, you should touch it up every 6 to 12 months. This gives you an opportunity to rethink the design, layout, and information within.

For example, you can add new achievements and skills. Or you can remove ones that aren't relevant anymore or are outdated.

Of course, if things have changed within a month or so, you should always update your resume right away so you don't forget.

How to Update Your Resume

Now that you've got the why and when down, here's the how.

First of all, go through the entire document, adding or deleting relevant/irrelevant information. You'll want to first address any major life changes, such as a certification you've recently gotten. Then, tackle the smaller changes, such as a new skill.

After, you need to assess whether or not your resume is still an appropriate length. You don't want to bore your future employers to tears, after all. So most likely, you can cut out old job experiences, especially if they're decades old and aren't relevant to the field you're in now.

Lastly, think about your resume design. Does it seem fresh and new, or is the design outdated? You want your document to be eye-catching and easy to get through.

For this, there are plenty of resume templates online you can use to spruce up your resume. All you have to do is select one you like, import your information, and then tweak the file to make it uniquely yours.

Updating Your Resume Is Important

Now you can stop asking yourself: should I update my resume?

As you can see, it's very important to keep your files up-to-date. You never know; there may be a surprise opportunity for your dream job, and you want to be ready at a moment's notice. Make sure you update your resume regularly so you're always prepared!

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