Updating Your Resume

If you don't have a current resume, whether you are actively pursuing a new work situation or not, you should have one. If you have not updated your resume within the last two years or so, it may be a good idea to do so. Even if you have not changed jobs in the last two years, it is very likely that your work responsibilities have changed. Begin by writing your current responsibilities and any significant accomplishments since you last updated your resume. Write your accomplishments in quantifiable terms, to the extent possible. So you will want to identify ideas or suggestions you made that were implemented, new programs yo initiated, etc. Also write down any savings that resulted, i.e. reduced expenses or increased revenues, etc. include other changes that have taken place, e.g. the number of people you supervise, the budget you handle, etc. Also determine if you have been involved in new activities, professional or community organizations that may be beneficial to include in your resume. Also make note of any work-related training or education you have received or completed since your last update. Think of others things that have been important in your work that may not be apparent or clear on your former resume. Then review your additional information to determine what would be appropriate to include on your new resume - keeping in mind that your resume should be written with your current career goals in ind. If you have a new career direction you plan to pursue, write and revise your resume to fit that direction. If you do not have a plan, just clean up what you have written and add it to your original resume or replace some of the text. If you have several versions of your resume, you may want to label the revised version so you can remember the date you updated it or mark it as "in progress". Even without a new direction in mind, you will have a document that can be adjusted, if needed, when you do have a new direction to pursue. It is usually easier to adjust wording than to create new phrases. etc. Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Check out her Web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.

More Thoughts on Expanding Your Vision of Your Future

Life transitions include a variety of situations and circumstances, many of which do not involve job or career change. Think of the transitions you have experienced in the last 5 to 10 years or more. For most of us, as we mature, the transitions begin to add up. Perhaps you are trying to cope with your first, last, or only child going off to college or to kindergarten; or you celebrated your 40th birthday, or you are approaching retirement. For others, the transition was triggered by the loss of a loved one or a relationship. Other people are thrust into a transition because of a non-event - something they thought would happen that didn't. All of these transitions are part of life and coping with them often requires an adjustment of our perspective of life and our view of how things 'should be'. Some transitions that are the result of a very painful event may require more emotional strength, effort, and time to cope with the resulting changes. Even transitions that are happy events, such as your son or daughter getting married, may still require some time to adjust to your new living arrangements and the changes that result. If you can find something to turn your attention to, that may help you put the thoughts of your loss aside, even if for just a little while. Focusing on something outside of your routine or learning something new can also help. There is nothing that truly can replace your feelings of loss, but they should decrease - over time. Soon you will have created a 'new routine'. If you have experienced life transitions that have made it difficult for you to get your life back together, you may choose to seek assistance to help you regain your perspective. By appreciating today you can begin to regain your footing. By expanding your vision of your future, you may find meaning and be able to create a new view of your life. Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Check out her Web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com. To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.