Benefits of an updated resume

Once you’ve secured a position with a company for several years, you're likely to have collected new skills, experiences, and achievements—but does your resume reflect that?

Whether you’re job hunting or are currently in a role you enjoy, keeping an updated resume is a healthy practice you should try to maintain throughout your career. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of an updated resume and tips to upgrade yours.

Benefits of a regularly updated resume

Increases your matches with employers

Even if you aren’t actively looking for a new job, that doesn’t mean recruiters and employers aren’t looking for someone exactly like you. If an organization contacts you with a career-defining opportunity, a fresh resume ensures you can submit your application before the competition.

Similarly, if your resume is on job search platforms, regularly updating your information will ensure more meaningful job matches.

Provides a clearer picture of your career journey

As you step into new roles and join new companies, it becomes increasingly important to record your professional history. A fresh resume allows you to set a clear trajectory for your career and the direction you want to take. Documenting your experiences will help you identify areas for improvement and goals to pursue.

Helps you in performance reviews

Frequently updating your resume will help you clearly articulate skills and achievements you have developed since your previous performance review. This strategy also proves useful when asking for a raise or promotion.

Pro-tip: Treat your resume like your professional diary in which you describe your key accomplishments. Doing so while your memory is fresh will ensure you record all the juicy, measurable details employers want to read.

Ensures you’re prepared if you become unemployed

No matter how much you love your job, there’s no way to guarantee you are safe from getting laid off or let go. It happens to the best of us. To make matters worse, these things often happen without warning. In those instances, having an updated resume ready to go for applications or referrals can streamline your job search.

How to update your resume

Confirm your contact information

Avoid missing a great opportunity by ensuring you have the correct email address and phone number listed.

Highlight new qualifications

Showcase skills and experience that closely align with your career history and long-term goals. For example, if you hope to apply to more senior-level positions, be sure to include examples of leadership on your resume.

Edit, edit, edit

Recruiters often have a lot of resumes to sort through, so keeping yours as clear, clean, and concise as possible will better convey your qualifications.

Add relevant keywords

According to CNBC, more than 95% of Fortune 500 companies use an applicant tracking system (or ATS) to screen resumes, reinforcing the importance of keywords. When refreshing your resume, include terms that accurately reflect your experience and what recruiters and businesses are searching for.

How often to update your resume

A good rule of thumb is to update your resume every quarter or before a performance review. Taking 30 minutes to add your most recent skills and achievements will save you time in the long run.