Should I start with a new resume or update my outdated one from 7 years ago?

8 Comments

1. Tomilyn RichardsOctober 11,2021 at 7:07PM UTC

   I never used to update my resume... being in the Recruiting field, I didn't need it much... until I DID!! I really wish I would have kept mine updated. A great way to keep track of your current work!! I think resumes should focus on your recent work. If your college and earlier jobs show a build up to what you are doing then great... but no need to put your entire work history!! =) I modified mine... no one wants to dig in to what I did 20+ years ago!!

2. AnonymousOctober 11,2021 at 8:31PM UTC

   I learned long ago that just because you aren't actively to for new opportunity it doesn't mean a new opportunity won't present itself out of the blue. It's happened to me and I was caught off guard in the past.

   For that reason I always keep my resume updated just so I'm ready and prepared for those surprise opportunities.

3. AnonymousOctober 11,2021 at 8:34PM UTC

   Just because you aren't actively looking, it doesn't mean an unexpected opportunity won't present itself. The last thing you want to be is unprepared and have scramble and throw something together.

4. AnonymousOctober 11,2021 at 9:06PM UTC

   Suggest you start a new one from scratch. Look at samples online and so crazy!

5. IntentionGirl630054October 11,2021 at 9:12PM UTC

   Resumes are something that change with the fashion like mini-skirts, IMHO. I would start from scratch - I would look at the many websites with resume recommendations and figure out what feels authentic and works for your industry. You can never go wrong by listing your software skills (even if *just* Excel or other work-related, like python, etc.,) and what you've accomplished that had an impact on the company bottom line - and while you are writing these things, you should also compose stories about them - being prepared to say why you chose to enumerate these work-related items as highlights!
   Having said all that, don't feel cowed -- the best way to start is to collect all those atta-girl's that you've gotten and use them as a starting point! We are all effective in different and interesting ways.
   And, BTW, make sure you are collecting those 'atta-girls' in a folder or envelope to read through on a regular basis -- it adds vigor to a low-energy day.
   Another thing you should do is collect Linked-In recommendations - they also read very nicely on a day when you need extra psyching for any reason!! Of course, whenever you ask (and do this when someone says "I owe you", as well as whenever you have accomplished something extra cool) - that the recommendation be positive, and specific about the accomplishment.

   OH, and one more thing - occasionally supplying a boss with a resume -- especially if it lists those things you really liked to do, and expands on your skills beyond your current role is never a bad idea - many bosses never read your 'file'. If it has been 7 years, and if it hasn't been the same boss all those years, it would be good to remind your current boss of your acquired skills -- this kind of paperwork would be good to give to the boss when you meet to discuss where/what you would enjoy doing next ;)

6. AnonymousOctober 12,2021 at 12:36PM UTC

   Thank you for the encouragement. I am struggling with the idea that I want it to express all the things I have accomplished without giving a false sense of my abilities and ending up in over my head (or worse, having a future employer think I lied on my resume and being let go).
   I love the idea of collecting Linkedin recommendations when someone indicates they are willing to do a favor. There is a lot of great advice in this post and I am going to start scrubbing my old resume for any usable content and looking for a new format that feels authentic to who I am now.
   Thanks again!

7. Christy K. HanthornOctober 12,2021 at 12:05AM UTC

   I'd have to see your resume to say for sure. Resume styles and trends change, but the basics pretty much stay the same. It really depends on how effective your old resume is. Does it look dated? Regardless of design, you need to update. Start by checking (and removing) personal pronouns and complete sentences. Make sure your verb tenses are correct, and you're following best practices. Once your content is good, you have something fuctional. You can always use it to apply while you work on a stunning design.

8. AnonymousOctober 12,2021 at 12:21PM UTC

   Thank you, this response is very helpful! I will definitely start with the content updates you suggested while I search for a new design.