An outdated resume could be the only factor between you and your success. Whether you are looking for a job or not, keeping your CV up to date is always a great idea. A good opportunity is around the corner, and preparing your application can save you a lot of time and ensure a higher chance of being considered.
As you progress in your career, you may gain valuable skills, qualities, and experiences that should be reflected on your resume. Because your job application is usually the first impression you give recruiters, it’s a good idea to make it a habit to review and update it periodically to highlight your most recent achievements and eliminate any outdated information.
In this blog, we will learn how to update your resume and discover professional tips for doing so effectively. So, let’s start with the details
How Usually Can You Update Your Resume
Refresh the information on your CV after some time to keep it updated, even if you are not planning to apply for a new job shortly. Updating your resume whenever you gain qualifications, a new job, a complex skill, or a certification is a good idea. Updating it to show your relevant and current qualifications can help you save time when you are ready to apply for a new job. It can also assist you in being prepared and pursuing a new opportunity you may not have thought about, like a promotion.
12 Tips To Update Your Resume
You can update your resume to show qualifications and new skills you have learned in your previous job roles. Below are some practical tips to update your resume to appeal to recruiters. Furthermore, if you don’t have professional writing skills, you can ask experts to do this for you—search for professionals in your country. For example, if you are in Malaysia, search for resume writers Malaysia, and you will get a list of service providers in your region.
1) Write A Detailed CV
Start by writing a master resume. This document should include every detail of your professional life, including your work experience, skills, education, certifications, awards, and other relevant information. Having a detailed CV as your foundation makes it simpler to update desired versions later.
2) Daily Revise And Review
Prepare a schedule to review and revise your resume daily. Target for at least once a year or after prominent career milestones such as learning new skills, completing a project, or getting promotions. This habit ensures your resume stays the latest and shows your changing professional profile.
3) Update Your Contact Information
Begin by ensuring your contact information is updated and accurate. Mention your full name, phone number, current address, and professional email address. Double-check for any alterations in your contact details.
4) Mention Recent Work Experience
Check your employment history and mention your new job responsibilities and positions. Focus on your accomplishments and achievements in each role. Use specific and quantifiable examples to represent your contributions to the organization you have worked for
5) Mention Relevant Achievements
Focus on recent awards, recognitions, or accomplishments you have received. This could be a project you lead successfully, any publications, or prominent contributions to your field
6) Update Your Educational Credentials
If you have earned new certifications or degrees or completed relevant courses, add them to your resume. Write about your degree or certifications and the date of completion you have received them.
7) Refresh Your Qualifications And Skills
Invest a moment to update your skills and qualifications. Eliminate outdated skills and add new ones that you have learned. Include relevant languages, software, or tools you have excelled in.
8) Modify Your Resume For Particular Roles
When applying for a job, personalise your resume to match the particular requirements of the position. Alter your job descriptions and skills section to prominently state the qualifications most relevant to the role you are applying for.
9) Upgrade Your Professional Summary
Your professional summary is the first impression of your resume. Revise it to show your current career skills, goals, and experience that make you a strong applicant.
10) Maintain Online Presence
LinkedIn profile writing is essential for an updated LinkedIn profile in this digital era. It is equally important as having an updated resume. Ensure your LinkedIn profile matches your resume in terms of skills, achievements, and work history.
11) Proofread And Edit
Before final touches, proofread and edit for spelling, formatting, and grammatical errors. An error-free resume shows attention to detail, an essential quality in almost every profession
12) Ask For Feedback
Consider asking for feedback from trusted mentors, colleagues, or professional connections. They may provide valuable details and suggestions for improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How can I keep my resume updated?
Below are some tips to update your resume:
- Mention your current contact information
- Write down a new summary.
- Add keywords relevant to your CV.
- Mention new skills.
- Include recent education.
- Write some additional information.
- Review content and formatting.
2.Why to keep my CV updated?
Professional profiles are more than paper, so updating your resume daily can ensure that your digital online profiles showcase your current achievements and expertise.
3.When is the right time to update a CV?
Here are five critical times when you need to update a CV.
- When starting a new job.
- When you get promoted.
- When accomplished a new project.
- When laid off.
- When you learn a new skill.
4.What is the best format for a CV?
There are three formats for CV.
- Skill based
- Chronological
- Combination of both
The chronological mainly focuses on work experience; skill-based is all about skills, and the combination balances skills and work history.
Let Us Conclude
As you learn new experiences and skills, updating your resume can assist in highlighting your qualifications. Adding skills to the list you have gained may qualify you for senior levels. An up-to-date resume can also explain your new career goals and broaden your experience. This way, a hiring manager can better understand how well you may fit into a new role with their organization.