February 3, 2015
New Year- Time To Update That Resume!
Written by Sharon Justice, Department of Management
The start of the New Year always brings time for reflection, refocus, or resolutions. Often, we think that resolutions have to be momentous, life changing events. It’s not too late to start the New Year off with new habits that can make a difference, not just resolutions that get lost in the shuffle. Here are a few to consider:
Update your resume: With the beginning of the New Year, it is a good time to reflect on what you have accomplished since last year. Did you work over the summer? Did you start a new job? Did you study abroad? Have you been a volunteer? Everything has potential to be a resume builder. Remember to always make strong arguments for your accomplishments by using power verbs and incorporating facts and figures into your resume. Don’t simply state job duties. Expand your impact and grab attention by explaining what you accomplished and why it was important. Remember, the resume is your teaser advertisement for you. Take charge and spend time crafting the foundation that can be easily customized whenever you want to apply for a position.
Set up a LinkedIn profile, or update your current profile. This online social media tool is an excellent way to stay connected with friends, work associates, prior colleagues, people you want to get to know…you name it. Spend time crafting your headline, pull updated accomplishments from your resume. Find new groups or people to share with.
Explore Twitter: Don’t just tweet random thoughts. Find groups with common interests and join the conversations. Maybe you don’t start out adding your own tweets, and that it ok. Follow a conversation on a hot topic one evening. See what others in your industry are talking about. Join a group of Millennials as they talk about entering the workforce after college. Follow recruiters where you want to work. Twitter has so much to offer, go see for yourself.
Refine your Pitch. You never know when you will meet someone unexpected. Have your pitch ready to share. It’s your opportunity to shamelessly promote yourself. You never know where these new connections and conversations may take you.
Now is the time to start off the New Year with new habits. Take time to make a few updates and explore a new tool. You may just find that the New Year brings you closer to your goals.