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A Checklist For Updating Your Resume in 2024

Need an updated resume but don’t have time to start from scratch? Follow these 17 simple tips to quickly update your existing resume in 2024.

a year ago   •   9 min read

If you aren’t actively job searching — and sometimes even if you are — you probably haven’t updated your resume recently . This might not seem like a big deal, especially if you’re happy in your current position, but it’s always a good idea to have a current resume available. After all, if the perfect job landed in your lap tomorrow, wouldn’t you want to be ready?

When to update your resume

Let’s start with the basics: How often should you update your resume? Best practice is to update your resume every 3-6 months , or whenever you:

• Move to a new role or company
• Gain a promotion
• Develop a new professional skill
• Acquire a new certification or qualification
• Take on new responsibilities
• Complete a significant project
• Change your personal or contact information
• Are applying for jobs but not hearing back from employers

Related : How to Revise a Resume

17 things to update on your resume

If you’re worried about not having enough time: don’t be! Here are 17 tips for updating your resume in 2024 (and beyond) that will make a big impact in a small amount of time.

If you have 5-15 minutes

Short on time? Maximize your impact with these quick resume updates.

Refresh your resume header

Your resume header is the first thing recruiters see, so make sure the information on it is current.

Do include:

• Email address
• Phone number

Don’t include:

• Street address
• Social media
• Personal information
• Multiple contact details

Estimated time: 5 minutes

Related: The Ultimate Do’s and Don'ts of Resume Writing in 2024

Add or delete resume sections

In addition to your contact information, your resume needs to have your work experience and a brief education section. Everything else is optional.

Depending on your background and the job you're applying for, you might want to include a skills section, resume summary, certifications, publications, honors, awards, projects, extracurricular activities, or other information — but not all of those. Stick to 1-2 additional resume sections at most and make sure they have plain headings — "Work Experience" and "Education" rather than "What I Learned" and "My Work So Far."

Estimated time: 10 minutes

Use synonyms

Do a quick scan of your bullet points. How many of them start with the same word?

Unless your answer is ‘none,’ it’s time to vary your word choice with some synonyms for common action verbs . Instead of saying ‘led’ for the third time, try ‘managed,’ ‘spearheaded,’ or ‘coordinated.’ Rather than saying you ‘ worked with ’ a team, how about more interesting verbs like ‘collaborated,’ ‘partnered,’ or ‘advised?’

Looking for more suggestions? Check out our database of resume action verbs .

Estimated time: 15 minutes

Highlight promotions

Hiring managers want to see evidence of career progression on your resume, especially if you’re applying for mid-level and up roles. Highlight promotions and other types of career growth by showing progression in your job titles, emphasizing increased responsibilities, and explicitly pointing out promotions — especially if they were fast-tracked or otherwise ahead of schedule.

Here are some bullet points you can use to highlight a promotion:

• Promoted within 12 months due to strong performance (6 months ahead of schedule).
• Offered an early promotion to Senior Developer after 2 years; the only member of a cohort of 50 to be fast-tracked.

Include remote work accomplishments

If you’re applying for a hybrid or remote position, including accomplishments specific to working remotely is a must. Even if the role you’re applying for isn’t fully remote, it can be beneficial to point out how you’ve managed remote employees, collaborated with teams remotely, or managed your own workload and productivity as a remote worker.

Here are some sample remote work accomplishments you can use:

• Oversaw transition to remote work for team of 12 direct reports, resulting in 20% increase in productivity
• Led remote design sessions with client teams on 20+ projects to develop functional and technical requirements
• Increased overall departmental sales by 10% in a single year while working remotely

Optimize your resume for ATS

Up to 75% of companies now use some form of ATS or automated resume screener, and that number is likely to keep growing. Make it past the first hurdle by ensuring a computer can read your resume — that means creating it as a Word or Google Docs file, saving it as a PDF, using a single-column layout, and avoiding Photoshop or online resume building programs, which can result in a non-highlightable image that ATS can’t process. One super quick way to check that your resume is ATS-ready is to highlight the text — if you can’t, that means it isn’t compatible with ATS.

For even more tips, check out our guide to everything you need to know about applicant tracking systems .

If you have 20-30 minutes

Have a little more time? There resume updates will make a big impact — but still won't take you all day.

Add keywords

Having the most well-written resume in the world won’t help you if you can’t get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Increase your chances of making it onto a hiring manager’s desk — and onto the ‘yes’ pile — by including relevant keywords.

How do you know what keywords recruiters are looking for? Check the job description for essential skills and make sure you’ve included the exact job title somewhere on your resume. You can also use our skills and keywords finder to search for industry-specific keywords you can include.

Estimated time: 30 minutes

Remove unnecessary information

The problem with your resume may not be that it doesn’t have enough information, but that it has too much. Here’s how to trim outdated information from your resume:

• Get rid of jobs that are older than 10-15 years — in most cases, your resume doesn’t need to go back further than that.
• Consider removing jobs that you held for less than 3-6 months (e.g. the ones you might have left early), as you’re unlikely to be able to point to significant accomplishments.
• If you’ve been out of school for more than 8-10 years, make your education section more concise by removing details like coursework, GPA, and the year you graduated.
• Unless you’re a current high school student, high school information doesn’t belong on your resume at all.
• If your resume contains any variation on the phrase “references available upon request,” get rid of it immediately!

Estimated time: 20 minutes

Skim your resume

Most hiring managers only spend a few minutes at most looking at each resume. What does that mean for you? If you have a super impressive accomplishment buried at the bottom of your resume or in a dense paragraph, chances are the person reading your resume won’t even notice.

Avoid falling into this trap by reading over your resume like a hiring manager would. Quickly scan your resume and see what jumps out at you. Do you notice important skills and keywords? Relevant job titles and accomplishments? Essential qualifications? If there’s something you want to highlight that isn’t immediately obvious, try these tricks to emphasize it:

• List career highlights — including must-have skills or particularly impressive accomplishments — in a resume summary at the top of the page
• Put the most important information higher up on your resume
• Make your bullet points shorter and more varied to hold a recruiter’s attention
• Use formatting tricks (bold, italics, font size) to make different sections stand out

Estimated time: 20-30 minutes

Proofread your resume

It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised to learn how many mistakes slip through onto finished resumes. Some hiring managers may not mind — or even notice — the odd typo, but for others, it could be a dealbreaker. Avoid taking chances by thoroughly proofreading your resume.

Here are some tips ensuring your resume is 100% error-free:

• Read it aloud. It's easy for our eyes to skip over small mistakes, but reading out loud forces us to slow down and listen to what's actually on the page.
• Use text to speech. Similarly, using the built-in text to speech function in your browser or Microsoft Word can help highlight any errors or awkward sections.
• Read it backward. It sounds silly, but it works. Reading each section — or even each word — in reverse order allows you to spot mistakes you might otherwise miss.
• Ask someone else. It's much easier to spot mistakes in other people's work than in something you wrote yourself. Ask someone you trust if they have a few minutes to look over your resume for obvious mistakes.

If you have 45 minutes+

Looking to do a complete resume overhaul? Deep dive into potential resume problem areas with these tips.

Update your work experience bullet points

Now that you’ve gotten rid of information that doesn’t need to be on your resume, you should have more room for the things that matter, like your accomplishments.

Under each job title on your resume, list 3-6 accomplishments in bullet point format using the formula [action verb] + [what you did] + [what the result was]. Use concrete numbers whenever possible — if you’re stuck, here are some easy ways to quantify your resume .

Estimated time: 1 hour

A good way to check if your resume has enough uses of concrete numbers and quantifiable accomplishments is to upload it to the tool below — it’ll scan it and let you know if you have shown enough quantifiable accomplishments that hiring managers look for in a resume.

Tailor your resume to the job you want

Keywords aren’t the only way to target your resume. You should also:

• Include a resume title that matches the job you’re applying for
• Write a resume summary highlighting key skills and experience
• Make sure your job title reflects your actual responsibilities
• Prioritize your most relevant accomplishments — reorder your bullet points if necessary
• Customize your skills section
• Run your resume through our Targeted Resume tool to check your resume against the job description

Estimated time: 45 minutes

If you’re unsure how to tailor your resume to the job you want, use the hard skills and keywords tool below to search for the job and it’ll give you a list of skills relevant to the job. For example, search for Graphic Designer and it’ll give you a list of skills specific to the graphic design industry.

Update your LinkedIn

Potential employers look at more than just your resume when you’re applying for jobs. It’s fairly common for hiring managers to get a better feel for applicants by looking at their LinkedIn profiles, so make sure that yours is up to date and consistent with your resume. To improve your LinkedIn profile, optimize it using this tool .

Once it’s up to scratch, include a link to your profile in your resume header to make it easier for recruiters to find you if they want to know more.

Polish your formatting

The content of your resume is what matters most, but that won’t count for much if hiring managers can’t read it. Your resume should use plain, consistent formatting. Make sure to:

• Choose a basic, easy to read font — and use the same font throughout your resume
• Use bold and italics to emphasize section headings
• Write your accomplishments in bullet points, not in paragraphs of text
• List jobs in reverse chronological order , with your most recent position at the top
• Don’t use fancy templates, colors , images, or infographics — keep it simple
• Leave plenty of blank space — this makes your resume easier for recruiters to quickly skim
• Download an ATS-friendly resume template to do most of the work for you

Estimated time: Up to 1 hour

Future proof your resume for 2024

If you find you're having to start from scratch every time you update your resume, here are some things you can start doing now to make sure your resume is always up to date.

Use a modern resume template

Do you spend so much time formatting your resume that you're bored by the time you start adding content? Take a shortcut by downloading a professional, ATS-optimized resume template . Sticking with a modern but simple template is the key to avoiding resume trends (like bright colors or infographics) that will look dated in a few years.

Have a master resume

While it's important to have more than one resume, depending on how many jobs you're applying for and how different they are, it can also be a pain to keep them all updated. Avoid this by creating a single master resume that contains all of your information. That way, you can keep a single file updated and pull from it to create more targeted resumes as needed.

Keep a running list of your accomplishments

Have you ever sat down to update your resume and wished you could remember more of your accomplishments? Instead of straining to remember months (or years) worth of accomplishments at once, try keeping a running list of your accomplishments and adding to it every time you achieve something noteworthy. This could be a "brag folder" where you drop projects you're proud of, a word document where you copy glowing performance reviews, or even a handwritten notebook where you jot things down as they happen.

Spread the word

How to improve your resume: a guide for job seekers in 2024, what should a resume look like in 2024, keep reading, how to show bilingualism on your resume (with examples), oops what to do if there’s a mistake on your resume, getting the basics right: resume line spacing, subscribe to our newsletter.

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Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

• Career Blog

Updating Your Resume in 2024: 11 Fast and Simple Steps

A resume acts as your professional profile, and it is often the first document that potential employers review. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain an updated and relevant resume to showcase your skills, accomplishments, and experience to potential employers.

Benefits of updating your resume regularly

Updating your resume regularly has several benefits. Firstly, it ensures that you have the most up-to-date information on hand when applying for jobs. This includes your latest work experience, accomplishments, and skills. Secondly, keeping your resume updated can make job searching less stressful, as you’ll be prepared to respond to job openings quickly. Lastly, it can also help you identify areas where you need to gain more experience or skills, which can further enhance your career development.

Updating your resume regularly can make a significant difference in your job search. This article will provide readers with 11 fast and simple steps to make their resumes stand out to potential employers.

Assessing Your Current Resume

As you begin the process of updating your resume, the first step is to assess your current one. This involves reviewing your resume, identifying areas that need improvement, and setting goals for your new resume.

Reviewing your current resume

Start by carefully reading through your resume. Look for any typos or grammatical errors, as well as inconsistencies in formatting or information. Check that all of your contact information is up-to-date and easy to find.

Next, evaluate the overall tone and language of your resume. Does it accurately convey your skills and experience? Is it easy to read and understand? Does it sell you as a strong candidate?

Identifying areas that need improvement

Once you’ve reviewed your resume, identify areas that need improvement. This may include updating outdated skills or experience, highlighting achievements more effectively, or reformatting sections to make them more readable.

Consider any feedback you’ve received on your resume in the past, such as from a mentor, colleague, or recruiter. Use this feedback to guide your revisions and improve your resume’s overall effectiveness.

Setting goals for your new resume

As you identify areas for improvement, set specific goals for your new resume. These may include:

• Highlighting specific achievements or skills in a more prominent way
• Reformatting sections to make them more visually appealing or easy to read
• Customizing your resume for specific job applications, tailoring it to the company’s needs and culture
• Including more relevant details, such as industry-specific keywords or relevant coursework

The goal of updating your resume is to create a stronger, more effective representation of your skills and experience. By carefully assessing your current resume, identifying areas for improvement, and setting specific goals for your revisions, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a standout resume that helps you land your next job.

Reviewing Job Market Trends and Requirements

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and requirements is crucial in positioning yourself as a top candidate for the job. Job market trends are constantly changing due to factors such as advancements in technology, shifts in the economy, and emerging industries. Therefore, it is important to review and analyze these trends to determine what skills and qualifications are currently in demand.

Researching industry-specific requirements is another important step in updating your resume. Different industries require specific skills and qualifications, therefore it is crucial to understand these requirements to tailor your resume to a specific job. Look into job descriptions of the roles you are interested in and take note of any desired skills, qualifications, or certifications that are mentioned. This will give you insight into what employers are looking for in a candidate and allow you to highlight your relevant experience and skills.

Incorporating relevant skills and keywords into your resume is another key step in making your application stand out. Hiring managers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter through resumes based on specific keywords and skills. Therefore, it is important to include relevant industry-specific keywords and phrases throughout your resume, such as software programs or project management techniques. This will ensure that your resume has a higher chance of passing the initial screening process and getting to the hands of a hiring manager.

Staying informed about job market trends, researching industry-specific requirements, and incorporating relevant skills and keywords are all essential steps in updating your resume. By doing so, you can position yourself as a top candidate for the job and make your application stand out in a sea of candidates.

Brainstorming Achievement-Driven Content

When it comes to updating your resume, one of the most important steps is to identify your professional achievements. This involves taking a closer look at your career path and considering the standout moments or accomplishments that have set you apart from others in your field.

Once you have identified your achievements, the next step is to brainstorm relevant content for your resume. Think about the skills, experiences, and accomplishments you want to highlight, and consider how to present this information in a way that will appeal to potential employers. This might involve highlighting specific metrics or using powerful language to convey your expertise in a certain area.

Of course, not all achievements are created equal, and it’s important to determine which ones are the most important to include on your resume. This might involve considering the role you are applying for or the skills and experiences particular employers value most.

By following these steps, you can create achievement-driven content that speaks to your unique strengths and helps you stand out in a crowded job market. So take the time to identify your professional achievements, brainstorm relevant content, and determine the most important achievements to include on your resume. Your hard work will pay off in the end!

Formatting and Layout

When it comes to updating your resume, formatting and layout are crucial factors to consider. Employers receive countless resumes, so making sure that yours stands out is essential. In this section, we will cover three key components: choosing the appropriate resume format, organizing your resume effectively, and making design choices.

Choosing the Appropriate Resume Format

There are three main types of resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. The chronological format is the most traditional and commonly used. It presents your work history in reverse chronological order, highlighting your most recent accomplishments first. The functional format emphasizes your skills and experiences, rather than your job history. The combination format is a mix of both and is ideal for those with a stable work history and transferable skills.

Choosing the appropriate format depends on your work history and the job you’re applying for. If you have a solid work history, the chronological format may be best. If you’re changing careers or have gaps in your employment history, the functional format may be more appropriate. The combination format is ideal if you have a versatile skillset that can transfer across roles.

Organizing Your Resume Effectively

Once you’ve chosen a format, it’s important to organize your resume effectively. This includes using clear headings and bullet points, using action verbs to describe your accomplishments, and tailoring your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. It’s also essential to keep your resume concise, so only include relevant information.

The order of your sections is also important. Most resumes include the following sections: contact information, summary or objective statement, work experience, education, and skills. However, you may choose to prioritize sections based on the job you’re applying for. For example, if the job requires specific skills, you may want to include a skills section before work experience.

Making Design Choices

While the content of your resume is crucial, the design choices you make can also impact how it’s received. Use a consistent design throughout, choosing a professional font and an appropriate font size. Use bold and italics to highlight important information, but avoid using too many colors or graphics.

If you’re submitting your resume online, make sure it’s in a format that’s easily readable by applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems scan resumes for keywords, so it’s important to customize your resume with specific keywords from the job listing.

Formatting and layout are essential components to consider when updating your resume. By choosing the appropriate format, organizing your resume effectively, and making the right design choices, you can ensure that your resume stands out to potential employers.

Crafting a Strong Summary or Objective Statement

Your summary or objective statement is the first thing a hiring manager sees when they open your resume. It is your chance to make a strong first impression and convince the employer that you are the perfect fit for the job. To achieve this, you need to follow a few steps:

Writing a Compelling Summary or Objective Statement

Your summary or objective statement should be brief, no more than two to three sentences long. Begin by summarizing your experience and skills in a way that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. This should include your job title and what you bring to the table. Be sure to showcase the qualities that make you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

Highlighting Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Your USP is what sets you apart from others and makes you the ideal candidate for the role. Be sure to communicate this in your summary or objective statement. Share your achievements, strengths, and unique qualities that separate you from others in your field.

Tailoring Your Summary or Objective Statement to Job Requirements

When crafting your summary or objective statement, it is vital to tailor it to the job requirements. This means identifying the skills, experience, and qualifications the job necessitates, and including them in your statement. Make sure your statement aligns with the job description and includes relevant keywords recruiters are likely to search. This approach also demonstrates that you have read and understood the job advertisement and that you can offer the employer what they are looking for.

Writing a compelling summary or objective statement is essential for standing out in the current job market. By highlighting your USP, tailoring your statement to job requirements, and writing a compelling summary, you can impress potential employers and improve your chances of landing your dream job.

Showcasing Your Skills and Credentials

The skills and credentials section of your resume is crucial in demonstrating to potential employers that you are qualified for the job. Here are three steps to effectively showcase your skills and credentials on your resume:

• Including Relevant Skills:

Make sure you list relevant skills to the position you are applying for. This not only shows that you have the necessary qualifications but also highlights how you can be an asset to the company. Review the job posting and tailor your skills section to match the requirements listed.

• Highlighting Certifications, Licenses, and Degrees:

Be sure to list any certifications, licenses, or degrees relevant to the position. This information not only demonstrates your expertise in the field but can also help set you apart from other applicants. Include the name of the certification or degree, the issuing institution, and the date completed.

• Providing Evidence of Skills and Credentials:

It’s not enough to simply list your skills and credentials on your resume; you also need to provide evidence of their value. This can include awards, projects you worked on, metrics that show the impact of your work, and any other tangible accomplishments. Be specific and quantify your achievements if possible.

By following these three steps, you’ll effectively showcase your skills and credentials on your resume, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. Don’t sell yourself short. Highlight your strengths and qualifications to maximize your chances of landing the job you want.

Adding Work Experience

Your work experience section is where you showcase your professional accomplishments and demonstrate why you’re the right candidate for the job. It’s important to list your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job and working backwards. For each job, include the following:

• Company name
• Employment dates
• Brief description of your role and responsibilities

In addition to listing your job titles and companies, it’s important to provide detailed information for each job. This includes:

• Accomplishments: Highlight specific accomplishments and achievements that demonstrate your value to your previous employer. Use metrics wherever possible to quantify your successes. For example, “Increased sales by 30% in Q2” or “Managed a team of 10 employees and exceeded performance goals by 20%”.
• Skills: Don’t just list the skills required for the job; highlight the skills that you possess that were essential to your success in the role. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, you might highlight your skills in copywriting, data analysis, and social media management.
• Responsibilities: It’s important to provide a brief overview of the responsibilities you held at each job, but be sure to focus on the tasks that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

By tailoring your work experience section to the job you’re applying for, you’ll make it easier for hiring managers to see how your experience and skills are a great fit for the role. Remember to keep your descriptions concise and focus on your most impactful accomplishments. With these tips, your work experience section will help you stand out from the competition and land that dream job.

Including Education, Volunteer Work, and Extracurricular Activities

When updating your resume, it is important to include your education, relevant volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. These sections can help showcase your skills, personal interests, and dedication to your career.

Listing your education

When listing your education, start with your most recent degree and work backwards. Be sure to include the name of the institution, degree obtained, field of study, and graduation date. If you have multiple degrees, list them in chronological order. Include any academic honors or awards you received while in school.

Including relevant volunteer work and extracurricular activities

Volunteer work and extracurricular activities can demonstrate your passion and commitment to your field, as well as your ability to work in a team and take on leadership roles. When including these sections in your resume, only list activities that are relevant to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing, list extracurricular activities such as running social media platforms or organizing club events.

Highlighting any relevant awards or honors

If you have received any awards or honors that are relevant to the job you are applying for, make sure to include them in a separate section of your resume. This can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your expertise in your field. Examples of relevant awards or honors might include a scholarship for your studies, an award for your community or volunteer work, or recognition from a professional organization.

Including your education, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities in your resume can help demonstrate your skills, commitment, and expertise in your field. Remember to only include relevant activities and highlight any relevant awards or honors to make yourself stand out to potential employers!

Proofreading and Reviewing

To make sure that your resume is polished and professional, it’s essential to proofread and review it carefully. Here are a few things to keep in mind during this important step of the process:

Editing your resume for spelling and grammar

Nothing undermines your credibility as a job candidate faster than careless spelling and grammar mistakes in your resume. To avoid this problem, take the time to carefully review your resume for any errors. Use a spelling and grammar checker to help you catch any mistakes you may have missed, and read your resume out loud to yourself to ensure it flows naturally and is easy to read.

Ensuring consistency throughout your resume

Another important aspect of proofreading and reviewing your resume is ensuring that it’s consistent throughout. Make sure that your formatting is consistent, your font size and style are uniform, and your use of bullet points and indentation is consistent throughout. This will make your resume look more professional and polished.

Having a trusted friend or professional review your resume

Sometimes it’s hard to be objective when it comes to your own work. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a trusted friend or professional review your resume before you submit it. They can give you feedback on the content and help you identify any areas that might need improvement. This can save you from submitting a resume that’s weak or ineffective, and help you capture the attention of potential employers.

Taking the time to proofread and review your resume is an essential step in the job search process. By editing for spelling and grammar, ensuring consistency throughout, and getting feedback from a trusted friend or professional, you can make sure that your resume stands out and makes a great impression on potential employers.

Finalizing Your Updated Resume

Congratulations, you have made it to the final step of updating your resume! But before you start sending it out to potential employers, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that your customized resume is ready for prime time.

Saving and Naming Your Updated Resume

The first thing you’ll want to do is save your updated resume with a professional, easy-to-remember name. A good practice is to include your name and the date of creation in the file name. Therefore, if an employer comes back to your resume months after your initial submission, they’ll quickly know that it’s recent and up to date.

Tailoring Your Resume for Each Job Application

You’ve already spent time updating the content and design of your resume to make it more competitive. Now it’s time to make sure it’s tailored to each job application. Review the job posting and company information, then update your resume to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements accordingly. You can also mention specific projects or initiatives you worked on that align with the prospective employer’s needs. Tailoring your resume helps you stand out from other applicants and shows the interviewer that you’ve put in the effort to understand their business needs.

Preparing for Any Potential Interviews

Now that you have a polished, customized resume, it’s time to prepare for potential interviews. Research the company and hiring manager, and anticipate the kinds of questions they’re likely to ask you. Practice answering interview questions with a trusted friend or family member who can give you feedback on your responses. Dress professionally for the occasion, and make sure you have any necessary paperwork or materials ready to go. Most importantly, be confident in your skills and experience, and remember to sell yourself as the best candidate for the job.

By following these final steps, you’ll have a resume that stands out to potential employers and positions you as a strong candidate. Congratulations again on taking the initiative to update your resume and best of luck in your job search!

Examples and Samples

Are you struggling to visualize how the 11 steps to updating your resume will look when put into practice? Look no further! We have provided example resumes that showcase each step in action. These resumes highlight how incorporating the steps can elevate your resume and make it stand out to potential employers.

In addition to example resumes, we have also included sample job descriptions to help guide you in incorporating the appropriate language and skills into your resume. These descriptions are designed to enhance your overall professional image and improve your chances of catching the eye of hiring managers.

With these examples and samples, you can take the first step in updating your resume with confidence and ease. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a lasting impression with potential employers!

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Updating your resume: when and how to refresh your professional profile

Think about the kind of job you want

Check contact details, amend the summary, update your latest work experience, ensure that keywords reflect your career goals, review and refresh your skills list, add new education or training courses, consider the formatting and template, match your linkedin profile with your resume.

Creating a resume that reflects your current experience and future ambitions is no simple matter. Career paths can shift imperceptibly over time and before you know it your resume is no longer a reflection of where you are or a signpost to where you are going. Updating your resume regularly is therefore an important exercise. 

The best job opportunities often come out of the blue—while your competition is frantically updating their resumes, you may already have that interview invite in your inbox. Make the changes on your terms and timeline—whenever you feel is appropriate.

But when and how should you refresh your professional profile? In this blog, we investigate:

• How often should you update?
• Benefits of a resume refresh

How to update your resume

How often should you update your resume.

This depends on the trajectory of your career and the likelihood of potential change. 

If you are 100% happy where you are or have just received a promotion, staying put is probably a good idea and an updated resume may just be a vanity project. If, on the other hand, you would consider a speculative approach for the right role, your resume should ideally be in a state of permanent readiness. 

An unexpected email that drops in your inbox with an exciting opportunity can do strange things to the brain. It is not such a flight of fantasy to imagine that you are a last-minute candidate and that you need to submit your resume immediately. If it is undercooked, that may prove costly. 

It may be time to give your resume a bit of polish in the following circumstances:

• You think that you may be 6 months out from a job search.
• People around you are starting to lose their jobs.
• You just completed a significant project.
• Your career ambitions change for any reason.
• You are open to an exploratory chat with a recruiter.

It doesn’t cost you anything to have a discussion with a recruiter if you are even slightly open to exploring opportunities. It is obviously never a good idea to waste their time, but if you have an updated version of your resume ready to go, it doesn’t cost you or them much to figure out whether there is a potential fit.

Benefits of a resume update

Not many of us will stand in the shower in the morning and contemplate how far we have come in our careers, much as that might be a worthwhile activity. Life is just too busy for that sort of contemplation.

The main benefit of a resume update lies in the fact that it forces you to be objective about your career achievements and match them up with an amended view of what you want from your next role. This future gazing will then serve to highlight any possible gaps between where you are and where you would like to be.

When you update a resume, it is an ideal chance to put yourself in the place of your future boss. What is missing in your career story? What parts of your experience could use a little more depth? At the very least, a resume update can send you away with a few ideas of what to work on in your career development.

Being organized in such a way helps to focus your mind on the skills that your ideal next role may require. It may also spark thoughts around other aspects of your current activity that may help to make the next step. Introspection can be useful when you are looking to move up in your career, so ask yourself what your resume is missing.

Depending on whether you have an imminent job search in mind or are secure in your job with no job search anticipated, each situation will call for a different slant on the resume update. 

While you should always tailor your resume for each application, it may be more of a tweak than a wholesale change. In any case, the following advice about how to update your resume is applicable in any situation.

Before you sit down to update your resume, it is critical that you consider where you see your career down the line. A resume should look forward as well as backward. It serves as a signpost to a potential employer to let them know what value you could add. If you are unclear on your future career path, you will likely write a resume that covers too many bases. Plant your flag in the ground and tell a career story that will justify your ambitions.

If you haven’t updated your resume in a while, it is possible that your contact details may have changed. Don’t miss out on a job opportunity just because you don’t update your email address. That would be tragic.

Also, when you are reviewing the header of your resume , you may want to consider whether you wish to include your full home address. This is no longer required and could bring data protection or discrimination issues, so consider just including your city and state.

If you feel that your resume is worth updating, then it is likely that the summary will change to some extent. Your most recent skills and experiences should be reflected in these first 5-6 lines, so consider taking out anything that is redundant.

The summary is also the section where you might outline your career motivations and objectives, so make sure that it still aligns with your vision of the future. Even a small change here might make a potential employer view you more favorably.

Many resumes will be updated with a new employer in the work experience section , so you will have some decisions about what resume content to cut. If you have roles from 15+ years ago you may choose to list the employer, job title, and employment dates without any details of accomplishments. Be selective about which accomplishments to cut from other roles—you may wish to dispense with any lines of text to focus on just bullet points .

When you update the work experience section with a new role, you should ideally dedicate the most space on your resume to what you have done recently. Employers will be looking for someone to hit the ground running, so demonstrate your suitability if possible.

Every time you update your resume and career ambitions, the keywords that you include in your career story should follow suit. Take the time to consider and potentially rethink how you describe yourself. Something that made perfect sense three years ago may no longer be so suitable, so don’t be afraid to make brave choices with your language.

Any disconnect with the roles that you are hoping to secure will cause doubts to surface in a hiring manager’s mind. Don’t jeopardize your chances just because your resume isn’t as up-to-date as it could be.

While the list of your key skills should be relatively consistent, it is not so time-consuming to tweak your resume when you have leveled up an important skill or acquired a new one.

If you need to decide which skill to lose from the list, be ruthless in your assessment of where your future lies. If a skill will not directly contribute to your future success, leave it out. Any part of your resume that might be considered surplus to requirements is wasting the hiring manager’s precious time. Less is more when it comes to resume skills.

As with skills, including additional educational qualifications should not be difficult, but as it likely entails losing something from elsewhere in the resume, this decision should not be taken lightly. Is it worth including an extra line of qualifications instead of a bullet point for an older role? Possibly, but that is a judgment call that you will have to make.

Employers will look for your most recent training courses as an indication that you are keen to improve your skills, so make sure that you always have something relatively recent in this section. They will assume that this is only the tip of the educational iceberg, so don’t be too concerned about not including everything.

If it has been a while since you updated your resume, it may be the case that you wish to give it a design overhaul. There are plenty of resume templates on the market, including our wonderful selection, so it is well worth giving it a refresh.

Don’t be tempted to go overboard with the design options, though. The most important aspect of a resume is telling a clear and compelling career story and making the case for your future potential. Don’t let a flashy design get in the way.

Now, while this step may not strictly be related to a resume, it is certainly the case that many employers will view your LinkedIn profile alongside your resume. To avoid any disconnect, make sure that you update your LinkedIn profile with the same information as your resume.

If you are not ready to announce your search to your current employer, be careful with this step as any changes will be public. Having said that, 50% of people are always looking, so you can’t be blamed for updating your latest career history. After all, LinkedIn is your professional profile and should always be current in any case.

Key takeaways

Updating your resume should be a proud moment. When you have something to add to your career history you shouldn’t hesitate. Don’t wait until you start a job search to think through the changes—that isn’t something that you should rush.

Also, don’t forget, you never know when your resume may be requested. If you are confident that it is current and aligned with your career goals, it is ready to send to a recruiter or potential employer at a moment’s notice. 

• Update it whenever you see fit and take your time with the changes.
• Think carefully about whether the amends improve your career positioning.
• Be ruthless about what you cut to make space—life moves on.
• Quantify your accomplishments where possible.

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How to Update your Resume: the Complete Guide

Keeping your resume updated  is a smart thing to do even when you’re not job hunting. You never know when an exciting opportunity might come up and you need to  submit your resume  at short notice.

Why update your resume?  The sooner you apply for a job the better chance you have of being considered.  Updating your resume  helps you to avoid delaying an application because you don’t have an up-to-date copy of your resume ready to send to employers.

Your resume is the most important tool you have to help advance your career, it should  focus on your strengths  and help to sell you to potential employers. If you have an  outdated resume  the chances are there will be a number of changes you need to make.

This step-by-step guide will walk you the most important changes to make in order to  update a resume . The most time-effective way is to use a  resume builder  which allows you to  update your resume online .

Updating your resume step-by-step

Having an  updated resume  is advantageous and if you follow this guide it is a simple task. There are a number of traps which job candidates fall into when  writing resumes  but they are all avoidable.

When to update your resume?  You should update your resume regularly and not only when you apply for jobs. Review your resume every six months and make sure it is up-to-scratch. Add new responsibilities,  achievements , and  skills .

Here are the  5 best tips for updating resumes  which will help your resume to stand out from the crowd.

Be concise and cut out the deadwood

Including too much information on a resume is a typical mistake. Every item should  clearly help to sell you  in some way so if you’re not sure if something is relevant, delete it.

Avoid long paragraphs and  use bullet points  instead as employers don’t want to wade through long pieces of text. Try to keep your resume to under 2 pages.

There also a number of other  things not to include on your resume  including:

• Personal information:  Don’t include your age, ethnicity, marital status, or sexuality.  Do include contact details .
• Salary details:  This could harm your application if the employer thinks your salary is too high or low for the position.
• Hobbies and interests :  Unless a hobby is relevant to a job, employers simply aren’t interested.
• References:  Writing ‘references available on request’ goes without saying. Wait for the employer to ask for them.

Focus on recent experience

Although on occasion it is necessary to include something earlier, employers are generally only interested in the last 10-15 years. An  updated resume  shouldn’t contain job positions from before then. Similarly, only include your most recent or most relevant  qualifications .

Only include your high school if it is your highest level of educational achievement. There are exceptions. If you are writing a  student resume  or you are writing a  resume update after graduation  it is natural to focus more on your education.

Identify keywords and use them

More and more companies are using  Applicant Tracking Software  (ATS) to filter resumes. This means that if a resume doesn’t include the right keywords, it won’t even be read by human eyes. It is important to bear this in mind when updating your resume.

Each job has slightly different needs so you will need to  adapt your resume for each application . Read carefully through each job posting to identify the key requirements and then work them into your resume.

Give your resume a makeover

Update your resume format  and appearance. When you’re updating your resume, you should develop a new layout. The quickest and easiest way is to use a  resume template . They are professionally-designed so they will grab the employer’s attention. There are hundreds to choose from and they are quick to edit, making it easy to  update your resume for a job  when you need to.

The first impression your resume gives is crucial as employers are quick to judge. Make sure your resume…

• Looks attractive and professional
• Highlights the most important parts  (Choose a  resume format  which draws attention to your strengths)
• Is visually consistent  (the same font, font size, color scheme etc is used throughout)

Update social media and proofread

Make sure you  update your resume on LinkedIn  and any other social media profile as well as your resume. Employers will check, so it’s important to ensure consistency.

It is also crucial to  proofread your resume multiple times . Small errors give the wrong impression, so don’t make them.

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How to Update Your Resume in 2024 [10+ Tips & Examples]

3 key takeaways

• Why it's important to update your resume regularly
• When you should update your resume (with examples)
• 10 tips for updating your resume and how to do it easily with the Teal Resume Builder

Your resume is a living document.

In other words, you should update it throughout your career—not just when you're looking for a job.

But if you're like most people, you probably wonder, "How do I update my resume? And how often?"

With a proactive approach, your resume will always contain your recent skills and results so you can take advantage of new opportunities, be prepared for any career shift, and confidentially make any transition—without scrambling.

Want to store your entire career history in one place for free? Sign up for Teal today .

Why is it important to have an updated resume?

Keeping your resume current isn't just about ticking a box—it's about staying up to date with your industry and resume trends while strategically positioning yourself at every stage of your professional journey. Here’s why it’s important for more than just job seekers:

Showcasing new skills and experience

Your relevant skills and work experience are constantly growing and evolving.

Rather than digging for metrics and tools three months after you've completed a project, accomplished something, or had a big win, update your skills and experience while they're fresh. 

Updating details while they're top of mind ensures you accurately capture all relevant achievements and newly acquired skills without missing or forgetting any important information.

Identifying areas of career development

Resumes aren't just a reflection of past accomplishments thrown together for a job search. They're also a roadmap for future career development.

As you gain new skills, complete training, or take on additional responsibilities, adding them to your resume will help you track your professional growth and identify gap areas where you might need further development.

Taking advantage of job opportunities

You never know when the next opportunity or challenge is going to come your way.

Find a job you love? An up-to-date, relevant resume will generate a lot more positive results than one with outdated information. It also means you're always ready to jump at exciting new roles without the time-consuming rush of revising your details at the last minute.

Improving your professional brand

Your resume is one way to market your professional identity. It maps out your career and emphasizes your biggest strengths and achievements. 

By keeping it fresh and updated, you make sure it reflects the very best of who you are now—not just who you were several years ago.

Update your resume with Teal

Have a resume you want to update? Upload it into Teal with one click. Then, update your content as often as you need to for free.

How long should a resume be in 2024?

Your resume length depends on your relevant experience, qualifications, and the specific requirements of the job you're applying for. 

The resume you update regularly—a base resume storing your entire career history—will be longer because of all the details it contains. The resume you use to apply for a specific job will be shorter because it should only contain relevant information.

For example, let's say you have decades of experience; while your base resume could be five pages or more, the version tailored for a specific job might be two. That's because only certain experiences and skills are pertinent to the job.

How often should you update your resume?

There's no right or wrong answer for how often you should update your resume. But regularly refreshing it when you learn new skills, earn certifications, apply for jobs, or for networking can be incredibly valuable.

A recent LinkedIn survey by Teal highlights that 50% of people only update their resumes when they see jobs they want to apply for. But there are several instances when you should update your resume outside of wanting a new job.

So, when should you actually update your resume?

After gaining new skills or certifications

Anytime you develop new skills or acquire certifications, add these to your base resume.

Along with keeping your resume up to date, this will help you keep track of your professional development. (And ensures you don't forget anything you've learned along the way!)

Pro Tip: The free Teal Resume Builder has a dedicated Skills section where you can store all of your skills for free. Then, select the ones most relevant to any job you apply for.

When tailoring for each job application

Using the same resume for every job application can reduce your chances of getting called for an interview.

It’s best practice to update your resume for every job application to align your experience with the job posting. In fact, recruiters and hiring managers identify keywords and the skills and experience they need to see in the details of job descriptions.

Read the job description carefully, then tailor your resume—highlighting skills, experience, and values that a prospective employer prioritizes.

For networking opportunities

An up-to-date resume is invaluable for networking events.

Whether planned or spontaneous, having a current resume allows you to take advantage of any opportunity to connect with industry peers, mentors, or potential employers, making a professional impression right away.

At least annually

At a bare minimum, you should update your resume at least once a year. 

Even if you don't have any new skills, certifications, or resume bullet points to add (which you most likely will!), you can still polish your resume yearly and ensure that it aligns with current resume writing best practices.

Pro-tip:  Keep a running list of accomplishments and milestones in your current role. Whenever you achieve something noteworthy, jot it down. Then, when it's time to update your resume, you'll have a detailed record of your wins, ensuring you can update your resume quickly.

10 tips for updating your resume

Updating your resume regularly and tailoring it to the specific job you're applying for will increase your chances of landing an interview.

Adhering to best practices can help you create a quality resume while also preventing common errors that could discourage hiring managers, (like listing everything you've ever done or forgetting recent wins). Below are some resume tips for updating your content.

1. Include the right resume sections

Your resume sections are key to showcasing your relevant experience.

Organizing your personal information, work history, and skills into different, easy-to-navigate sections is a great way to prioritize the most important details.

Include the following sections as long as the information in each is relevant and accurate:

• Contact Information
• Target Title
• Professional Summary 
• Work Experience
• Certifications
• Optional – Projects – Awards and Scholarships – Volunteering and Leadership – Publications – Interests

You don't need to be a certified professional resume writer to do this. Tools like Teal include each of the sections above you can organize, rename, and fill in as you create or update your resume.

2. Update your contact information

To make sure that potential employers can reach you when you're ready to hit apply, it is crucial to keep your resume header up to date with accurate contact information.

When refreshing your contact details, keep the following in mind:

• Use your first and last name
• Include a professional email and phone number
• List your location (a physical address isn't necessary)
• Include your full LinkedIn URL if it's up-to-date

3. Update your professional summary

Your resume's professional summary shows a hiring manager your career in aggregate.

Rather than an outdated resume objective, a short professional bio should be no frills and straight to the point. To update your resume summary, include any new high-level achievements with impact and results.

Don't want to rework your summary? Create and store unlimited versions in your Teal base resume.

4. Add work experience with metrics

As your career develops, so do your responsibilities and achievements. Making sure your Work Experience section reflects this is key to showcasing current abilities and expertise (and career progression!). 

Add any new positions you've held since your last update. Use resume action verbs to describe specific things you've done and the impact and results of those things.

For example, don't just say, "Managed employee training program," say something like, "Implemented targeting training program for new employees that reduced employee turnover by 70% month over month."

And remember, while your base resume should store all of the details of your bullet points and their results, when applying for a specific role, you'll tailor this section to match the job description closely. 

5. Assess skills, certifications, and education

Update your skills section by adding any new capabilities or tools.

Include any new certifications, courses, or degrees that improve your qualifications. Remove anything that's expired, and review your Education section to ensure anything you list current and relevant to your career direction.

Pro Tip: Want to see if your resume has everything you need? The Teal AI Resume Builder has an Analysis Mode that scans your resume and gives you real-time feedback on its effectiveness as it relates to current resume trends.

6. Tailor your resume to a job

When you find a job you want to apply for, update your resume by tailoring it to the job posting. Here's how to do this in 3 steps:

Step 1: Prune your summary and experience

Prune your professional summary and work experience so the details align with the requirements and responsibilities listed by the potential employer. 

Remember, tailoring your resume isn't just about listing everything you've ever done; it's about framing your relevant experience alongside results and impact to demonstrate how it aligns with the specific role you're applying for.

To do this in just seconds with Teal, toggle on the most relevant details by checking the box next to the information you want to show on your resume.

Step 2: Add relevant keywords

Resume keywords are specific words or phrases that relate to the job you're applying for.

Incorporating relevant resume keywords can increase your chances of being found by recruiters or hiring managers when they search ATS systems for specific skills, experience, or even job titles.

So, how do you incorporate them into your resume? 

For example, if a job description emphasizes "strong project management skills," one of your resume bullets could highlight this by saying, "Led a team of 10 in a complex project using project management skills and tools like Jira and Asana, increasing efficiency by 15%

Want to add keywords quickly? Teal's Resume Job Description Match provides insight into the keywords your resume is missing. Get an overall score and suggested words to improve that score to align your resume with any job.

Step 3: Align your skills, educational background, and certifications

If you opt to include a Skills section in your resume, make sure everything you list is also found in the job description. You also need to be able to back up this list with tangible proof throughout the other sections of your resume.

In addition, everything in your Education and Certification sections (and any other section) should be relevant to the job you're applying for.

7. Format your resume

Once your resume content is updated and ready, it's time to pick a format.

The best resume format helps communicate you have the right skills and experience for a job in a way that's easy for hiring managers to find—quickly.

The most common structure is a reverse chronological resume that showcases your work experience in a clear and concise manner starting with your most recent experience. 

Other formats like a functional (skills-based) resume or a hybrid (combination) resume are less familiar, but can be used in situations like when you're just starting out or pivoting careers.

Here's a checklist for updating your resume format:

• Choose a reverse-chronological resume template that is clean, simple, and will parse correctly into the ATS.
• Opt for a format that makes sense for your experience and the job you're applying to. (For example, if there's a heavy focus on tools or hard skills, a hybrid format that lists skills beneath your professional summary might be the best option.)
• Use a font and font size that are easy to read.
• Keep margins to one inch.
• Create sections to highlight your skills, accomplishments, and any previous positions that fit the role's description.
• Use bullet points with action verbs to expand on each job title.
• Proofread for misspellings and grammar mistakes.
• Use a free resume tool like Teal to double-check your work.

9. Proofread your resume

Updating your resume isn't a one-and-done job. You'll need to proofread it multiple times and after each update. 

Proofreading your resume ensures it is free of errors when you go to submit it.

As you proofread, keep the following in mind:

• Is everything spelled correctly?
• Are there any filler words you can take out?
• Are you using active voice and action verbs?
• Is all your grammar correct?

10. Save your resume as a PDF file

If a hiring manager can't read your resume, they can't offer you an interview.

Applicant tracking systems are partial to PDF formats. If you send your resume in a different file the document may not parse correctly.

Update your resume in 2024 with Teal

Keeping your resume updated and tailoring it to each specific job will make it a much more impactful, relevant document.

But if you don't do it regularly, this process can take some serious effort.

With Teal's free Resume Builder, you can save precious time by storing (and updating) your entire career history in one place. Then, easily tailor your content for every unique job with the right keywords, skills, and most relevant details without starting from scratch or deleting important details.

Sign up for Teal for free and start updating your resume today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements to focus on when updating my resume for 2024.

When updating your resume for 2024, focus on clarity, brevity, and relevance. Ensure your contact information is up-to-date, highlight recent job experiences with measurable bullet points, incorporate keywords from your industry, and keep the design clean and professional. Tailor your resume to each job application to align with the specific requirements of the role.

How often should I review and update my resume to stay aligned with best practices?

Can i use online tools to update my resume, and are they effective in following 2024 best practices.

Kayte Grady

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How to Update Your Resume [5 Tips + Examples]

Looking for practical ways to refresh your resume? You’re in the right place.

In this blog, we’ll explain why and how often you should update your resume, followed by five tips on how to improve your current resume and impress employers.

Why You Need To Update Your Resume

On average, employers spend six seconds looking at a resume before deciding which pile to place it in: Interview or Rejection. That’s right, six seconds! But don’t let that discourage you — a strong resume can make all the difference in getting you noticed and landing an interview.

Your resume is your first impression, and it’s important to make it count. A polished and updated resume tells employers that you’re serious about your job search and that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for.

Providing an updated resume can also communicate to employers your:

• Commitment to upskilling and staying relevant in your field
• Ability to organize and present information in a clear and concise manner
• Writing skills and attention to detail

By taking the time to refresh your resume, you give yourself a competitive edge and a reason why employers should choose you over other candidates!

How Often You Should Make Edits

Do you remember what you ate for breakfast yesterday? What about a week ago? If you’re drawing a blank, that’s very common. So odds are, you also probably don’t remember all the details from a project you completed a year ago or even multiple years ago. 

To avoid forgotten but important details, we advise updating your resume after key career milestones and successes. So, what does that mean in terms of time? Well, it depends. 

A good rule of thumb is to update your resume every six months, but you may need to make edits more or less frequently. You can always remove information later if it’s no longer relevant to your career goals.

5 Tips for Updating Your Resume

1. highlight what you made, saved, and achieved.

Trust us, hiring managers don’t want to see resumes that only list job responsibilities. What they do want to know is the value you’ll add. 

Showcase your skills and accomplishments to potential employers, and include specific examples of how you’ve made and saved money for prior employers and personal awards or recognition you’ve achieved.

Here is an example of the experience section for an accounting professional:

2. Add Your New Skills and Certifications

What skills have you learned or improved since you last updated your resume? Have you received any new certifications you’re proud of? Or ones you are actively working toward? 

Add these details to your resume! Many employers appreciate seeing this information as it demonstrates your commitment to learning and growth, making you a more desirable applicant.

Please note: always be honest about your level of expertise. It’s never a good idea to lie or exaggerate on your resume! Employers may test your proficiency in certain areas during the interview process.

Here are some examples you might be able to include in your resume:

3. Keep It Concise and Easy To Read

We’ll let you in on a little secret: hiring managers don’t want to read lengthy paragraphs. Instead, use bullet points to organize your resume. Why?

• They’re easier to read than complete sentences
• And they draw attention to your important details

( See what we did there? ) Remember to keep your bullet points short and sweet, and use strong action verbs to make your experiences stand out.

While adding lots of colors, textures, and graphics may be tempting, we advise you don’t. When it comes to resumes, less is often more . Choose a clean and simple font that is easy to read — Arial font, size 11pt, is a great option. And make sure there’s enough white space throughout your resume so the document doesn’t look or feel cluttered.

One last nugget of advice: remove any internal company acronyms or terminology. You may think your terms are commonly understood, but they may not be. Do your best to translate them to a language that’s more industry standard.

4. Tailor Your Resume to the Job You’re Applying For

When submitting job applications, one size does not fit all. Tailoring your resume to the job you’re applying for can have a significant impact, as it shows your potential employer that you’re the best person for the job.

The good news is you don’t need to start from scratch each time. Instead, review the job description carefully and slightly adjust your resume to align with the essential duties better.

Here’s an example of an edit you could make if the job requires building out cash flow models:

5. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Your resume is a direct reflection of you.

• Misspellings and grammatical errors represent a lack of attention to detail
• Bad formatting shows an inability to present and organize information

Before you submit your application, proofread your resume at least twice. Then once more, to be safe. Especially if the role you’re applying to involves reporting.

Pro Tip: Beyond spellcheck, use a tool like Grammarly to catch any missed mistakes.

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• Use This Simple 4-Step...

Use This Simple 4-Step Process To Update Your Resume

5 min read · Updated on December 17, 2021

Although updating your resume feels like a big chore, it doesn't have to be with this simple four-step process.

Whether you're applying for jobs or not, it's always smart to keep your resume updated; you never know when you'll find an enticing job posting or when a recruiter is going to reach out to you on LinkedIn.

Instead of staying up into the wee hours of the night to completely overhaul your dusty resume, you'll make life so much easier when you commit to updating it every six months or so.

How to update your resume: A simple 4-step guide

Although updating your resume sounds like a dread, if you follow these steps, it shouldn't take more than an hour or two.

Before you incorporate additional information into your resume, take some time to review your previous positions for outdated work experiences and accomplishments. You want to make room new details, keeping your resume an appropriate length . As a general rule of thumb, stick to two full pages or less.

Although you might not want to delete some of your early achievements, hiring managers generally recommend maintaining only the previous 10 to 15 years of work experience on your resume. Older work history is often not relevant — unless you want to return to a previous career. 

In fact, keeping older work history can even work against you by subjecting you to ageism during the job search or robbing you of precious resume space.

“The reality is most recruiters spend less than 10 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding if a candidate should receive further consideration,” explains Amanda Augustine, the resident career expert for TopResume, certified professional career coach, and resume writer. “With so little time to make the right impression, it's important to present a succinct document that highlights the relevant parts of your skills, experience, and education.”

In addition to limiting your experiences to the past 15 years, you'll also want to trim or replace details that don't align with your current professional goals. For example, if you began your career as a sales associate but are now a manager, consider cutting older individual quota attainment figures and replacing it with your team's most recent accomplishments.

Once you've removed irrelevant details from past jobs, update your resume with new information that parallels your current career goals. Consider adding certifications, awards, and accomplishments you've received within the past year. 

Don't forget to add new skills, too. You'll want to ensure these reflect the top skills in your field so you stand out when pre-screened by applicant tracking systems (ATS) .

Also, make sure to list any additional responsibilities you've taken on in your current role. As you add these new details, continue to remove less relevant information from your current position —  stick to three to four bullet points per experience. 

It's also important to remember that your most recent position deserves the most attention; older positions shouldn't have as many bullet points. Additionally, where you can, highlight your accomplishments with numbers. 

“Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible; for instance, how did you help save the company money, generate revenue, improve customer satisfaction, increase productivity, and so forth?” Augustine says.

When updating your resume, keep in mind resume styles change often. If it's been more than a year since you've updated the format of your resume, it's probably time for a bit of a makeover. 

For example, if you're still using a resume objective statement, consider modifying your resume to incorporate a professional summary instead.

“Unfortunately, the resume objective statement is an outdated custom that's best forgotten,” Augustine says. “In fact, I'd go out on a limb and say that 'objective' has become a dirty word among the resume-writing community.”

Instead of taking up space with an objective statement outlining vague career goals, a strong professional summary allows you to explain who you are and what you bring to the table — like an elevator pitch. Check out some examples of professional summaries before you write one.

You also want to incorporate an “Areas of Expertise” or “Core Competencies” section that sums up your most important skills. This section helps boost your keyword count, which can often mean the difference between your resume landing on a hiring manager's desk or getting sucked into the resume abyss. 

As for your work experience, unless you're drafting a CV — as required in certain fields and for jobs abroad — avoid using paragraphs. Any and all accomplishments should be bulleted to ensure a hiring manager can quickly scan your resume for the most important points.

For the “Education” section, it's no longer required to include your graduation date, GPA, honors, or activities unless it's recent. It's also outdated to include a line that reads “References Available Upon Request.” Hiring managers already know you'll provide references when asked.

As you take these resume-writing steps, leave a good amount of white space between each section to avoid overwhelming your reader. Also, use simple and consistent fonts and sizes throughout the resume document to give it a cleaner look. This is not only ideal because it's easier on the eye, but it's also critical to passing the ATS.

4. Proofread

As always, when you're updating your resume, you run the risk of inserting errors. Before you submit your resume, take some time to proofread. For a second opinion, have a family member or friend (or expert!) give it a look.

Keep an eye out for formatting inconsistencies, such as different bullet points, fonts, and sizes,  and other inconsistencies, such as incorrect dates, titles, or details. It's the little things that can cost you the job!

Now that you have your resume updated, all you have to do is make some simple tweaks to tailor your resume when you find your next great opportunity.

Is your resume ready for your job search? Our expert resume writers can help ! 

This article was updated in September 2020. It was originally written by Yudy Pineiro . 

Recommended Reading:

11 Steps to Writing the Perfect Resume

4 Critical Reasons You Need to Update Your Healthcare Resume

4 Signs Your Federal Resume Is Holding You Back

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How To Update Your Resume In 2024

Table Of Contents

Why updating your resume is important, when should you update your resume, how to update your resume: 8 tips, 1. update your skills, 2. be cognizant of keywords, 3. choose a resume format, 4. make sure your contact information is up-to-date, 5. remove older jobs, 6. save as and submit in the proper format, 7. use action verbs  , 8. proofread, where to get help with updating your resume, bottom line.

How often do you update your resume? If you answered, “Any time I start a job search,” it might be time to rethink your approach. For one thing, if you wait until you’re about to start applying for jobs, you’re likely to forget a lot of your most impressive accomplishments.

Beyond that, updating your resume isn’t something you do every few years. In today’s job market, a resume isn’t just a static document. It’s an ever-evolving tool that changes with every skill you learn and every job you apply for. The version you use when you change careers will be different from the one you send when you’re applying to an academic program. And every new job opening will require you to customize your resume for that specific opportunity.

If you need resume help now, consider using a resume writing service for expert help. Are you ready to find a new job? Start your search on ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with a single click!

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Resume space is limited. You have one, maybe two pages in which to describe your most relevant skills, accomplishments, and qualifications. This is one reason why it makes sense to customize your resume for each job opening.

Another reason you update your resume for each specific job application is that hiring managers want to hire candidates who are passionate about their open jobs. A resume tells a story. If you send a generic resume, you’re telling the hiring manager that you’re a generic candidate.

Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. Even if you’ve stayed with the same employer for years, you’ve grown, changed, learned new skills, and overcome new challenges. Make sure your resume reflects your complexity, talent, and resiliency.

At a minimum, you need to update your resume every time you apply for a job–and make sure that you customize it for that particular job, using resume keywords from the job description to show the hiring manager why you’re an ideal candidate.

Beyond that, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of updating your resume regularly–once every few months, for example. Creating this habit will ensure that you add your skills as you develop them.

Even if you don’t update your resume regularly, be sure to track your skills development as it happens. It can be as easy as keeping a list in a Google document that you update as you acquire new skills.

Keep track of courses taken, certifications completed, and workshops attended. Also, remember informal learning. You may take on stretch assignments at work or contribute to high-profile projects that help you grow as a professional.

Look for opportunities to identify skills gaps and add to your skill set. For example, when you’re job searching, you might notice that the jobs you’re targeting require a hard or soft skill that you haven’t developed yet. Use this opportunity to seek out ways to close the gap. (Don’t forget about continuing education through your employer, if you’re currently working. You may be able to pick up these skills for free.)

Nearly 99% of Fortune 500 companies use an applicant tracking system ( ATS ), a software program that tracks, sorts, and filters resumes. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, it’s likely to get booted from the queue and never make it to a recruiter’s inbox.

To find the best keywords to use in your resume, scan the job description in the listing. Look for words describing skills, qualifications, experience, etc. Then include those words in your resume and cover letter.

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There are several different resume formats you can use when you’re updating your resume. These are some of the most popular:

Chronological : The classic resume format highlights your work history. Usually, a chronological resume format will list your jobs in reverse order, with your current or most recent role at the top.

A chronological format is a good choice if you have a lot of work experience related to the role you’re seeking and/or you’re applying through an ATS, which may have trouble reading complex resume formats.

Functional : This format highlights your skills and qualifications. It’s a good choice for a career changer, a recent grad, or someone whose career path has taken a few zigzags. However, it may not play well with applicant tracking systems.

Hybrid: Need to get through the ATS but want hiring managers to see your skills as well as your work history? A hybrid format may be the best choice for you. This resume type is also called a combination format.

This may go without saying, but we thought we’d mention it just to be safe: make sure your contact information is current. There’s nothing worse than going through all the trouble of applying only to miss out because the hiring manager couldn’t get in touch.

Two more pieces of advice: make sure you have a professional-sounding email address, and be sure to include your LinkedIn profile as well.

Once you’ve been out in the workforce for 10 years or more, you may want to leave off older job titles. Chances are, your experience in those roles is outdated. You may have used technology that’s now obsolete or learned procedures that have since been improved.

You can also remove any older jobs that are no longer relevant to your current occupation. Remember that your resume is not intended to be your biography. It’s more like a sales pitch–targeted and persuasive, not comprehensive.

Look for instructions on the job site or employer careers page and submit using that format. Chances are, you’ll be asked to submit your files via PDF or Word document (.doc or .docx). Whatever their specifications, be sure to follow them.

One easy way to polish your resume is to swap out old, tired verbs for fresher, more active ones. For example, if you held a job where you supported colleagues or clients, try using one of these verbs instead:

Not sure where to get started? CareerCloud has a list of 207 action verbs to use in your resume .

Use the spell-checking tool in your word processing software, try a proofreading app like Grammarly, or ask an eagle-eyed friend to review your job application documents before you click “submit.” Better yet–do all three.

If you have a printer, you can also try an old proofreading trick: print the document, and proofread it with a pen or pencil. If possible, let it sit for about a day before reviewing it a final time and submitting it.

When your resume is updated, you may be ready to start hunting for jobs. See where employers are listing jobs by checking out our list of the best job posting sites .

Need help making your resume reflect your skills and experience? Check out our guide to the best resume-writing services . Many offer a free resume review or other low-cost features. Resume writing services are an affordable way to get professional resume help.

Whether you’re actively searching for jobs, applying for a promotion at your current employer, or just making sure you’re keeping track of your skills, it makes sense to update your resume regularly. Use these tips and you’ll do more than impress recruiters and supervisors–you’ll remind yourself of why you’re so good at what you do.

Ready to use your resume to land your next role? Find your dream job at ZipRecruiter .

Michael Gardon

Mike is our Founder, career coach, and resident expert on all things resume, hiring and work-life. He is author of The Break newsletter and host of The Break Podcast on Careercloud. He has seen everything from being hired (and fired) to hiring and managing hundreds of people over his career. Mike has also successfully navigated many career pivots. He is a former derivatives trader turned corporate consultant turned entrepreneur who also holds a Bachelors' Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from DePaul University in Chicago. Mike is often interviewed and quoted on career topics in major publications such as Business Insider, Forbes, USA Today, Yahoo Finance and Fox News. Mike resides in the beautiful midwest where he built a life around his family. Connect with Mike to talk purpose, career change, entrepreneurship and side hustles like Quotebook , which he built with his kids!

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11 Impactful Ways to Update Your Resume for 2021

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Resume trends come and go, and that was especially true with 2020. Last year, so much changed, and the job search process was no exception. Because of that, you could be hurting your chances of getting an interview if you’re submitting old resumes in 2021.

Even if your work experience and skills have stayed the same, there are still ways to write your resume for the modern recruiting process and job landscape. Read on to discover eleven impactful ways to update your resume.

1. Update your resume’s design

One of the most powerful ways to give your resume a modern lift is to update the design. Old templates tend to be clunky and poorly laid out. Today, there are thousands of free resume templates online. Find one that provides a pleasant reading experience, looks modern, and is compatible with applicant tracking systems .

2. Use a hybrid resume format

We now know that recruiters spend about 6-7 seconds glancing at resumes before deciding if the applicant is a potential fit. That means that in 2021, you need to get to the good stuff—primarily your abilities—quickly. A hybrid resume allows recruiters to see your skills at a glance and, in our opinion, is the best resume format for the modern day job search.

3. Make your experience section easy to skim

One of the most challenging parts of writing your resume is balancing the amount of information that needs to be included with making it easy to skim. As we mentioned above, recruiters allot a matter of seconds to each resume. Because of that, you don’t want to include large blocks of text or too many bullet points. Condense everything as much as you can and use an appropriate number of bullets (not too many!) to convey that you are the right fit for the job. 

4. Add your remote work skills

Remote working skills became at once desirable in March of 2020, when COVID forced offices nationwide to close. Now that many employers are embracing remote work, it’s a good idea to include any work-from-home skills on your resume. Look closely at the job description to see if the company mentions any remote work collaboration tools like Google Docs , Asana , Trello , etc. Include these keywords on your resume where applicable.

5. Highlight efforts during the pandemic

As we all know, 2020 was challenging, especially for job seekers. Make sure to highlight how you worked through COVID-19—especially how resilient you were. How did you continue building on your experience? Or how did you help your business stay afloat? What new skills and tools did you learn? Don’t gloss over this challenging time. The fact you got through it, and especially your achievements during it, shed light on the type of worker you are.

6. Replace your objective statement with a resume summary

Many older resume templates prompt you to write an objective at the top of your resume. This was once a common practice, and if your resume is more than five years old, chances are good that you still have an objective statement lingering about. Try replacing it with an impactful summary statement . This is a brief overview of your top skills and experience that can quickly communicate to a recruiter who you are as an employee.

7. Add some action words

Is your resume engaging? Or is it a bore to read? Recruiters have heaps of resumes to read in 2021, and if you’re not using a compelling voice, you may not get more than the 6-7 seconds of their time. Energize your resume with action verbs like ideated, amplified, or spearheaded. Scan for passive voice and wherever possible replace it with active voice.

8. Start with a headline

We all know the importance of a compelling resume headline in 2021. How would you describe yourself to a recruiter in fewer than ten words? A well-crafted headline will help you frame your resume and catch the eyes of busy recruiters.

9. Remove outdated phrases

It’s possible your resume could include outdated language that implies your industry knowledge is also a bit dusty. Look for anything that stands out and replace it with industry keywords , especially if they are listed in the job description.

If your resume includes the phrase “References available upon request,” delete that and replace it with keyword-rich text.

10. Add measurable results

Job searching is competitive in 2021. To give yourself an edge, go back through your resume and add measurable results to demonstrate your skills and abilities.

Good: Grew traffic and improved conversion rate.

Better: Doubled organic sessions and improved conversion rate by 20 percent.

11. Optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems

Don’t get lost in the towering pile of resumes. Tailor your resume to the job description and ensure it’s formatted for easy parsing within an ATS.

Check to see how well optimized your resume is below.

What to Put on Your Resume (and What Not to Put on Your Resume)

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How to Update Your Resume: Simple Changes With Big Effects

In This Guide:

How to update your resume in less than one hour, how to update your resume (the long way)., updating your resume based on your experience., update resume on linkedin to match., how to update your indeed resume, how often should you update your resume, how to make your resume one page, how to make your resume look good, takeaways: how to update your resume.

Had enough of all the generic advice about how to update your resume?

I bet you’re bored out your mind from reading 25 similar articles that more or less say the same thing. Well, that’s why we sat down at the Enhancv headquarters to put our thinking hats on.

We’ve set out to craft this guide on resume updates to ensure your resume is giving you the best results and impact on the hiring managers.

Not just that, but you’ll learn everything you need to know about the topic.

It’s usually the resume after the first job when you start considering the topic of improving your resume.

To be honest, you should forget about updating your resume every six months. No one has time for that. It’s another reason why we’ve created a tool that will help you store your resume so you can edit it only when you need to.

But enough chit-chatting.

Let’s get down to business. And by “business” , we mean sharing the knowledge about how you can update your resume to get that much-wanted job.

We’ll go over:

• How you can update your resume quickly;
• What to update in order to make your resume feel like it’s out of 2021;
• Why your LinkedIn resume should also be up to date;
• And, how to update your resume based on your experience.

There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get this show started.

Time is money.

Not all of us can afford to spend hours doing the simple things like picking the right font . So, before we go really in-depth on how you should freshen up your resume, we’ll give you a quick and easy way.

In fact, you’ll be able to do it faster than you think.

Here’s the straight answer for how to update your resume for the biggest impact in less than one hour (some top-secret chops):

Use a resume builder

Step one: Go into Enhancv’s resume builder .

Step two: Transfer and import the resume you want to update.

When you click on the link, you’ll be taken through an easy step-by-step process to updating your resume. Here’s how it looks:

Next, you’ll be asked if you want to use an existing resume as a starting point:

After, you’ll be given suggestions to use one of our proven resume templates that’s gotten other candidates hired at competitive companies such as Tesla. Simply pick one to start from, and don’t worry because you can always switch templates at any point!

In this case as an example, we’ll be using the modern resume template.

You’ll then be taken into the app where you can freely edit your resume to your heart’s content:

At this point, it’s very simple to edit and change the different parts of your resume. If you’re not sure what to do or how else you can improve your resume, you have the option to get in contact with our resume experts!

You also get a resume matcher on the right which indicates what job your resume attracts.

It’s helpful not only to see what position is perfect for you, but to see if your application matches the job position you’re applying for. If you’re still unsure what job you want, this tool can also operate as a job searcher for you to see what field you’re best suited for.

That being said, let’s look at what resume sections to get started on!

2. Update your work history

Haven’t touched your resume in more than five years?

Don’t worry, most of us haven’t. Start by updating your work experience section. Begin with your most recent job and make your way down the list.

3. Update your contact information

It’s very important to update your contact information.

This part should be located at the header section of your resume. If it’s somewhere which isn’t exactly the main focal point, there’s a big chance hiring managers will miss it. So, make sure you’ve listed your current email address and phone number.

4. Proofread your resume

Yep, it doesn’t matter how good at writing you are, typos are bound to happen, so spend five minutes and proofread your resume before saving.

Use this opportunity to update your skills section too if you’ve gained some new chops.

5. Save your resume properly

You spent a whole hour tweaking your resume, it would be a shame if you miss your chance because you didn’t properly save your resume.

Always save your resume as a PDF. The ATS can easily read through a PDF resume and you can be sure it won’t be edited by someone else. (More on that topic in a minute, so keep reading.)

If you’ve reached this point but still unsure what to include, go through our megalist of resume examples here . We have over 530+ proven resumes, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll find a successful resume example for your job position.

Next, look at what’s already written.

After all, it’s better to work from something proven to work rather than starting all the way from scratch.

It’s a good way to get inspiration and ideas for your own resume too. Even the most modern and innovative companies today look at what’s already working. Just be sure you’re not simply copying and pasting the whole thing.

When you’re using a tool like Enhancv , you can quickly edit and identify the different parts of your resume that need to be tweaked.

On top of that, you won’t have to worry about the resume formatting because we’ll handle all of that for you. Above all, you’re getting a modern and visually stimulating resume, which is arguably the best-looking one of all applications.

Did I forget to mention it’s free as well?

So, you won’t have to worry about making a commitment because you can build or update your resume using our tools at no cost. It’s intuitive and straightforward, creating a professional resume hasn’t been much easier than this.

If you haven’t already been actively following the instructions above, click below to get started!

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The step-by-step guide above is a hack to update resumes quickly. We go the extra step to make sure your resume stands out and is that much better. After all, you want to get a call back from the company you’re applying for, don’t you?

With Enhancv’s resume builder , we make sure you get hired in your next job application no matter how competitive.

However, not all of you are using Enhancv’s resume tools which puts you at a significant disadvantage.

Don’t worry because now we’ll be looking at how to update your resume the traditional way, a.k.a the longer way. It’ll take a bit more time, effort and commitment on your side, so be ready.

We’ll focus on explaining how to update each section of your resume manually to make it memorable and impactful.

There’s a lot to cover. Without any further ado, let’s get right into it.

Decide if your current resume outline works well for you.

Did you know there’s more than one resume outline ?

To be specific, there are three main resume layouts you can choose from. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Your resume format is important and makes a big difference. We’ll go over each of them right now.

The chronological resume outline.

You’re probably using a chronological, or reverse-chronological resume outline right now.

It’s the most common type of outline used.

Simply said, a reverse chronological resume is when you list your most recent job at the top. As you make your way down listing your experience, your work history should have your first job listed last.

When you’re updating your resume, it’s the perfect time to ask yourself if that’s the best way to showcase your experience to recruiters.

A reverse-chronological resume is best if you’ve worked at big companies, and you want to leverage your experience there.

We went really in-depth on the topic of the reverse-chronological order resume and how you can use it to your advantage. You can read the full article right here .

The functional skills-based resume outline.

When you’re using the functional skills-based resume layout, you’re basically placing your most relevant skills and experience at the top.

What makes the functional resume really powerful is the fact you serve the most important pieces of information to the hiring manager. Since it’s formatted like this, it means they won’t have to put the extra effort to find it because it’s the first thing they’re going to see.

When you have gaps in your employment history or lack the work experience, it’s usually best to go with this resume format.

If you’re not too sure, you can check out our complete guide about the functional resume layout .

The hybrid resume outline.".

This is probably the resume with the coolest sounding name. It’s also known as the combination resume.

When using a hybrid resume, it combines key elements from both the functional and chronological outlines. In other words, the format utilizes both core components of the different types of resume outlines. Ultimately, this allows you to focus on your skills and employment history at the same time.

You can dive down the rabbit hole of hybrid resumes and really understand how to utilize this outline in the detailed article we recently published.

Overall, our recommendation of all formats would be to use the hybrid resume outline because of its versatility. Then again, it depends on your circumstances, professional background and the job description.

Remove everything that isn't important for the job you're applying for.

If you’re 18 and you’re looking for your first job , you can skip this part.

But, if you’ve been in the workforce for four years and up, it’s a bit more complicated. Mostly, you have to decide what to keep and what to skip. Anyway, there’s a rule of thumb that you should combine or remove any experience older than 15 years. In most cases, it’s just not relevant anymore.

We advise you to omit everything that isn’t related to the position you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a physician opening at a hospital, it’s almost certain your summer job back in 94′ won’t be of any relevance to the recruiters.

The key is to keep your resume skills and positions relevant to the place you’re applying to. If you aren’t sure what skills they’re looking for, go over the job ad one more time and if possible, visit their website.

Still not 100% sure about what to cut off?

Choose from one of these resume templates from your industry. That way, you can have a better idea of what to include and skip so won’t be second-guessing and relying on blind faith.

Focus on making the skills section on your resume stand out.

Okay, but how? It’s easier said than done.

When you’re writing your skills section on the resume there are a few things that you have to keep in mind.

The first one is that you can always add more:

• Soft skills
• Hard skills
• Communication skills
• Computer skills
• Language skills
• Technical skills

While education and your GPA are important, there are also types of skills employers are looking out for. As job seekers, professionals, or if you’re a graduate, either way you’ve got to show them what you’re capable of.

If you’ve developed anything new, be sure to mention it when updating your resume too.

But, if you find the skill section on your resume is getting too big, then consider making a separate skill-only resume.

The second thing that you have to keep in mind when crafting your resume skills section is to keep it relevant to the job position you’re applying to. By focusing on only what’s important, you can keep your resume to a single page, meaning it’ll be super specific (something that ATS likes).

Use the right keywords for the job you’re applying to.

When you’re crafting your resume, you want to use the right keywords .

See, most companies use an ATS – wondering what an ATS is?

The abbreviation stands for Applicant Tracking System. It’s basically a recruitment software hiring managers use to store all online job applications. This gives recruiters the ability to search and sift through thousands of resumes in a matter of seconds .

And, here’s where using the right keywords comes into play.

For example, if you’re applying for an Administrative Assistant position, you want to include that in your resume. You can include it in the header as well—that way, when the recruiter types “Administrative Assistant” your resume will appear.

But, you’re still not done.

You want something that will get their attention. Make sure you put some extra effort into crafting the perfect header section of your resume . That way, you have a bigger chance to not only get noticed but to be remembered by the recruiter.

If you’re not sure what keywords to use, just go to the job ad and try to pinpoint the phrases that stick out most and then use them while you write your resume.

While there are keywords to think about, you should also consider using buzzwords .

Write a punchy resume summary that grabs the attention.

Okay, you’re nearly halfway there.

You’ve almost updated your resume to the point of perfection (i.e. it’s almost ready for the recruiters to see).

Now, you should focus on crafting a short, punchy resume summary section .

Every strong resume summary needs to highlight your experience, knowledge, and accomplishments. The tricky part is being able to do it using only 3-5 sentences.

From here on our, you should be using keywords to point out the highlights of your resume, especially in your summary. It’s the same if you decided to use this part of your resume to talk about your career objectives too.

Update the “Training & Certification” section.

Last on the list is to update the training and certification section on your resume .

There’s a huge chance that you’ve gained new skills since you last updated your resume and you want to showcase this to the recruiters.

Focus on showing only what’s relevant to the position you’re applying for. While attending a pottery class is cool, it won’t be of interest to most recruiters. You should only be listing your trainings and certificates.

Most importantly, it needs to be relevant. If it’s not free from fluff, it’s a waste of precious space.

We covered all of the most important resume sections that you have to freshen up when you’re updating your resume.

But, as with everything we do at Enhancv, we have to go a step further.

And by a step further, we mean, we want to share with you how you should update your resume based on your experience. Namely:

• How far back you should go in your resume
• What to feature when you have two decades of experience
• How to structure your resume if you’re applying for your first job .

If you have any additional experience you want to add, e.g. volunteering experience, be sure to bring it. As long as it’s somehow relevant or you’ve developed something new, it’s always worth mentioning, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t have much work experience.

How to update your resume if you have three to five years of experience?

It’s important to note that if you have between three to five years of experience in your previous job, you can easily create a pretty powerful resume.

You can push down your education and instead, try to show how you helped the company you worked for finish a project or deal with a problem or how you trained a new employee. Moreover, showing your decision-making capabilities and leadership skills will be far more interesting for recruiters to see.

One section of a resume you should also consider updating is your resume objectives .

How to update your resume if you have five to ten years of experience?

When you’ve been in the workforce for nearly a decade, you have to approach the resume updating process a bit differently. Namely, you want to show to recruiters only what’s immediately important to them.

For instance, you want to show your leadership skills.

So, things like:

• Helping the company save money
• Someone that you managed to get promoted through your guidance
• Creating training and processes that improved the work process

Hiring managers want to see the positive impact you were responsible for in your previous job. Therefore, accomplishments like this are amazing to feature on your resume.

Also, now is the chance to let your skills and training, and certificates shine.

You can shorten your formal education section and work on presenting how your experience, work, and networking have taught you to be better at what you do.

How to update your resume if you have 12+ years of experience?

Working somewhere for 12 years or more means that you’re most likely in the management or even C-level force of a company. This means you have to put your writing chops to work and craft a summary that captures the attention of recruiters.

Some of the things you have to list and are a must if you want to stand out include the relationships you’ve built with other companies and the strategic planning you’ve done.

Above all, you have to update the tone of voice on your resume. To an extent, it shows a level of personal development, which is something you need to show. When you’re applying for a position that’s in C-level management, make sure your resume reads professionally.

(Side note: if it’s been a long time since you last updated your resume, it’s likely your contact info has changed. Don’t forget to keep this up to date it’s worth making some changes to your resume header and resume summary!)

“What? I should update my LinkedIn resume as well?” Yes, you should.

In 2021 we’re living in the digital age. Top that with the major changes LinkedIn has been making the last four or five months.

You can see how this social media can play a crucial role in you getting hired.

Sometimes, the hiring process isn’t as straightforward. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and company leadership can reach out to you if they like what you’re doing.

That’s why it’s best to have an up-to-date LinkedIn account.

You can start by quickly updating the experience section of your account. It’s best to keep it similar to what’s on your resume. And if you want to supercharge your account for recruiters, you can upload your Enhancv-made resume as a PDF to your LinkedIn account. It’s so good even Mark Cuban loves it .

If you’re still wondering how to update your resume on LinkedIn, follow the same process explained earlier. You can apply those same steps for updating your LinkedIn resume too.

Now that you’ve put all this hard work into updating your resume, it’s super important to remember to upload and update your resume on Indeed as well. All you have to do is to log into your account, go to the “ Resume ” tab and click the “ Upload Resume ” button. It’s as easy as that!

Most guides share that you should update your resume every 6 months. While we do think that’s the best way to include the most up-to-date information if you’re working on your career, updating your resume isn’t something that’s on your radar.

So, as experts, we would advise you to update your resume only when you want to apply for a certain position . This will allow you to craft a resume that’s targeted and relevant, thus increasing your chance to get an interview.

You might be aware of the power behind one-page resumes .

As mentioned throughout this article, you should only be including the things on your resume that are important.

The main benefits of having a one-page resume include:

• Better readability
• Clean formatting
• Sleek design
• Straight to the point and concise
• Good first impression and stronger impact on the hiring manager

If it’s not relevant or helpful, there’s no point bringing it up in the first place.

When your resume is concise and contains only the important details, the more compelling your resume application will be. That being said, reducing your application to a single page packs a stronger punch.

To achieve this, adopt the use it or lose it mindset.

With this approach, you’ll make it a priority to only use what’s essential. This way, you’ll start using the space on your resume strategically. If you have any unnecessary resume sections or bulky sentences, be sure to cut them down.

We’ve also made a guide for creating a minimalist resume which has useful tips for keeping your application minimal. Feel free to check it out!

You might’ve made it to this point after editing the contents of your resume to make sure you’re emphasizing your skills, achievements and qualifications.

But, the thought is still lingering:

“I’ve got the content down, but is there anything else I’m missing for how to make my resume better?”

It’s no secret that companies are looking for better-looking, original resumes. In the marketing and creative industries, it’s even more noticeable and important for the hiring managers to see that you have a unique resume.

If you’re applying for a creative position, then focus on crafting a portfolio that grabs the employer’s attention. A regular resume to support your portfolio is also acceptable.

However, whether you’re in the creative field or not, one of the best things you can do is to use a resume builder like Enhancv . You get an exquisite resume without needing any technical or design skills to make sure you stand out – we’ll handle that for you.

You’ll be able to show employers why you’re so valuable in a non-generic way that’s sure to grab their interest.

Best of all, it’s free.

If there’s anything you’re missing out on, it’s the chances of getting hired for your new job as each day goes on.

That was huge, congratulations if you’ve made it this far!

Now you know how to update your resume every step of the way. It’s a process that requires your full attention. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing quick spruce up or you’re updating your resume from the ground up.

Each resume you send should be tailored specifically to the job position you’re applying for.

It’s the best way to ensure you make it past the first stage of the hiring process for an interview. Also, don’t forget to be using the right keywords. Otherwise, the ATS will reject your resume application faster than you could imagine.

Was our guide useful? Please share if you found this helpful and be sure to leave a comment if you have any thoughts you want to add!

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Here’s How to Get Your Resume Ready for a Career Change

Want to change careers? You’re definitely not alone. That’s why we’ve partnered with Squarespace to create this special four-part series on how to navigate the transition, complete with worksheets to guide you every step of the way. Read on for Part 1, then check out Parts  2 , 3 , and 4 .

Whether you’re working from home or have been furloughed or laid off because of the pandemic, chances are good you’ve spent some time lately thinking about your career—and realizing that you may be ready for something new . Maybe you want a job that gives you more flexibility or you’re eager to work remotely from now on. Or perhaps you’ve realized you want to turn something that was a side hustle or a hobby a few months ago into a full-time career.

Whatever your motivation, if you’re considering a career change, you’ll need to tweak your professional materials to reflect your new path. Here are some strategies to get you started.

Create a Resume Website

Your resume is likely only one page long —or up to two, if you have a lot of experience. Online, however, there’s really no limit to what you can include. A resume website gives you a chance to expand on your experience and qualifications and can help set you apart from other candidates. A few things to consider when designing one of your own:

Start With a Template

You’ll want your resume website to look clean and professional. Squarespace makes it easy by letting you search by template type , including “personal and CV” and “portfolio,” for example.

Write About What You Want to Do

Don’t just use your website to discuss your past work experience. Rather, use it to talk about where you want to go in the future. Create an “About” page or put this information front and center on the landing page.

Make a Page for Each Part of Your Resume

The beautiful thing about a website is that you have the space to expand on different elements of your work and personal history. Take advantage and add details that may be missing from your paper resume due to space constraints—especially anything that shows why you’re qualified to make the career change.

Highlight Transferable Skills

One of the hardest parts about making a career switch is showing a recruiter or hiring manager why you’re right for the job—especially if you have little to no actual work experience within the field. That’s where transferable skills come in. These are typically soft skills such as written communication, project management, and the like that you can adapt to the position you’re applying for—versus a hard skill like being an expert in a particular type of software.

Not quite sure which skills to focus on? Do some research by checking online postings for the type of jobs you’re targeting. “Job descriptions should tell you exactly what the employers are looking for, and that’ll give you a good idea of what you need to have,” says Charlette Beasley, a workplace and careers analyst at  FitSmallBusiness . Then, consider your own skill set and how you might rewrite your experience (on both your resume website and your regular resume) to match the requirements.

That said, hard skills count, too. If you notice that many employers are looking for a particular skill that you don’t have, bridge the gap by taking classes or getting a certification that you can then add to your resume. For example, if you’re applying for jobs as a social media manager and all the companies you’re interested in require you to have experience with Hootsuite, you could take a Hootsuite certification course and add that credential to your resume.

Pick the Right Format

When updating your regular resume, the first step is deciding which format to use. As a career changer who might be lacking all of the right work experience and/or skills, the traditional reverse chronological approach isn’t necessarily the only way to go.

You could use a functional resume , also known as a skills-based resume. Instead of having a section for each job, you would create sections for areas of expertise, with bullet points explaining how you have used them in previous roles. However, many recruiters and hiring managers don’t recommend them because they tend to bury important information. “Employers want to see how much experience a candidate has in each role and how long they have stayed in each of their jobs,” says Nancy Spivey, a career strategist at ReadySetResumes.com .

A better option for career changers is a combination, or hybrid, resume , which blends the traditional and functional formats. It has a shorter section focused on skills at the top, with a detailed section covering work experience right below it. “They still show the work history, but also focus on what skills you bring to the table,” Spivey says.

Write a Resume Summary

Regardless of which resume format you choose, consider including a summary statement at the top of your resume. This sounds just like what it is: a short paragraph or set of bullets that summarizes your experience and skill set. For career changers, it can be a powerful tool for explaining to a hiring manager or recruiter why you are qualified for your desired role or industry. 

Think of your summary statement as your elevator pitch. Who are you, what’s brought you to this point, and what skills and strengths would you bring to your new role? For more inspiration, check out these examples .

Add Important Keywords

When researching your desired role, pay attention to the exact language used in job postings. Many of the requirements will also be keywords that applicant tracking systems use to screen resumes. The more you can pepper your own resume with those keywords, the greater chance it will get into the hands of a recruiter or hiring manager.

This is where some of those classes or certifications will come in handy—because if a job description calls for someone with specific technical skills or credentials or proficiency in certain tools or programs, you’ll be able to include those exact words in your resume.

One caveat: Don’t add keywords or experience that you don’t actually have; that will come back to haunt you in the interview.

Not sure what keywords should go in your resume, or what transferable skills you have? Our handy worksheet will help you identify them! Download the worksheet here.

Align All of Your Content

With so many different ways to present yourself, it’s important to be consistent across platforms. “Make sure the message and type of work you’re looking for is mirrored across your resume, website, and LinkedIn so you’re not telling a conflicting story,” says Debra Boggs, a career coach with D&S Professional Coaching .

That means the About section on your website should match your LinkedIn and resume summary statement, and the same keywords should appear in all three places.

Making a career leap can be daunting, but it’s not impossible—as long as your resume and resume website have been created with a pivot in mind. Highlight transferable skills, additional training, and the right keywords, and you’ll be on your way to successfully making a switch.

7 KYC Analyst Resume Examples for 2024

A know your customer analyst resume is your key to getting hired in this critical role. This article offers proven examples and strategies to help you. Learn how to highlight your skills, experience, and knowledge of KYC processes. Understand the best ways to display your expertise in risk management, compliance, and customer relations. Get the edge you need in the job market, straight from hiring managers.

• 13 Sep 2024 - 5 new sections, including 'Place education effectively', added
• 13 Sep 2024 - 5 new resume templates, including Aspiring KYC Analyst, added
• 11 Sep 2024 - Article published

  Next update scheduled for 21 Sep 2024

Here's what we see in top KYC analyst resumes.

Show Impact Using Numbers : The best resumes use metrics like reduced client onboarding time by 20% , decreased compliance penalties by 15% , increased efficiency in data processing by 30% , and enhanced fraud detection rates by 25% . These numbers show how you can add value.

Include Relevant Skills : Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are AML software , data analysis , regulatory compliance , SAS , and risk assessment . But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

Trends In Automated Tools : Automation in KYC analysis is rising. Mention if you have experience with AI analytics tools or machine learning .

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helpful blue / but not serious Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include.

KYC Analyst Resume Sample

Find out how good your resume is.

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Get a score for your resume

Want to know how your resume stacks up for kyc analyst roles? Our resume scoring tool gives you instant feedback on your application. It evaluates key criteria that recruiters in the financial compliance sector look for, helping you understand your resume's strengths and areas for improvement.

Upload your resume now for a free, unbiased assessment. You'll get a clear score and practical tips to make your application stand out to hiring managers. This straightforward evaluation can help you land more interviews in the kyc field.

Place education effectively

When you are preparing your resume as a kyc analyst, it helps to remember the order in which you list your education is key to showing your strengths. If your last study or training is closely related to kyc and is significant, like a specialized course in compliance or anti-money laundering, list it at the top of your resume. This will catch a hiring manager's attention right away.

For those who are not recent graduates and have built experience in the field, your work history should come first. Your education section then follows to support your practical skills. In this industry, showing hands-on experience with kyc procedures and regulations is often more important than academic achievements alone.

Knowledge of regulations

Emphasize your understanding of local and international regulations related to kyc, including BSA, AML, and FATCA. Your knowledge in these areas is crucial.

Show your ability to stay up-to-date with ever-changing legal requirements by including any recent training or professional development courses you have completed.

Junior KYC Analyst Resume Sample

Right length for your resume.

Keep your resume length in check. If you have less than 10 years of experience in roles like kyc analysis, aim to fit your resume on one page. Focus on your most recent and relevant work experiences. You don't need to list every job you've ever had, just the ones that matter for the job you want.

For those with more than 10 years of experience or at a senior level, two pages are acceptable. Make sure to use the first page to highlight your strongest qualifications and achievements. Your goal is to show, on this first page, why you are a good fit for the role. Keep the layout clean and easy to read. Small fonts and tight margins can make a resume hard to read and can hide your best points.

Senior KYC Analyst Resume Sample

Accreditations and certifications.

Include any specific certifications or accreditations related to know-your-customer (kyc) regulations, such as ACAMS or CFE, as these show your commitment and expertise in the field.

Highlight any training you have completed related to anti-money laundering (AML) rules or compliance standards. This can set you apart from other candidates.

KYC Analyst with Cryptocurrency Specialization Resume Sample

Aspiring kyc analyst resume sample.

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