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Consider this. You need a new resume ASAP. You either need one from scratch or must update an existing document. This is stressful and leaves you wanting for more time to research and understand how to write a professional resume and avoid the biggest resume mistakes. Do yourself a favour, next time have a resume and LinkedIn ready to go!
Here are the 5 big reasons you should have an updated resume:
You never know when you’ll need it. The economy is volatile and people unexpectedly lost their jobs all the time. Ideally, you always want to be marketable! Starting a resume from scratch is a lot of work and adds to the extra pressure of needing to find another job. It’s far more convenient and expedient to keep your portfolio current and ready to go at a moment’s notice! Jumping back into the job market is difficult so ease this burden and keep your resume current.
Promotions. From time to time promotions will come up at work. You may want to be the next manager or director so having an updated resume ready to go will show initiative and allow your application to be submitted in a timely manner.
You may be head hunted. Recruiters and employers are often looking for the best people for the job. If this means soliciting to prospects who are currently employed, so be it! They may email or call you and having an up-to-date resume helps cement their interest. If you present them with an old resume – or they come across your two-year-old LinkedIn profile – they’re less likely to consider your candidacy.
Writing articles, speaking at conferences, and offering professional advice. This is a great way to expand your network and enhance your professional reputation. You don’t need to leave your current job to do this but outlining your credentials to these potential side prospects is very important. Keeping your LinkedIn and resume updated makes verifying your merit much easier. Also, if you get the gig you’re aiming for, you should add it to you resume!
Side work and extra income. Sometimes we want to do a little more. Make some extra money for a trip or gain new experience in a different field. This is much easier to do when your LinkedIn and resume are polished and up to date.
Remember, Keeping your resume updated doesn’t have to take a lot of time. If you make this a regular activity (monthly) or as needed, will be more than enough to ensure you at your resume ‘A-game’ to the next prospect.