Most people who have been employed by a single organisation for a few years probably haven’t kept their CV or resume up to date, and if you’re not planning on searching for a new job anytime soon, you might think this is perfectly fine. Unfortunately, it’s not.
In fact, a polished CV or resume (and LinkedIn profile!) can be almost as valuable to you now as when you’re in the middle of a job search. Here’s why;
1. Conferences, Articles and the Media
Speaking at conferences, contributing articles to publications, or giving quotes to the media as an expert in your field are all excellent ways to grow yourself professionally without leaving your current job. But when you pitch yourself to the media or conference organisers, you’re going to have to be able to adequately present your experience and credentials. By keeping your CV and LinkedIn profile updated, you can send them off without blinking an eye.
2. Award Nominations
Usually if you are going to be nominated for an award, you’ll be asked for a copy of your CV for the awards panel to review. If you have to scramble to fix up your resume, it probably won’t represent you as well as it should. By having your LinkedIn profile and CV no more than a month old, you avoid selling yourself short.
3. Freelance or Collaborative Work
Even if you’re not looking for a new full-time job, you may decide you want to pick up some freelance work or collaborate with someone on a side project. and if a great opportunity lands in front of you, you’ll be happier and more confident if you aren’t rushing to get your CV up to speed. Don’t find yourself in a pinch. Keep an updated file of your CV or resume somewhere it’s easy to find.
4. Head-hunters and Recruiters
Just because you’re not looking for a new job doesn’t mean someone else isn’t looking for someone exactly like you. Recruiters, head-hunters or people looking to collaborate on projects are often actively keeping an eye out for the perfect fit. If they call you up asking for your resume - or come across your three-year-old LinkedIn profile - they’re unlikely to be impressed. But if they see an up-to-date document or profile detailing all of the impressive things you’ve done recently? They might just extend you an offer that you’d have a hard time turning down.
5. Promotions and Internal Applications
Even if you are enjoying your job at your current company and have no plans to leave, you may eventually be ready for a more senior position. Even though your manager has first-hand experience of your incredible work, the powers-that-be who are making the hiring decision may still want to see it all on paper. By having an updated CV on hand, you’ll be able to get your application submitted in a timely manner, showing off your experience, work ethic, and enthusiasm for the new position.
6. Unexpected Retrenchment or Redundancy
Unfortunately, no matter how much you love your job or how good you are at it, a situation may arise where you get retrenched or let go. If that does happen, you’re going to have enough to think about without adding updating your ancient CV into the mix. Do yourself a favour and regularly update your job search credentials even when you’re not looking for a job. By keeping your details current, you’re just a cover letter away from re-joining the job market
The best part of all of this? If CV Pro created your CV, we’ll update it for only a fraction of its original cost. Many of our clients have a standing annual review with us. You can too…call us and ask us how.
In fact, a polished CV or resume (and LinkedIn profile!) can be almost as valuable to you now as when you’re in the middle of a job search. Here’s why;
1. Conferences, Articles and the Media
Speaking at conferences, contributing articles to publications, or giving quotes to the media as an expert in your field are all excellent ways to grow yourself professionally without leaving your current job. But when you pitch yourself to the media or conference organisers, you’re going to have to be able to adequately present your experience and credentials. By keeping your CV and LinkedIn profile updated, you can send them off without blinking an eye.
2. Award Nominations
Usually if you are going to be nominated for an award, you’ll be asked for a copy of your CV for the awards panel to review. If you have to scramble to fix up your resume, it probably won’t represent you as well as it should. By having your LinkedIn profile and CV no more than a month old, you avoid selling yourself short.
3. Freelance or Collaborative Work
Even if you’re not looking for a new full-time job, you may decide you want to pick up some freelance work or collaborate with someone on a side project. and if a great opportunity lands in front of you, you’ll be happier and more confident if you aren’t rushing to get your CV up to speed. Don’t find yourself in a pinch. Keep an updated file of your CV or resume somewhere it’s easy to find.
4. Head-hunters and Recruiters
Just because you’re not looking for a new job doesn’t mean someone else isn’t looking for someone exactly like you. Recruiters, head-hunters or people looking to collaborate on projects are often actively keeping an eye out for the perfect fit. If they call you up asking for your resume - or come across your three-year-old LinkedIn profile - they’re unlikely to be impressed. But if they see an up-to-date document or profile detailing all of the impressive things you’ve done recently? They might just extend you an offer that you’d have a hard time turning down.
5. Promotions and Internal Applications
Even if you are enjoying your job at your current company and have no plans to leave, you may eventually be ready for a more senior position. Even though your manager has first-hand experience of your incredible work, the powers-that-be who are making the hiring decision may still want to see it all on paper. By having an updated CV on hand, you’ll be able to get your application submitted in a timely manner, showing off your experience, work ethic, and enthusiasm for the new position.
6. Unexpected Retrenchment or Redundancy
Unfortunately, no matter how much you love your job or how good you are at it, a situation may arise where you get retrenched or let go. If that does happen, you’re going to have enough to think about without adding updating your ancient CV into the mix. Do yourself a favour and regularly update your job search credentials even when you’re not looking for a job. By keeping your details current, you’re just a cover letter away from re-joining the job market
The best part of all of this? If CV Pro created your CV, we’ll update it for only a fraction of its original cost. Many of our clients have a standing annual review with us. You can too…call us and ask us how.
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