Updating Your Resume Task Analysis

If you already have a resume, you can use this task analysis to update it and make sure it matches the job you want to apply for.

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Updating Your Resume Task Analysis

If you already have a resume, you can use this task analysis to update it and make sure it matches the job you want to apply for.

Getting Started

1. Gather the Information You Need to Update Your Resume

Your current resume file
The job posting for the opportunity you are interested in
A list of anything new since you last updated your resume (jobs, skills, certifications, awards, activities, or volunteer work)

2. Save a Copy of Your Current Resume

Make the copy before you change anything so your original file stays intact
Give the copy a new name so you can tell your versions apart

3. Review the Job Description

Read the job description and the list of qualifications
Note the skills and keywords that come up more than once
You can use AI-assisted tools to review job descriptions or summarize positions for you. However, it is important to note that AI makes mistakes, so make sure to read the description for yourself, too.

Updating Your Resume

1. Update Your Contact Information

Your name
City, State
Phone number
Email address
Your LinkedIn URL (if applicable)
Your credentials (if applicable)

2. Update Your Summary

Align your summary with your current career goals
Include key skills and industry keywords taken from the job description
Keep this section specific, around 3-4 lines

3. Update Your Skills

Remove skills that are outdated or unrelated to this job
Add new skills you have gained since your last resume update
List the skills that appear in the job posting first

4. Update Your Experience

Verify past job titles, dates employed, and organization names
Remove outdated or irrelevant experience (typically any experience older than 10 years)
Move the most relevant accomplishments to the top of each role
Update your bullet points to highlight achievements related to the current job posting
Start each bullet with an action verb that focuses on the impact of your work (e.g., implemented, increased, designed)
Avoid generic responsibilities when possible (e.g., answered emails or replied to messages)

5. Update Your Education

our contact information
Verify and update education-related dates (e.g., year of graduation) and institution names
Add any new certifications, licenses, or trainings
Include any certifications that are in progress with an anticipated completion date

6. Update Your Activities, Awards, and Other Sections

Awards and recognitions
Activities, memberships, and leadership roles
Professional affiliations (e.g., board member positions)
Publications (if applicable)
Volunteer work (include if relevant to the position you are applying for)

Check Your Progress

Consider:

Did I update each section?
Did I update my experience to reflect the job I am applying for?
Did I remove anything that is outdated or no longer relevant?
Did I describe my experience clearly and use action verbs?
Did I keep my formatting simple and consistent?
Does my summary match the opportunity I am applying for?

Have Someone Review Your Resume

Before submitting, ask a friend or family member to review your resume for typos, visual formatting, and readability.

Save Your Resume

Save your document clearly and professionally (e.g., Jordan_Lee_Resume)
If you are applying to more than one job, add the job title so you can tell your versions apart (e.g.,Jordan_Lee_Resume_Office_Assistant)

You’re Ready to Submit!

If you have any questions or need support, contact us at info@empowervi.org.

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The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the Department of Education Award 84.327R230008. However, the content does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

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