Fall is a great time to get organized, transition your closet into winter clothes, and if your'e anything like me, it's a great time to update your resume and LinkedIn. Whether your'e a student or already have a career, updating your resume is necessary and useful for yourself and future employers. So grab your pumpkin spiced latte, your laptop, and dig into your documents file. It's time to update your resume and LinkedIn with what you did this summer.
How often should we update our resumes? It's standard that if you're a student you should update your resume every semester. Fall is the perfect time to update your resume as a student because most students complete internships over the summer. Additionally, most employers hold interviews before the new year to ensure that they have new hires set. If you already have a job or are actively seeking employment you should update your resume as major projects come to completion or with new certifications and volunteering positions.
A good rule of thumb to use with regards to your resume is that whenever you have something new to add you should add it as soon as possible. You're probably more likely to be able to explain your role or project in detail right after you complete it. The whole point of a resume is to cite your experience and accomplishments giving the specifics of what and how you did it.
Look at your resume as a marketing tool for yourself. No one knows you better than yourself.
Speaking of resumes, you probably should update your LinkedIn page too. Time to add new skills, gather new endorsements, and update your bio to explain what you've achieved this year and what you are looking to do in the near future. A few things you can update include your picture, your experience, and key words that explain your skills. Updating your LinkedIn has become incredibly important if you are applying for jobs using the site. LinkedIn uses artificial intelligence that looks at your profile for phrases, relevant skills, and years of experience before your name even passes a hiring manager's mind. Using this type of technology, if your page isn't updated with the right matches for what the employer is looking for, your profile won't even be seen.
It's not even Halloween yet, and that paragraph above may have scared you into updating your resume and profile ASAP. Don't be afraid though, take 30 minutes today and update your pages with your skills. You're smart, accomplished, and capable. It's time to show it off!
Good luck!
-mms