Four Reasons to Keep Your Resume Updated

So many people wait until the last minute to update their resume and it can end up costing them. You may need to get a resume to someone quickly and you could waste valuable time in getting the information updated. This could cause you to lose the opportunity if it takes you too long. Here are some scenarios where having an updated resume will save you time and give you the best chance at getting the job you deserve.

- A friend refers you. What would happen if a friend of yours knew of an opportunity at their company that was your dream job? You should send them a resume right away. If you don't have an updated resume, you will need to take the time to bring it up to date. If it has been awhile since you've updated it, it may take you a few days to compile all of your information. In the meantime, you also risk losing the job opportunity but damaging your friend's reputation as well.

- A recruiter contacts you. This is almost the same scenario as above but it will most likely have an even tighter deadline. When a recruiter contacts you, chances are they need to fill that job quickly. A company usually contacts a recruiter when they have an immediate need. If you're qualified for the job, by quickly sending them your resume, you instantly increase your potential for getting that job. If it takes you a day or two to get your resume updated and send it to the recruiter, you run the risk of losing that chance and the recruiter may not contact you again.

- Your company is downsizing. Even if your department hasn't been affected, you still want to have something ready. You may have been told your job is safe and there's no need to worry. When a company starts downsizing, there are no guarantees. So many people in recent years have been blindsided by this very situation and are still struggling to recover. No matter what, always prepare yourself for the worse. If you're prepared, you'll be able to bounce back quickly and have more options than others.

- Your job is secure. You may wonder why you need to keep your resume updated if your job is secure and everything seems fine. Let's look at this from a different perspective. Are you eligible for a promotion? Has your company been limited in handing out raises? Has your supervisor changed in the last few years? When you have an updated resume, you can show your supervisor why you are the perfect candidate for that promotion or if they've recently been hired, give them an opportunity to learn your experience and education. A well-written resume can also provide an excellent overview of all your accomplishments and qualifications.

The key thing to remember is you never know when someone will want to look at your job history and/or qualifications. If you're prepared, those looking to hire you, give you a promotion, or give you a raise will notice and you'll stand apart from any other candidates.

Dani Stevens is a professional blogger focused in the areas of human resources and resume writing. She is a blogger at the Online Career Center Blog. They provide resources and tips for those individuals looking for work and need help with their resume.

Read more ...

Four Reasons to Keep Your Resume Updated

So many people wait until the last minute to update their resume and it can end up costing them. You may need to get a resume to someone quickly and you could waste valuable time in getting the information updated. This could cause you to lose the opportunity if it takes you too long. Here are some scenarios where having an updated resume will save you time and give you the best chance at getting the job you deserve.

- A friend refers you. What would happen if a friend of yours knew of an opportunity at their company that was your dream job? You should send them a resume right away. If you don't have an updated resume, you will need to take the time to bring it up to date. If it has been awhile since you've updated it, it may take you a few days to compile all of your information. In the meantime, you also risk losing the job opportunity but damaging your friend's reputation as well.

- A recruiter contacts you. This is almost the same scenario as above but it will most likely have an even tighter deadline. When a recruiter contacts you, chances are they need to fill that job quickly. A company usually contacts a recruiter when they have an immediate need. If you're qualified for the job, by quickly sending them your resume, you instantly increase your potential for getting that job. If it takes you a day or two to get your resume updated and send it to the recruiter, you run the risk of losing that chance and the recruiter may not contact you again.

- Your company is downsizing. Even if your department hasn't been affected, you still want to have something ready. You may have been told your job is safe and there's no need to worry. When a company starts downsizing, there are no guarantees. So many people in recent years have been blindsided by this very situation and are still struggling to recover. No matter what, always prepare yourself for the worse. If you're prepared, you'll be able to bounce back quickly and have more options than others.

- Your job is secure. You may wonder why you need to keep your resume updated if your job is secure and everything seems fine. Let's look at this from a different perspective. Are you eligible for a promotion? Has your company been limited in handing out raises? Has your supervisor changed in the last few years? When you have an updated resume, you can show your supervisor why you are the perfect candidate for that promotion or if they've recently been hired, give them an opportunity to learn your experience and education. A well-written resume can also provide an excellent overview of all your accomplishments and qualifications.

The key thing to remember is you never know when someone will want to look at your job history and/or qualifications. If you're prepared, those looking to hire you, give you a promotion, or give you a raise will notice and you'll stand apart from any other candidates.

Dani Stevens is a professional blogger focused in the areas of human resources and resume writing. She is a blogger at the Online Career Center Blog. They provide resources and tips for those individuals looking for work and need help with their resume.

Read more ...

Four Reasons to Keep Your Resume Updated

So many people wait until the last minute to update their resume and it can end up costing them. You may need to get a resume to someone quickly and you could waste valuable time in getting the information updated. This could cause you to lose the opportunity if it takes you too long. Here are some scenarios where having an updated resume will save you time and give you the best chance at getting the job you deserve.

- A friend refers you. What would happen if a friend of yours knew of an opportunity at their company that was your dream job? You should send them a resume right away. If you don't have an updated resume, you will need to take the time to bring it up to date. If it has been awhile since you've updated it, it may take you a few days to compile all of your information. In the meantime, you also risk losing the job opportunity but damaging your friend's reputation as well.

- A recruiter contacts you. This is almost the same scenario as above but it will most likely have an even tighter deadline. When a recruiter contacts you, chances are they need to fill that job quickly. A company usually contacts a recruiter when they have an immediate need. If you're qualified for the job, by quickly sending them your resume, you instantly increase your potential for getting that job. If it takes you a day or two to get your resume updated and send it to the recruiter, you run the risk of losing that chance and the recruiter may not contact you again.

- Your company is downsizing. Even if your department hasn't been affected, you still want to have something ready. You may have been told your job is safe and there's no need to worry. When a company starts downsizing, there are no guarantees. So many people in recent years have been blindsided by this very situation and are still struggling to recover. No matter what, always prepare yourself for the worse. If you're prepared, you'll be able to bounce back quickly and have more options than others.

- Your job is secure. You may wonder why you need to keep your resume updated if your job is secure and everything seems fine. Let's look at this from a different perspective. Are you eligible for a promotion? Has your company been limited in handing out raises? Has your supervisor changed in the last few years? When you have an updated resume, you can show your supervisor why you are the perfect candidate for that promotion or if they've recently been hired, give them an opportunity to learn your experience and education. A well-written resume can also provide an excellent overview of all your accomplishments and qualifications.

The key thing to remember is you never know when someone will want to look at your job history and/or qualifications. If you're prepared, those looking to hire you, give you a promotion, or give you a raise will notice and you'll stand apart from any other candidates.

Dani Stevens is a professional blogger focused in the areas of human resources and resume writing. She is a blogger at the Online Career Center Blog. They provide resources and tips for those individuals looking for work and need help with their resume.

Read more ...

Why You Should Keep Your Resume Updated

Don't forget to update that resume

It's an all-too-common scenario that affects the majority of today's workers. They neglect to periodically update their resumes throughout the term of their employment with a company.

Consequently, accomplishments, milestones, recognition, publications and professional seminars never make it onto the document, which is rendered archaic and useless. Being armed with a relatively up-to-date resume is absolutely vital, especially if an employment situation changes or an immediate opportunity emerges.

Situations change

Industry experts recommend that you update your resume every six months. There are myriad situations that justify such discipline. Changes on the job are commonplace. These include promotions, accolades, sales quota clubs, new skills, publications, additional degrees, certifications and staffing responsibilities. As time passes, such details tend to fade from memory.

The truth is, no one really knows when they will require immediate access to their resume. Updating a resume not only allows for the incorporation and emphasis of new skills and achievements, but also means eliminating obsolete entries that have no relevance in today's job market. You're simply wasting precious space.

If downsized, be prepared

The average employee doesn't have access to a crystal ball to predict his or her employment status at any given moment, especially in today's economic turmoil. If you receive the unfortunate news that your position is being eliminated, attempting to resurrect your employment highlights and achievements while under stress is counterproductive. Invariably, you will sell yourself short by omitting the vital skills and expertise a potential employer may be seeking. Arming yourself with a recently updated resume will help mitigate the anxiety and facilitate immediate traction in your job search.

Haste leads to mistakes

In today's virtual world of LinkedIn, social networks and search engines, you cannot anticipate when you will encounter your "dream job" or when a network connection will alert you to an immediate opening and ask for a copy of your resume as soon as possible. If you're working under a tightly imposed schedule, the associated risk for omissions, compromised facts and typographical and grammatical errors may escalate - potentially compromising an extraordinary opportunity.

In summary

Never place yourself in a position where you must react to a situation you could easily have managed proactively. Periodically updating a resume is an essential task that's easily overlooked or dismissed by the demands and pressures of today's fast-paced environment. A strategic approach for any worker is to ensure their resume is current and ready for submission at any time - whether seeking new opportunities or affected by downsizing.

Ensuring your resume is current also means it's visually appealing and not cluttered. If it's not easy to read, it may be an opportune time for a redo.

Lenny Keitel runs Hudson Valley Resumes in Monroe, NY, a premier nationwide Resume Writing Service with a penchant for crafting compelling resumes that motivate the hiring manager through its inspirational content, clarity, and visual appeal. http://www.hudsonvalleyresumes.com/

info@hudsonvalleyresumes.com (email), (845) 782-6714 (phone/fax), (914) 782-6714 (mobile)

http://www.linkedin.com/in/lennykeitel

Read more ...

Updated Resume Tips For Older Workers

Many older workers have a tough time finding jobs right now. There are many reasons for this, but I think a lot of older job searchers could benefit from learning some updated job search tips. For example, most of us older folks got our resume templates years ago, and we never really updated them. Yet, hiring managers and recruiters seem to spend less time on each document than they ever did before. How can you get you get noticed?

Recruiters And Hiring Managers Have Shorter Attention Spans Than You Think!

While recruiters say they spend five minutes on each resume, recent studies have demonstrated that they really may only spend five seconds on the majority of documents. How can you get your own document set aside in a "keeper" file for further inspection? You need to ask yourself this question if you post your document online, email it, or send it in the mail.

Think about it. Your resume is really a type of sales letter. The new rules tell us these must be formatted well, with headings and subheadings, so important information pops out.

What do decision makers want to know?

Recruiters want to know your current job title, employer, and employment period. They also look at your previous position. Some recruiters also look at your education and your name. That's what you need to concentrate on first.

An objective statement may be included, but should probably kept clean and short. Concentrate on stating about how your past education and experience make you a good fit for the job. In the old days, we used to write about what we wanted in a new job. Today, that may not be the best thing to emphasize. Employers care about what they want.You can figure out if the job is a good match later, when you actually get an interview.

Some specific jobs may require a longer resume. Typically, one or two pages is ideal. If you have held twelve jobs over the last thirty years, it may be best to concentrate on your last few positions. You can always make a note that further details will be supplied upon request especially for jobs you held long ago.

Of course, there are always exceptions in case you held an exceptional job awhile back. But you need to use your own judgement.

Today, a lot of resumes are posted online. This may be on your own website or a job search website. Key words and phrases are things that hiring managers and recruiters look for when they search for resumes. If you want a job as a CPA or registered nurse, those words need to be on your document.

Can You Do It Yourself?

If you are the do-it-yourself type, you may be able to produce an effective, clear, and eye catching document all by yourself. If not, a professional service may be a good investment.

If you do produce your own resume, be sure and put yourself in the shoes of a busy decision maker. If you were trying to fill a job, like the one you want, what would you want to see?

Are you looking for a job in a competitive job market? Find out what recruiters look for in a resume today. Also learn more about using LinkedIn to find a job.

Read more ...

Why You Should Keep Your Resume Updated

Don't forget to update that resume

It's an all-too-common scenario that affects the majority of today's workers. They neglect to periodically update their resumes throughout the term of their employment with a company.

Consequently, accomplishments, milestones, recognition, publications and professional seminars never make it onto the document, which is rendered archaic and useless. Being armed with a relatively up-to-date resume is absolutely vital, especially if an employment situation changes or an immediate opportunity emerges.

Situations change

Industry experts recommend that you update your resume every six months. There are myriad situations that justify such discipline. Changes on the job are commonplace. These include promotions, accolades, sales quota clubs, new skills, publications, additional degrees, certifications and staffing responsibilities. As time passes, such details tend to fade from memory.

The truth is, no one really knows when they will require immediate access to their resume. Updating a resume not only allows for the incorporation and emphasis of new skills and achievements, but also means eliminating obsolete entries that have no relevance in today's job market. You're simply wasting precious space.

If downsized, be prepared

The average employee doesn't have access to a crystal ball to predict his or her employment status at any given moment, especially in today's economic turmoil. If you receive the unfortunate news that your position is being eliminated, attempting to resurrect your employment highlights and achievements while under stress is counterproductive. Invariably, you will sell yourself short by omitting the vital skills and expertise a potential employer may be seeking. Arming yourself with a recently updated resume will help mitigate the anxiety and facilitate immediate traction in your job search.

Haste leads to mistakes

In today's virtual world of LinkedIn, social networks and search engines, you cannot anticipate when you will encounter your "dream job" or when a network connection will alert you to an immediate opening and ask for a copy of your resume as soon as possible. If you're working under a tightly imposed schedule, the associated risk for omissions, compromised facts and typographical and grammatical errors may escalate - potentially compromising an extraordinary opportunity.

In summary

Never place yourself in a position where you must react to a situation you could easily have managed proactively. Periodically updating a resume is an essential task that's easily overlooked or dismissed by the demands and pressures of today's fast-paced environment. A strategic approach for any worker is to ensure their resume is current and ready for submission at any time - whether seeking new opportunities or affected by downsizing.

Ensuring your resume is current also means it's visually appealing and not cluttered. If it's not easy to read, it may be an opportune time for a redo.

Lenny Keitel runs Hudson Valley Resumes in Monroe, NY, a premier nationwide Resume Writing Service with a penchant for crafting compelling resumes that motivate the hiring manager through its inspirational content, clarity, and visual appeal. http://www.hudsonvalleyresumes.com/

info@hudsonvalleyresumes.com (email), (845) 782-6714 (phone/fax), (914) 782-6714 (mobile)

http://www.linkedin.com/in/lennykeitel

Read more ...

Why You Should Keep Your Resume Updated

Don't forget to update that resume

It's an all-too-common scenario that affects the majority of today's workers. They neglect to periodically update their resumes throughout the term of their employment with a company.

Consequently, accomplishments, milestones, recognition, publications and professional seminars never make it onto the document, which is rendered archaic and useless. Being armed with a relatively up-to-date resume is absolutely vital, especially if an employment situation changes or an immediate opportunity emerges.

Situations change

Industry experts recommend that you update your resume every six months. There are myriad situations that justify such discipline. Changes on the job are commonplace. These include promotions, accolades, sales quota clubs, new skills, publications, additional degrees, certifications and staffing responsibilities. As time passes, such details tend to fade from memory.

The truth is, no one really knows when they will require immediate access to their resume. Updating a resume not only allows for the incorporation and emphasis of new skills and achievements, but also means eliminating obsolete entries that have no relevance in today's job market. You're simply wasting precious space.

If downsized, be prepared

The average employee doesn't have access to a crystal ball to predict his or her employment status at any given moment, especially in today's economic turmoil. If you receive the unfortunate news that your position is being eliminated, attempting to resurrect your employment highlights and achievements while under stress is counterproductive. Invariably, you will sell yourself short by omitting the vital skills and expertise a potential employer may be seeking. Arming yourself with a recently updated resume will help mitigate the anxiety and facilitate immediate traction in your job search.

Haste leads to mistakes

In today's virtual world of LinkedIn, social networks and search engines, you cannot anticipate when you will encounter your "dream job" or when a network connection will alert you to an immediate opening and ask for a copy of your resume as soon as possible. If you're working under a tightly imposed schedule, the associated risk for omissions, compromised facts and typographical and grammatical errors may escalate - potentially compromising an extraordinary opportunity.

In summary

Never place yourself in a position where you must react to a situation you could easily have managed proactively. Periodically updating a resume is an essential task that's easily overlooked or dismissed by the demands and pressures of today's fast-paced environment. A strategic approach for any worker is to ensure their resume is current and ready for submission at any time - whether seeking new opportunities or affected by downsizing.

Ensuring your resume is current also means it's visually appealing and not cluttered. If it's not easy to read, it may be an opportune time for a redo.

Lenny Keitel runs Hudson Valley Resumes in Monroe, NY, a premier nationwide Resume Writing Service with a penchant for crafting compelling resumes that motivate the hiring manager through its inspirational content, clarity, and visual appeal. http://www.hudsonvalleyresumes.com/

info@hudsonvalleyresumes.com (email), (845) 782-6714 (phone/fax), (914) 782-6714 (mobile)

http://www.linkedin.com/in/lennykeitel

Read more ...