Why You Should Always Keep Your Resume Updated

One of our esteemed recruiters, Sarah Quaiatto, recently staffed a senior level position for a client. What she found is that good, mid to senior level candidates typically did not have their resume readily updated and hadn’t thought about personal or professional priorities for a few years. After some research, we figured out why; according to the US Bureau of Labor and statistics, professionals in mid-to-senior level positions are an average age of 47.3 years old, average 6 to 10 years at their current company. They probably have a house, may be married, may have children, car payments, college tuition to pay for themselves and/or save for their children, and, in general, have deep roots (with some fun on the side!). Although you may have worked at your company for some time, being prepared for professional opportunities is always a positive.

Having an up to date resume is the easiest way for recruiters or potential employers to see your track record and pass along information; but a resume for a mid-to-senior level worker is a bit different than an entry level worker. Here are some tips on how you should prepare for and format your resume, just in case a recruiter gives you a call:

Personal Profile
Make a personal priorities list for yourself. Write out, in order, which aspects of your life are most important. Are your children in high school? Do you love your city? Then location may be on your “no budge” list. Are your children young? Are your children in college? The amount of travel you do in another position may be a make-or-break point.  Decide these factors first, and even talk to your family so you know what is in your family’s best interest.

Professional Profile
As you know, you have dependants and financial responsibilities to think about, so a stable move is very important, but professional priorities may come into play as well. Like making a dating profile, you need to write out what you would be looking for in a potential employer that are make-or-break qualities such as: