How to Update Your Resume

May 22 2022 - Would you be surprised to hear that as many as 13% of Americans are actively disengaged in their current job? If you're not as happy as you could be in your role, perhaps you're already dusting off your old resume and trying to make it more current before you apply for a new job.

But what are the best ways to update your resume? Going about this process incorrectly could lead to potential employers passing over your job application and moving on to candidates that aren't as well-qualified but have sent in a better resume.

Fear not, you can use several simple guidelines to improve your resume and impress company recruiters.

Keep reading to learn more.

Remove Older Positions

When updating your resume, one of the first steps is to check if you have listed any positions that are outdated. For example, you could now be a manager but had an entry-level position in a different sector ten years ago. While this is part of your job history, a prospective employer is unlikely to want to know this.

Remember that recruiters only want to know why they should hire you, so remove any older roles that don't highlight your current abilities.

Include New Skills

If you have learned new skills while on training courses or when performing your current job, make sure you include these on your resume. Don't be afraid to blow your own trumpet, if you don't tell an employer about your skill sets they won't know that you could be a valuable addition to their workforce.

If you are unsure how to go about presenting your qualifications and experience, you could hire professional resume writers to do it for you.

Use Relevant Keywords

When writing your professional resume, don't forget to make sure it meets all the requirements of the job advertisement. Read the ad carefully, and include phrases that the employer is looking for. For example, if they need someone with computer skills, then use the same wording in your resume to show that you have those abilities.

Some employers may use software to scan applications for certain keywords, so it's important to make sure you include them in your resume.

Check the Formatting

One of the most vital tips for updating your resume is to make sure the formatting displays correctly. If not, an employer may delete it from their inbox without a second glance.

Proofreading is also an essential resume writing skill, and you could ask someone to check your resume for you to make sure there aren't any errors.

Update Your Resume Today

It can be easy to update your resume and turn it into a great advert for your qualifications and skills. Be sure to remove any irrelevant information, add any new skill sets, and ensure the formatting is compatible with popular software programs. You should also make sure your resume has no spelling or grammatical errors to avoid it being rejected at the first hurdle.

This can help you impress potential employers and get invited to more interviews.

For additional helpful hints and tips, check out more of our articles before you go.

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