Diamonds are the most precious of gems—we value them even with their imperfections. Human beings are a lot like diamonds; each of us is like a multi-faceted gem that develops over many years, sometimes under heat and pressure. When it comes to our accomplishments and careers, we shine more brilliantly when we keep an active, updated résumé. However, a surprising minority of us actually do, which means when new opportunities arise, our response is less than optimal—and potentially not our best.

The quality of our work is shaped over years of diverse challenges, experiences and achievements. How have you kept track of these milestones along the way? Have you recorded the experiences that have influenced your development and helped polish your skills?

A résumé is a perfect place to chronicle experiences that have refined the value you offer. In a recent online survey of career professionals, the greatest majority of respondents reported that they update their résumé only when planning to change jobs or after they get a new position.  My work as a professional résumé writer validates this trend. Most clients seek help with their résumé only when they need or want a new position. However, it is usually more difficult to effectively document success when a lot of time has passed since it was achieved.

Proactive clients continuously update their résumé just in case they need to self-promote within their own company, and some wise individuals just want to be prepared should a recruiter call with a new opportunity. There are both easy and difficult ways (pay now vs. pay later) methods for updating résumés.  The best analogy relates to tax season. Do  you wait until the last minute to document all of your expenses?  If so, the task feels monumental. For those who document expenses each month, the annual tax project task is much less overwhelming.

Your résumé is like a gift box for a magnificent diamond: you! Good resume presentation can help you radiate and shine. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your resume up-to-date:

1. Be aware of résumé-worthy accomplishments as they happen. Incorporate them into your résumé periodically.
2. Revisit your résumé or work with a professional résumé writer when you are not in the midst of a job change.
3. Cultivate your references along the way.

Many individuals have benefited from utilizing an executive résumé service like JD Coaching and Consulting. We can help present your qualifications and transferable skills to make you shine! Interested in learning more about what this type of service entails? Contact JD Coaching and Consulting today.