Moving Up In Your Company? YOU Need A Resume, Too!

If you are thinking of applying for a higher position in your company, be prepared to present a new, updated resume prior to interviewing. You may think, “Oh, I’ve been here 10 years! They know what I do.” But, the fact is your interviewer will likely be a non-biased 3rd party, and you may be competing on a level playing field with outside candidates. Do you think using your 10-year-old resume in a dusty HR file drawer will land you that job? Don’t bet on it. You must be prepared to sell yourself just like any other candidate! Here is a simple way to update your resume for this purpose: 1. It is likely that resume trends (and the business world as a whole) have changed since you joined your company. If your old resume contains an objective, trash it. These are candidate-focus and the current business mindset is company-focused. Instead, start off your resume with an executive summary (a paragraph stating your core strengths and unique talents that make you great for the position). You may even choose to add a list of keywords that fit the potential position. To see examples of resumes with brief yet inclusive lists of job-specific keywords, visit www.resumerocketeer.com and click on "Sample Resumes. 2. Since your old resume already represents everything you have done prior to your current job, you may only need to add this position (or series of positions you’ve held with this company). Be sure to list several bullets with accomplishments you have achieved with the company. It is vital that you are honest and accurate – your colleagues are more likely than anyone to know the difference.  3. Add in any certifications, corporate trainings, additional education, or job-related awards you have received since joining the company. 4. Update your contact information as your address, email, and phone have likely changed in the time you’ve been employed. If you are looking to move up in your company, update your resume NOW and save yourself the panic and hassle of updating it only when management requests it. Once you’ve updated and polished your resume, you can be proud knowing it is a better representation of who you are today!