3 Reasons Why You Need to Update Your CV Right NOW!
New You, New CV
Ah, a new year AND a new you … the perfect combination of readiness and energy that will help you to update your CV!
But why update your CV in the first place?
Here’s Why!
Your CV (or résumé) should include information about you (ie. your name, age, location, etc), how to contact you, education, work experience, skills, accomplishments and any other relevant details.
Of course, this information can be changed and/or added onto anytime, which can benefit you in the long run. So, whether you’re looking for a new job or you’ve settled comfortably into your current job, it’s always important to keep your CV up to date on a regular basis in the event that potential career opportunities appear in your future.
Keep in Mind
Take a look at these three reasons why updating your CV is crucial:
- Outdated Skills = Recruitment Failure
Imagine you are a videographer who has years-long experience with using video-editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro. Most recently, you’ve also branched out into learning about audio engineering (Adobe Audition) and visual effects (Adobe After Effects).
Or, perhaps you’re a graphic designer who, after years of using Adobe Photoshop, you’ve recently mastered SketchBook Pro. Plus, you’re in the process of learning how to use Milanote in order to organise your creative projects.
No doubt these skills will impress recruiters … if you remember to add this info on your CV, that is.
If your CV is made available to be read on online career websites, recruiters will scrutinise it thoroughly before considering reaching out to you. If they have a vacant position for a videographer who has a knowledge of not only Premiere Pro, but also Audition and After Effects, then they will likely pass you over if your current CV is outdated.
Likewise, if you don’t update the skills section of your CV to include SketchBook and Milanote, then recruiters will likely think you have limited skills and/or experience.
- Accomplishments are Key
As you accrue accomplishments, it’s vital to add them to your CV to show potential employers that you not only have a tangible success record, but also to show them what you could bring to the table if they were to hire you.
This is especially crucial when you expand on at least one major and/or recent accomplishment in your cover letter: here, you need to focus on the one that pertains to the job you’re applying for. Therefore, expanding on something you achieved while working as a sales associate eight years ago might not hold you in good stead when you’re applying for the position of a senior criminal lawyer.
So, the sooner you’ve accrued accomplishments, the sooner you should add them to your CV before you forget. That way, if a job opportunity comes your way, you will be able to pick and choose from the most recent ones that will pertain to the job vacancy in question.
- Raise Yourself Up
If you aspire to a vacant or more senior position at your workplace, or you hope to negotiate for a pay rise, then an updated CV containing information about your newly-acquired skills and accomplishments can speak for you.
For example, if you’re working in human resources, you’ll likely already have a working knowledge of Google Workspace and social media. However, if you have set your sights on being promoted to a management position, you’ll need to know how to work a payroll system, talent management software and cloud-based platforms, among others.
Once you’re learned these new skills, and demonstrated how they aided you or helped you achieve your goals, then your employer will seriously consider you for the position.
In short, your skills and accomplishments are among the deciding factors that can help you get promoted or receive a raise – it’s up to you to update these sections accordingly in support of your aspirations and requests.
Outdated No More
Now that you know why your CV should be regularly updated, start your year on the right foot by updating it right now. After all, you never know when the right job opportunity will come your way, and you need to stay prepared, polished and professional at all times. Good luck!