September
is here and it is an important month for “career care-taking”. September is
proclaimed “International Update Your Résumé Month.” While children are
embarking on starting the new school year, adults should also be taking stock
of their professional attributes and career value by updating their résumés.
What
we think of as a 'life print,' or guideline for career development, will
provide a proactive approach toward meeting unforeseen market and company
changes, in reevaluating personal worth and in preparing to obtain the next
step in career growth. Too often job seekers avoid taking this crucial step
until the last minute, when they need their résumé yesterday. However, by
declaring September as the official update month, people will have the
opportunity to better control and champion their own futures.
Initiated
by Career Directors International (CDI), Update Your Résumé Month is meant to
promote awareness about the importance of having an updated résumé ready.
Here are
4 reasons why having an updated résumé is crucial, and tips on gaining a competitive advantage:
1. The résumé has evolved with the economy. The
cookie cutter résumé is outdated and unpopular. For instance, the “Objective
Statement” has become obsolete. Hiring managers want to know what value you
offer, not what you are seeking. Replace
your “Objective Statement” with a “Summary of Qualifications” or a “Value
Statement” that illustrates why you are the best fit for the position. A
competitive, trending résumé is necessary in
an increasingly competitive employment market.
(Click for Examples)
2. If a new opportunity comes knocking, is your résumé strong enough to open
the door? Most people welcome bigger and better opportunities. You never know when you may be
presented with an unbelievable job offer; even better than the great job you
have now. If a recruiter asked for your résumé today, would
you be submitting a superstar résumé or a
sub-par one? What if the company you currently work for were to downsize and
you find yourself out of a job overnight? With the downturn of the economy,
this has become a common and unfortunate circumstance for many.
3. Proactively position yourself for career
progression. It is imperative that you consistently take inventory of your
accomplishments, awards recognitions, and goals achieved. This is the meat that
attracts the lion. It is not enough to
document your success on your performance reviews alone. You may find yourself
up for a promotion, or wanting a raise. Can you back up why you are deserving
of either? Frequently input quantifiable examples of your achievements on your résumé and include conference training, seminars and education
advancement. (Click for Examples)
4. Success is where preparation and opportunity
meet. (Bobby Unser) This is particularly true when it comes to career success.
Education, training, gaining experience, and professional development are all
ways we prepare for better opportunity. Career care-taking is equally as
important. Be prepared to meet opportunity and achieve career success; update
your résumé, keep your interview skills fresh, know your value and
communicate it strategically.
You may also view samples of quantifiable
examples of success, competitive value statements and “Summary of
Qualification” sections.
Coaching for business is a two-way road, where the mentored business owner is accountable for taking stroke, deciding on and finding ways to grip all possible hurdles, and reporting on their developments.
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