National Update Your Résumé Month: A Wake-Up Call for Job Seekers

September is National Update Your Résumé Month! If you're interested in pursuing a new position, it's time to pay attention. Here’s why this month should be a beacon for action...

Why Update Your Résumé?

Your résumé is often the first point of contact you have with potential employers. It sets the stage, presents your credentials, and invites recruiters to learn more about you through an interview. In a job market that’s constantly evolving, an outdated résumé can drastically reduce your chances of catching a recruiter's eye. This year's National Update Your Résumé Month serves as a timely reminder for job seekers to revisit, reevaluate, and rejuvenate their résumés.

Where to Focus

Keywords and Skills

In today’s highly digital world, the role of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) cannot be ignored. Before your résumé lands in the hands of a recruiter, it often has to pass through these automated systems designed to screen applicants. Failure to include the right keywords can mean your résumé is filtered out before a human even glances at it. Here are some of the types of keywords and phrases you should consider including on your résumé:

1. Industry-Specific Jargon: Use terminology that's commonly understood in your field. Whether it's "SEO" in digital marketing or "patient care" in healthcare, speak the language of your industry.
2. Skills-Based Keywords: Highlight specific technical and soft skills. For instance, "project management," "Java programming," or "inspirational team leadership" are terms that can make your résumé stand out.
3. Action Verbs: Incorporate engaging action verbs such as "achieved," "eliminated," or "designed" to kick off your bullet points. Action verbs not only grab attention but also set a proactive tone.
4. Certifications and Qualifications: If you have industry-relevant certifications or training, include them prominently. Applicant Tracking Systems are often programmed to pick up these terms.

Accomplishments Over Duties

Past value is the best predictor of future value. Instead of focusing on your day-to-day tasks in previous roles, zero in on what you’ve accomplished. Did you decrease costs, improve processes, or lead a successful project? If you include only an overview of your responsibilities, it does little to distinguish you from other applicants with similar job descriptions. Quantify your accomplishments to provide a clear picture of your capabilities. Think about this when you're crafting accomplishment statements:

1. Quantify Where Possible: If you increased sales by 25%, don't just say you "increased sales." Be specific and say, "Increased sales by 25% year-over-year, resulting in $1M in added revenue." The more concrete information you can provide, the more you’ll stand out.
2. Demonstrate a Proactive Mindset: When you showcase accomplishments, you send the message that you are proactive and don't just wait for tasks to be assigned. You are the kind of person who goes above and beyond.
3. Action Verbs (...again): By adding strong action verbs, you can make your accomplishments truly pop. Words like "executed," "implemented," or "envisioned" can be powerful indicators of your ability.
4. Include Awards and Recognition: Have you been honored with an award or recognized for your work? This is an accomplishment and should absolutely be on your résumé.

Formatting and Design

When it comes to résumés, content is king; however, visual presentation still matters. In an era where hiring managers sift through giant stacks of résumés, the visual appeal of your document can make all the difference. Your design can either invite the reader in or turn them away before they even get to the substance. If you're not sure what format to use, start here:

1. Clean, professional layout: Don't go overboard with fonts, graphics, or a multi-column format. The goal is to create a document that's easy to skim in a few seconds but also holds the reader’s attention for a deeper look.
2. Visual Hierarchy: Your résumé needs to guide the reader's eyes naturally from section to section. Make use of bold headings, horizontal lines to delineate sections, and white space to create an easy-to-follow visual flow.
3. Branding: Just like a product in a store, you are a brand trying to attract attention. Stick to a color scheme that represents your personality but is also professional.
4. Margins and Spacing: While it may be tempting to reduce margins or spacing to fit more content, a cramped résumé is difficult to read. Stick to standard margins and be mindful of spacing.

Tailor, Tailor, Tailor

Each job application deserves its own version of your résumé. Customize your résumé for each job application to match the specific job requirements. The process of tailoring your résumé for each job application may require extra time and effort, but the dividends it pays are substantial. Here's how to do it right:

1. Analyze the Job Description: The first step is to understand the job description. Look for keywords, skills, and qualifications that match your background.
2. Reorder Sections: Depending on the role, some parts of your résumé may be more relevant than others. Feel free to rearrange sections to spotlight your most pertinent skills and experiences.
3. Modify Language: Align the phrasing on your résumé to match the job description. If the job posting uses specific terms or phrases, incorporate them where it makes sense on your résumé.
4. Update the Summary: The summary section should be modified for each job application to highlight the qualities and experiences that make you an excellent fit for the specific role. Remember to treat this section like a value proposition.

The Dos and Don’ts

• Do use action verbs to start each bullet point in the experience section.
• Don’t use an objective statement; it's considered outdated.
• Do craft a clear value proposition, focusing on what makes you unique or sets you apart from other candidates.
• Don't use personal pronouns such as 'I,' 'me,' or 'my.' It's understood that the résumé is about you.
• Do proofread meticulously. Grammatical errors can convey a lack of attention to detail.
• Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Customize each résumé for the specific job you're applying for.
• Do keep your résumé concise. Pretty much everyone can have a 1-2 page résumé and include all the relevant information.
• Don’t include irrelevant information or personal details like age, marital status, unrelated hobbies, or social security number.
• Do use quantifiable metrics to emphasize achievements. Numbers can quickly convey the scale and impact of your work.

Wrapping It Up: Your Résumé as a Strategic Asset

Remember that the labor market is increasingly competitive, so the process of updating and tailoring your résumé must be an ongoing activity. In a sea of qualified applicants, your résumé must not only pass automated screenings but also resonate with hiring managers. That requires a balanced combination of content, design, and strategy – all finely tuned to mirror the needs and culture of your prospective employer.

National Update Your Résumé Month is more than a calendar reminder; it’s a clear call to action. In a competitive job market, a polished résumé is not just an asset; it's a necessity. Take this opportunity to revisit and revamp your résumé, ensuring it serves as an accurate, up-to-date reflection of your skills, experience, and career aspirations.