5 Sure Signs Your Resume Needs a Makeover

Maybe you have no intention of leaving your current job. Perhaps you believe your job is secure, and your resume can stay safely tucked away on your laptop.

In this economy, though, you never know when you’ll need it, quickly. Here are 5 sure signs that it’s time to update your resume:

You Haven’t Updated Your Resume in a Year or More

Thoughts of resumes quickly fall by the wayside the minute anyone gets a job. However, keeping your resume updated makes job-hunting much easier the next time around. If you’re still at the same job since the last time you updated your resume, a quick touchup is probably all that is necessary. A new role in your current company, advanced training and volunteer assignments are typical of items that may need to be added.

If it’s been more than a couple of years, chances are that your resume is in need of a complete overhaul. In this case, it’s not just a matter of updating some data, but ensuring the presentation matches what employers expect now versus then.

You’ve Changed Jobs or Companies

No job lasts forever, at least not in the 21^st century. Stuff happens, and you need to be prepared and ready to meet with hiring managers at a moment’s notice.

If you’ve changed jobs, revise your resume immediately with your job title and start date. Who knows? One day you may be a candidate for a job requiring a certain amount of experience. Update this information now, and you’ll have it on hand for those who need the details. Having this precise information available also creates a better impression by proving your attention to detail.

You’ve Earned a Degree or Certification

Whether it’s a degree, certification, or any other type of formal qualification, make sure to update your resume with the pertinent details. Work-related awards also fall into this category, because you never know how significant they may be to a potential employer.

By keeping information current, you ensure your resume accurately reflects your experience and shows why you are the right person for the job. It’s even better if you can relate how the additional training brought value to the company you worked for. Concrete examples always work best so that you don’t leave the reader guessing.

Your Contact Details Have Changed

You wouldn’t be the first person to send out their resume with old contact details. It happens!

Obviously you need to bring your resume up to date when you move. Also, double check your online contact information as well as old university email addresses Social media account links often need to be revised or perhaps removed.

Your Current Resume Isn’t Getting the Job Done

Finally, if you are actively seeking employment and not getting any response, take a hard look at your resume to see where it can be improved… even if you have recently updated your resume. Get a third party to double check your work – two sets of eyes are way better than one.

WHile you’re doing a double-check, verify your online presence to ensure there’s nothing that might turn off potential employers. Most employers check a candidate’s online reputation before deciding to make contact. Set up a Google Alert for your name, or use one of the free or paid services like Reputation.com to monitor this on a regular basis.

Give your resume an occasional makeover. You’ll thank yourself the next time you need it, even when you didn’t think you would.

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For this post, YouTern thanks our friends at Under30Careers.com.

Stephen Jeske is an avid outdoor enthusiast with a passion for coffee. He frequently writes on small business, careers, and reputation management.

Image courtesy of grishley.wordpress.com, thank you!