CV Tips & Advice - How to Keep Your CV Updated

There are few certain things in this life. So even if you are happily working away with that perfect employer or recruitment agencies, or have a great job opportunity lined up when you finish your studies, it really doesn’t hurt to keep that CV bang up to date. If it’s been a while, it may take longer than a couple of minutes, but at least you’ll be CV ready when the time comes to apply for that great new career move or first job.

Few jobs are failsafe at the moment; many of us could find ourselves needing an up to date CV sooner than we think. In a competitive job market, keep yourself on the front foot and ready to move with a timely document.

Here are some tips to keep your CV updated and ready:

1. Please check all personal details thoroughly. If it’s been a while, you may have changed email address or mobile cell phone numbers.
2. Remember to be specific in your opening paragraph/objective. You might not have a move in mind, so keep it general OR you might have changed your own outlook or career plans.
3. Bring your resume up to date with the new experiences and achievements you’ve enjoyed since you last wrote. Some employers look for anything up to a ten year history. Anything beyond that could be superfluous.
4. Take a refreshing look at the language you have used throughout the document. A ‘new pair of eyes’ on it might make it sound livelier and your accomplishments more attractive.
5. Add any new courses or professional qualifications you have attended or received recently to your education profile.
6. Don’t forget to note any memberships of notable associations or groups, publications printed, presentations given or other accolades.
7. Lastly but very importantly, take a LONG LOOK AT YOUR REFERENCES. Update and evaluate them. Some may now be irrelevant or their contact details obsolete. Check again!
8. Good luck!