How to Update Your Resume

Why cling to references to Windows ’95 on your resume when you’ve moved far beyond it? Discover the art of elevating your job application to the next level and giving your resume a much-needed makeover.

The resume you once crafted was undoubtedly impressive. Yet, you’re probably pondering why you’ve been circulating the same document for years.

It’s no surprise that recruiters seem less responsive over time – an outdated resume tends to fade from memory.

Even if your CV is exceptional, its effectiveness wanes with obsolescence.

We’ve curated the top 11 resume updates that won’t just save you time, they’ll outpace the wait for your Starbucks order – a welcome piece of news.

If time holds value for you, then dive deeper into expert advice on revitalizing your resume:

How To Update Your Resume

The principles governing the revision of your resume mirror those applied to any other document or piece of information. After all, the optimal strategy for securing that coveted interview involves a current resume that vividly portrays your extensive expertise and skills to the hiring manager.

Consequently, how often should one update a resume? Each time you assume a new role or acquire fresh knowledge and skills, your resume should undergo an update. While this might initially appear laborious, it proves far more efficient than attempting to incorporate a wealth of new content after five to ten years.

The bright side is, updating your CV demands less time than you might anticipate.

Here are the top 11 Starbucks-minute techniques to rejuvenate your resume:

Add Resume Keywords

The selection of keywords in your resume can significantly impact your prospects of securing a job interview. Wondering why? Allow me to introduce you to the ATS, or applicant tracking system.

Upon submission, most hiring managers input resumes into an ATS, which then evaluates your application based on the chosen resume keywords. The more ATS-friendly your resume is, the higher the likelihood of catching the attention of the hiring manager and earning that coveted interview invitation.

But how can you triumph over this system?

Harness the job advertisement to identify pertinent CV keywords. Employ Google to search for terms related to your field and desired positions, and infuse your resume with these keywords. By incorporating these keywords effectively, you’ll greatly enhance your chances of receiving those sought-after callbacks.

Freshen Up Your Resume Header

Your resume’s header acts as the introduction to your latest version, rendering an outdated header practically worthless. Conversely, a modern and visually appealing resume heading will captivate attention.

Ensure that your resume’s contact details are current, prominently displayed, and easily comprehensible. Essential elements include your first and last name, contact information, and professional email address. If your location holds significance, omit your address or simply exclude the city and state for security and data privacy reasons. Similarly, a resume photo is superfluous.

If you possess a LinkedIn profile, integrate it with your CV. If not, consider creating one (it’s free!). The same principle applies to any pertinent social media profiles in relation to your desired position. Before sending your resume, take a glance at your social media presence, as recruiters are likely to do the same.

Fix Your Formatting

No one would attend an interview in wrinkled, inside-out attire with the lingering scent of last night’s revelry and anticipate being hired. When it comes to refreshing your resume, formatting holds great significance, as your overall presentation carries substantial weight.

Revamping your resume involves revisiting the following formatting guidelines to ensure your job application is well-presented:

Set your resume’s page margins uniformly to one inch on all sides. Ensure distinct and easy-to-locate resume sections for the convenience of hiring managers. Opt for a clean and refined resume layout. Unless specified otherwise in the job listing, save your resume as a PDF document. Ensure your resume possesses a professional and distinctive file name, setting it apart from other candidates.

Get Your Font Right

One of those seemingly small details that can make a significant impact is the font you select. Similar to fashion trends, fonts also evolve over time. What may have been deemed professional in the past can now appear outdated and uninspiring.

Opt for a modern, easily readable font. Verdana, Georgia, and Arial are a few appropriate choices. Utilize a 12-point font size for the majority of your resume content, and consider using 14 to 16 points for section headings.

Dust Off Your Resume Objective or Summary

Your resume’s aim or summary essentially sums up your qualifications in a few phrases, so if it’s not polished and professional, no one will even look at it.

Opt for a resume objective when transitioning careers or entering the job market for the first time. This statement will emphasize your skills and abilities, showcasing your commitment to potential employers.

If you possess work experience, consider transforming your objective into a summary. A resume summary effectively showcases your professional background and skills, convincing hiring managers that you are the ideal candidate for the role.

Rejuvenate Your Work Experience Section

The work experience section of your resume bears a significant load; mishandling it can lead to a collapse. If it resembles an imposing wall of text, it’s time for a revamp.

Firstly, transform your work experience into impactful bullet points rather than lengthy sentences. Avoid merely listing your duties. Opt for up to six bullet points for your most recent position and three to four for previous roles.

Secondly, employ quantifiable achievements and numbers whenever possible. Numbers effectively spotlight your accomplishments and capture attention. For instance, consider if you implemented a new HR system that reduced errors and costs. Adding specifics, such as “implemented HR system resulting in a 30% decrease in errors and saving $15K in costs,” adds a compelling edge.

Include Action Word

In the past, securing a job was often as simple as “speaking, performing, calculating.” However, times have changed. Employ powerful action verbs to capture the recruiter’s focus. Opt for verbs like “conversed,” “oversaw,” and “evaluated” instead of the mentioned ones. Feel the shift in dynamism? A recruiter will take notice.

But it’s not merely about sounding refined. Action verbs not only convey the action itself but also reflect your drive, proactiveness, and analytical thinking. All these aspects are crucial.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Offer

Job application isn’t about inundating employers with generic submissions. If you blanket every potential employer with the same resume, you’re likely to encounter silence more than response.

Customize your resume to the specific job description to showcase your expertise and enthusiasm.

Utilize the job description as a guide to pinpoint the hiring manager’s priorities.

Then, refine your CV accordingly. Does this enhance my resume’s value? Does it align with the company’s needs? If either gets a “no,” consider removing it.

Give the Additional Sections of Your Resume a Makeove

Some individuals tend to neglect other sections, assuming that only their education, skills, and work experience hold importance. However, this belief is far from accurate.

There are several elements that can elevate your CV in the eyes of potential employers. Here are some winning factors:

1. Volunteering: Unpaid work can demonstrate your expertise, skills, and dedication, just like any paid job.

2. Second Language Proficiency: Fluency in a foreign language is a valuable asset, especially as many companies require employees who can communicate beyond English. Specify the language and your proficiency level.

3. Projects: Personal or professional projects that showcase your skills and knowledge can be significant additions.

4. Achievements and Awards: Include honors or achievements that highlight your abilities or commitment and are relevant to the role.

5. Interests and Hobbies: Make sure these align with the job you’re applying for. For example, a cooking blog could be relevant for a head chef position.

Remember, these sections on your resume are meaningful only if they relate to the job description.

Proofread

While many talk about it, not everyone actually follows through. They proceed to submit job applications along with resumes that boast their remarkable “attention to detail.”

Proofreading your resume is a simple yet impactful task that should not be overlooked. Don’t rely solely on the word processor’s basic spell checker; leverage tools like Grammarly to verify grammar and word choices. Reading your resume aloud can help you catch mistakes you might have missed. Additionally, having a friend or family member review your resume can uncover any errors.

Proofreading your resume is a crucial step to ensure you’re presenting a top-notch job application, avoiding a situation where your resume becomes a mere meme.

Use a Modern Template

A modern resume template perfectly embodies the concept of an “up-to-date resume.”

Choose a professional and sophisticated resume design to showcase your professionalism. Tailor it to the specific industry you are targeting. Opt for simple resume templates for more conservative industries, and consider using bold colors and visual design elements for creative fields.

Explore these exceptional resume templates for each job:

At last! Your phone will start ringing again as you update your resume!

Furthermore, a compelling cover letter that complements your CV can distinguish you from other candidates. Utilize our cover letter builder to create one.