How do you update and maintain your resume regularly?

I've been writing resumes for a long time and I know that most people aren't going to update their resume until they need it. Here's my advice: keep a "Fan Mail" or "Win" folder to keep your biggest wins in one place so that when you do sit down to update, you have everything that you need in one place.

What I disagree with and would add: ?IT'S NOT ABOUT every 6 months ?it's every time you have an 'achievement with metrics' (see more below)

Updates should be all about the numbers. Describe results not responsibilities, a resume is not a job description. Every bullet on your resume should have a numerical accomplishment demonstrating the results you achieved using success verbs (accelerated, achieved, awarded, increased).

Whether one is immersed in developing slide decks, writing code, or as I often spend my days, revamping a client’s resume – time away from a project allows individuals to re-assess previous work with a fresh set of eyes, clarifying a better way forward. That said, despite this being a huge benefit, my #1 reason for regularly updating my CV relates to the all too relatable saying: “My memory isn’t what it used to be!” As it relates to CVs, no one can recount every past workplace accomplishments. That's why I insist that the BEST time to reflect on/translate key work achievements is in real-time - while the details are fresh! This allows one to quickly translate recent "wins" into impactful resume bullets long before your memory fails you!

Your resume should not be written based off what you want to say but what the employers are looking for. Research what the market is looking for and do a thorough analysis to find patterns across job descriptions; these will enable you to write a data-driven resume that speaks to every single job description (for a given role) so that you don't need to tailor time and again. I have been using the same formula for 20 years and over the last five years mentored 500+ professionals who followed the job-market-driven strategy (i.e., not tailoring their resumes, not researching companies, not writing cover letters and not applying on company websites). LinkedIn has everything you need, thousands of relevant jobs for each role.

On this one, I would agree. You have to tailor for each job application. Why? You have to beat the bots and recruiter eye scans.

I don't agree with this. If your resume is modern, ATS-focused, and customized with key words that describe your skills, it should work fine. Don't apply for jobs that you know you are unlikely to be qualified for and get contacted. Customize your cover letter.

This takes an extraordinary amount of time every time I tailor. Maybe I'm just slower than others, but do you have tips to streamline this task? I've been trying to keep a master copy that contains all the different permutations I've been using for different job applications to draw from, for starters

Absolutely! You have to presume companies are using an ATS scanner today. Again, you have to beat the bots and recruiter eye scans. With the SAME resume!

Driving into work, the hiring manager does voicemail. On arrival, he or she does email, attends meetings, works with budgets and that is just the beginning of the day job. Moments are set aside to read your, and 50 other resumes. Format your resume to provide benefit to "this" position immediately. Make the entire resume easy to read within 10 - 20 seconds. That's all the time they will give you. Formatting also shows you care about the position. Groups of valuable information helps the hiring manager be able to skim read.

I've heard ATS scanners don't scan PDFs as well as DOCXs. What about margins and fonts? I'm thinking my layout is too dense-looking with .7 margins and 11pt font

Whoever you get to read your resume for you doesn't have to be a spelling and grammar whiz, there are apps for that. What you most often need is someone to make sure that what you've written makes sense outside of your head. And that the meaning of your words is what you intend the employer to read.

Sure, spell check. But what I disagree with and would add: ?ARC the grammar checker ?Bullets are this simple and NOT gramatically correct sentences: ARC it! Action+Result+Context... {past-tense action verb}+{#$% metric result}+{keywords of how} ?If you struggle for ARC metrics, be the STAR! Brainstorm any good project result: (S)ituation at hand (T)ask needed (A)ction you took (R)esult to company It's a longer version of ARC, but also great for #jobinterviews!

Sure, need a backup. ?Also need to keep a master list of where you worked, job description (duties), title, location, HR contact info, etc. For when you need to enter it on #jobapplications or discuss in #jobinterviews.

Hang onto copies for performance reviews and/or emails of gratitude from coworkers, supervisors, or customers/clients. That will help you with updating your resume with quantifiable results.

Tailoring your resume not only shows the perspective employer that you took the time to match your qualifications to their needs, but in turn creates a bigger picture that you take the time to produce a quality product to showcase your skills. The employer doesn't need to figure out "how" or "if" you fit, you've made it clear to the employer. Take the time to present yourself in the best light to the employer.