Labor Day weekend typically marks the end of summer and the beginning of the fall.
But after you’re done barbecuing and relaxing over this first weekend of September, you’ll want to revisit something very important: your resume. Whether or not you’re looking for a job, it’s crucial to reexamine your resume from season to season. Why? Because updating your resume each season is a great way to quickly refresh everything you’ve done over the past three months.
Many times, we let resumes collect digital dust on our laptops, tucked somewhere in a folder next to last year’s holiday photos. This especially tends to happen when we already have jobs. However, even if you are already gainfully employed, it’s important to run through and adjust your resume or CV with the turn of every new season, as it will cause you less stress down the road. Should a new job opportunity pop up overnight (and the most desirable ones always seem to!), you’ll have your resume ready to go, with no last-minute second-guessing.
Here’s a quick rundown of some things you can update on your resume:
- The first thing you can do is make sure your address and phone number is the same. You may have moved over the last three months and need to make sure you include your new address. Or maybe you got a new phone number, too.
- Did you have any new business experiences over the last three months? Any new connections? Have you attended any conferences? These can be something to add on your list of qualifications and references.
- Volunteer experiences can also be helpful. If your business participated in Make a Difference Day, this may be something you’d want to include on a resume (especially if you’re attempting to work in the non-profit field).
- Did you or your team accomplish a goal or exceed an expectation? Why not update this on your resume now while it’s relevant?
So on Monday evening, when you’re thinking back on your summer of fun, think forward—on whether you can apply any of these experiences to your future.
Bernie Reifkind is the CEO and founder of Premier Search, Inc. a nationwide executive search and placement firm. In addition, Bernie provides career guidance and strategic interviewing techniques to professionals at all levels. P: 1(800) 801-1400 or email at ceo@premiersearch.com.