If you are like the majority of job seekers, your resume only sees light of day once every few years, and when you remove your resume from the archived folders, you simply update your current information, without altering the main structure of your resume.
If this sounds like you, then it is time to blow up your current resume, because you could be seriously impeding your current job search by not completely revamping your old resume.
Resume styles constantly change
What should or shouldn’t be included in a resume and formatting styles have changed dramatically in Australia in the past few years. The let it all hang out resume is no longer the norm and more sophisticated and professional formatting styles are in vogue.
If you have an objective statement, use ‘I’, or have included lengthy details relating to your personal life, such as marital status, age and hobbies and interests, then it is time to completely revamp your current resume.
Likewise, if you are using templates from the major job boards, then you probably need to completely re-format your current resume. Most of these templates are pretty ordinary and recruiters and HR staff won’t be impressed by these old formatting styles.
You need to tailor your resume for each position
The number one rule in relation to writing your resume is to ensure that you write a resume that is completely targeted towards your next career step. That old school leaver or graduate format was probably perfect in terms of getting you that first job. But if you are going for a promotion or a career change, then you will need a resume that reflects your skills, knowledge and qualifications relevant to the position you are applying for.
That now generic resume you have on file will actually hinder your progression, so it is time to completely re-shape the document to reflect your new focus and new career aspirations.
You could be leaving yourself open for discrimination
If you have included the following information within your resume, you might be leaving yourself open for some direct or indirect discrimination, in particular discrimination on the basis of your age.
A resume that provides lengthy information, including all your work experience going back to the late 1980’s or even prior to this.
Including the dates you received your education or qualifications from the late 1980’s or prior to this.
Including a personal details section
Using old fashioned terminology, or highlighting old technologies.
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