As busy working adults, updating our resumes usually falls to the bottom of the list of to-do's. The only time it seems to be a pressing need, is if we are fed up with our current positions, or heaven forbid we are in a position of needing to find a new job.
But there are good reasons to keep your resume up to date, even when you are content in your current position. And I'll even go so far as to say that ideally you should be updating your resume monthly, and here are three reasons why.
#1: Your most current projects and accomplishments are fresh in your mind.
We've all been in that position where we are reflecting on our work lives and struggle to remember what we've accomplished. We know we've been busy working but what exactly have we done that created value for our employers and ourselves. Taking a bit of time each month to reflect on these things ensures that we don't inadvertently leave anything of quality off our resumes due to memory issues.
#2: You are always prepared with a current resume should an opportunity present itself.
If we are networking and being the star employees that we all can be, then opportunities will present themselves. If we take the time to update our resumes monthly then we are always ready to move quickly and take advantage of them. As the saying goes, "If you stay ready, then you won't have to get ready".
#3: Develop a clear and current view of yourself.
All of us are evolving and changing and growing. And our vision of ourselves and career should be too. By updating your resume monthly, you give yourself the opportunity to make sure that it still reflects who you are and where you want to go. And in taking the time to perform that work, you are also setting yourself up to clearly convey that vision to anyone you may meet.
So take a few minutes, look over your resume, update it, and step into your greatness.