Do It Yourself Resume Updates

Job opportunities can arise anytime, so it’s a good idea to update your resume occasionally. Consider reviewing the document for the following: 

Visual Appeal

Look at the resume. Is the font style outdated? Could the document benefit from a touch of color? Simple visual updates—adding color, borders, or shading—can modernize a resume.

Contact Information

Check your contact information to make sure the right phone number, email address, and other information are updated and easy to read. On the first page of the resume, never put your name or contact information in a header or text box because some applicant tracking systems (ATS) remove header or text box information.

Introduction

After your name and contact information, what does the resume show? Objective statements are outdated. Revise the summary section to highlight a few of your accomplishments and some keywords.  

Experience

Update the resume employment history. Add contributions with quantifiable details. Review the experience information and make sure the content does not look like a job description. Your experience is a combination of responsibilities and contributions. 

Employers want to know about your contributions and how you’ve made a difference. This helps them understand how you could make a difference in their organization.

Training, Certifications & Education

Did you attend a workshop for a Lean Green Belt, OSHA safety, or other education? If yes, be sure to include your new skills and training in your resume. 

Always proofread the resume, and then review the content one more time.