It is looking rough out there in the job market lately. And when you consider that we currently have one of the highest unemployment rates in the past 30 years and that it is still growing - you will realize how incredibly important it is to keep your resume updated.
Let's look how you will gain a competitive advantage over other job-seekers by keeping your resume updated...
1. You may get fired at any time. Let's face it - if you work in an "at-will" state (which most are), an employer can fire you for any reason or no particular reason at all. And in this recessionary economy, even many large companies are drastically scaling back their staff. If this happens to you, will you be ready?
2. There are rumors of job cuts or layoffs and you want to stay a step ahead. Again, with the tough economy we are currently in - it only makes sense to have a professionally-written resume on hand in case your department or position is next on the chopping block.
3. There may an opening within your company that is appealing to you. Sometimes, when an employee is fired, promoted, or leaves a company - that leaves a position opening that needs to be filled. And because it costs companies money and time to advertise, recruit, and interview for that position - they will often try to fill that position with an employee who is already part of the company and has demonstrated his or her abilities in their current position. Having an updated resume will ensure that you are one of the first people considered for the open position.
4. There may be an opportunity outside your company that is appealing to you. Most people are unsatisfied with their job spend some of their time (sometimes a lot of their time) thinking about a different job or working for a different company. And there may be a time when you come across what looks to be a job that would be a perfect fit for you in the newspaper, on the Internet, or from a friend or family member who lets you in on an opening in their company.
5. You may be up for review for a promotion or salary increase. Many times, people come up on their six month or yearly review and are looking for a pay raise or sometimes a promotion to a position of higher responsibility and authority. And those who have an updated, professionally-written resume can quantify all their achievements at their current position and can logically convince his or her employer that they are deserving of a promotion or salary increase.
As you see...by keeping your resume updated, you will be light-years ahead of your competition!
If you haven't updated your resume lately - it may be time to do so. You never know when the next big opportunity may reveal itself to you. The question will be, "Will you have a winning resume submitted for that opportunity before others?"
