September isn’t just about back-to-school season or the change in the weather, it’s also the perfect time to focus on something equally important: your career. Celebrating Update Your Resume Month gives you the opportunity to take stock of your career, evaluate your goals, and prepare for your next opportunity. Whether you’ve been in your role for years or are actively seeking a new one, updating your resume is a vital practice that can make or break future opportunities.
You never know when an unexpected opportunity might arise or when you’ll need to make a career pivot so having an up-to-date, impactful resume is essential. And it’s not just about your resume anymore; a holistic approach to career documentation, from LinkedIn profiles and professional bios to interview prep and job search strategies, is crucial for standing out in a competitive environment.
Why Update Your Resume Right Now?
You never know when you’ll need it: One of the biggest mistakes professionals make is waiting until they need their resume to update it. Whether you're unexpectedly laid off, a dream job opens up, or you're approached for an exciting opportunity, having a polished, ready-to-go resume can save time and help you make an immediate impact. In such moments, the last thing you want is to scramble to update or recall years’ worth of achievements.
Career reflection and growth: September often feels like a season of renewal, making it the ideal time to reflect on your career achievements and experiences over the past year. Whether you've gained new skills, taken on more responsibility, or accomplished major projects, it’s time to document that progress. Updating your resume allows you to showcase these new achievements while also reassessing your career path. Are you where you want to be, or is it time for a new challenge? Use this month to think critically about your goals and how your resume can support your future ambitions.
Showcasing your latest skills: With industries constantly evolving, staying up to date with the latest trends and tools in your field is crucial. If you’ve completed any professional development or have upskilled in areas like AI, data analysis, or project management, these should be reflected on your resume. Employers are looking for candidates who are actively growing their skills and are forward-thinking, so adding fresh competencies can make all the difference in securing your next role.
Harness the Power of an ATS-Optimized Resume
In today’s digital age, a resume isn't just for human eyes. Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline their recruitment process, meaning your resume needs to be optimized for these algorithms if you want it to reach human recruiters. Here’s why it matters:
Targeted keywords: ATS software scans resumes for specific keywords that match the job description. If your resume doesn’t include these terms, it might get filtered out before anyone sees it. By updating your resume regularly, you can ensure that your language and phrasing reflect the latest terminology, trends, and skills in your industry. It’s important to include relevant keywords and weave them in naturally throughout the document.
Format matters: Beyond keywords, ATS software also require a specific resume format. Complex layouts and unusual fonts may get scrambled by the ATS, leading to a poorly presented resume. Keeping your resume clean, professional, and optimized for both human eyes and software ensures that it’s both appealing and functional, increasing your visibility to recruiters and hiring managers.
Keep content relevant: Job descriptions change over time and so should your resume. Even if you’re not actively job hunting, making sure your resume is ready will save you time and stress down the road. Make sure you stand out by quantifying your achievements and showing your uniqueness to differentiate yourself from other candidates and to seamlessly pass through ATS filters.
Maximize Your Impact and Update More Than Just Your Resume
LinkedIn profile: While your resume is crucial, an updated LinkedIn profile is equally important. Recruiters often turn to LinkedIn to vet candidates, so ensuring that your profile is aligned with your resume is key. Use this time to update your LinkedIn summary, add new projects or skills, and actively engage with your network. LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards consistent activity, so take advantage of the platform by sharing relevant content or engaging with industry posts.
Interview prep and job search strategy: Even if you're not in the middle of a job search, be proactive and revisit your interview preparation and overall job search strategy. Have you practiced answers for common interview questions recently? Do you have a clear understanding of your career goals? Are you aware of how to position yourself for new opportunities? Staying sharp in these areas ensures you're ready to hit the ground running whenever needed.
Cover letter customization: Every job application should come with a tailored cover letter. If it's been a while since you’ve customized your cover letter, it may be time for an update. Just like your resume, a cover letter should be ATS-friendly and reflect the most up-to-date information about your skills and career journey. This personalization shows potential employers that you’re serious about the role and willing to go the extra mile.
Don’t Underestimate the Value of Career Professionals
If you find the process of updating your resume or LinkedIn profile daunting, you’re not alone. Working with a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) or a LinkedIn expert can make all the difference. Our team is specially trained in the latest trends, research, and best practices to help you stand out in today’s job market.
Industry insights: CPRWs stay current with the latest trends in resume writing, keyword optimization, and formatting. They know what hiring managers and ATS software are looking for, which can give you a competitive edge.
Time savings: Professionals can also save you time and stress. They’ll work with you to highlight your strengths, structure your career story, and ensure your documents are in top form. This way, you can focus on your job search or current role with confidence.
Nail your first impression: Your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other career documents are your first impression so templates that everyone uses just won’t do. A professional resume writer ensures that the image you present is polished, compelling, and uniquely yours.
Make September Count!
Update Your Resume Month isn’t just a reminder to check off a box, it’s an opportunity to elevate your career. Use this time to invest in yourself, prepare for future opportunities, and ensure that your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other career documents are optimized for success. Collaborating with a professional can help you stay ahead of the curve and open doors to new possibilities. So, as the month unfolds, take a moment to reflect on your career journey and get yourself and your resume ready for whatever comes next!