Your resume is often your first impression. But if it hasn’t been updated in years or feels out of sync with your current goals, it might be working against you. Here are five clear signs it’s time for a resume refresh.
1. You Haven’t Touched It in Over a Year
Even if you’re not actively job searching, updating your resume regularly ensures you’re prepared for unexpected opportunities. Take a look and see that the dates are aligned and current.
2. It No Longer Reflects Your Skills
If your resume focuses on outdated skills or misses recent achievements, it may not showcase your current value. For example, “typing at 70 WPM” may not reflect your current skillset. Highlight recent certifications, tech tools, leadership roles, or measurable outcomes.
3. The Format Looks Dated
Design matters. If your resume still looks like it came from a 2005 Word doc, it’s time to modernize. Use clean lines, strategic formatting, and avoid overused templates.
4. It Doesn’t Align With Your Career Goals
If your goals have shifted, your resume should too. Tailor your summary and experience to highlight relevant achievements and direction.
5. You Struggle to Talk About Your Experience
If writing about yourself feels overwhelming, consider tools like reStart’s AI resume builder. It makes the process easier by offering professional templates and content suggestions tailored to your experience.
A great resume opens doors! Take the time to refresh it now and position yourself for success when the next opportunity comes along.