Update Your Resume, Even When You're Not Looking For a Job!

I know a lot of people working on their resumes right now.  Their reasons for creating or updating their resume vary:  some are retiring from their current company but want to continue working in their field with another company, some are moving to a new city or state, and some are looking to change industries all together. 

But, you don't have to be looking for work for it to be necessary to update your resume.  I tell all my clients that they should always update their resume (even if they are not looking for a job) every six months.  Why?  Because a) it's much easier to remember what you've done in the past six months than trying to remember what you've done in the past six years, and b) you never know when you may lose your current job or you may have to provide a copy of your resume for reasons other than trying to find a new job.  For instance, if you are up for a promotion, or if you are asked to present or speak at a conference, you may be asked for a copy of your resume. 

Last year I worked with someone who had been in the music industry for about 20 years who found himself suddenly out of work and looking for a job.  He had never updated his resume over the course of those 20 years because he was fortunate to be able to stay with the same label all that time.  However, when I had to help him put together a new resume, he was scrambling to try to remember results, accomplishments, dates, and other necessary details for a resume.  It took us a little longer to complete his resume since he had not kept up with it during his career

I encourage everyone to spend an hour or so just once every six months to add in all the things they've done in that time.  I recently spent some time doing that myself, because as business owner I never know when a client might ask to see my resume in addition to the client testimonials I already have available to them.  Updating your resume not only helps you stay prepared for the unexpected, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment, rejuvenates you, and helps you brainstorm future work opportunities and projects.

The easiest way to get started on creating or updating your resume is to utilize the paNASH Style Resume Makeover System which includes resume guidelines and format suggestions, samples of both targeted and skills resume formats, an action word list, one-on-one personalized resume critiques, a six-month subscription to an online resume keyword optimization and resume posting system, and a cover letter template.  Investing in your resume now can result in more income (through job promotion, compensation for sharing your expertise, etc.) later down the road!

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