Four Reasons to Revise Your Resume

By Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

For some folks, updating a resume is as much fun as getting a tooth pulled. But keeping your resume current is painful only when you haven’t done it for a very long time. If you view a resume as a constant work in progress, updating it frequently will be a pain-free process. Still not convinced? Here are four reasons you should revise your resume today.

The ‘Crazy’ Trap Lurks

Remember the definition of crazy — doing the same thing over and over hoping for a different result? If you’re sending out the same resume over and over yet not getting any response from employers, your resume needs help. Revise it to enjoy different results.

Nothing Stays the Same

Even if you’ve held the same job for the past three years, your resume shouldn’t look the same as it did three years ago. If your responsibilities at your job have remained static, perhaps the technology you use to do it has not. Indicate that on your resume. If nothing truly has changed at all, it may be time to take on some new responsibilities or learn new skills.

Do You Know Where You’re Going?

Your resume is a road map of where you’ve been — and it’s a good indicator of where you’re headed. Updating it frequently will help you remain connected to what’s on the map and where you are in your career. This awareness will help you determine what new experience or skills you’ll need to wind up at your dream destination.

Snooze, and You Lose

When opportunity knocks, you need to be ready to respond at a moment’s notice. There’s no better way to introduce a careless mistake into your resume than by updating it at the last minute. Revise it now, and take your time.  Don’t ruin your chance to impress a potential employer because your resume isn’t current.