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.