Are You Wondering If It's Time To Update Your Resume or Not?

"Be prepared" is a motto that is not just a great advice for Boy Scouts; it is a great career advice as well. A perfect career opportunity can present itself anytime. You never know when a recruiter would call you with your dream job, and you want to send out an up-to-date resume.

For this reason, there are four times that you should be updating your resume:

? At least once every year.

? At any time you change your career focus.

? If you are expecting layoffs with your company.

? If you are beginning to feel dissatisfied with your current position.

1. At least once every year:

This is where most people are unable to keep up with the competitors. If a recruiter calls you with your dream job, you may find that your resume is years out of date.

You can keep your resume current by including your accomplishments every year. You should not rely on your memory to recall all your achievements in the whole year. You may overlook important achievements and contributions if you rely on your memory. You may require assistance for which a resume coach can help you by asking some targeting questions on your most recent jobs.

2. At any time you change your career focus:

If you are thinking of changing your career focus, you will be required to change your resume as well. To shift your focus away from your present job towards your new career, there are several ways to do that.

You can position yourself as a strong candidate for the particular job position, by focusing on the skills that are needed for your new career. You should be highlighting those skills that are transferable in your new resume, make sure you bring them front and center. Furthermore, you may also be required to shift your list of accomplishments to support your skills that you have highlighted. Accomplishments statements help to give credibility to your transferable skills and prove that you possess an ability to cross your industry. Well-crafted accomplishments are what can win the interview or not.

Finally, make sure you know what your audience is looking for. While shifting careers, it is essential that you know the hiring motives of your target market. A resume is an effective selling tool if you anticipate your recruiter's "wish list" for great candidates correctly.

3. If you are expecting layoffs with your company:

In today's economy, there is a need for corporate downsizing. For this reason, layoffs and losses are much more commonly seen these days. However, by keeping your resume up-to-date, you can be prepared for any worst-case scenario.

Often, candidates make the mistake of being overly optimistic, by making a safe choice of assuming that you are on the "out" list. On the contrary, it is the people who are most essential to their employers who get caught unexpectedly. You might be important or well-liked; you can get affected with layoffs. Hence, it is important that you have your resume as soon as you have any indication of downsizing on the way.

4. If you are beginning to feel dissatisfied with your current position:

If you are feeling dissatisfied with your current job, it can lead you to be frustrated, and worthless. There is no reason that you should stay in the job that you hate. With your resume up-to-date, you can respond to job opportunities right away.