Keep Your Resume Updated

Despite today’s uncertain job market, many managers do not maintain an updated resume, a survey shows. Executives polled said they believe only half (50 percent) of managers would be ready to send out application materials if they were to unexpectedly lose their jobs. The survey was developed by Accountemps, a temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 150 executives with the nation’s 1,000 largest companies. “Those who keep an ongoing record of professional achievements are better positioned for the job search because they can more readily recall details of past responsibilities and accomplishments,” said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies® (Hungry Minds, Inc.). “This is particularly important for professionals who have been with the same employer for many years and, as a result, have not actively looked for a new position in some time.” Messmer added, “A periodic resume update is also an ideal time to reassess career goals and identify marketable skills — such as leadership or mentoring — gained on the job.”