Updating your CV shouldn’t be a chore – here are 10 reasons why
Written by, Imogen Henning, Senior Delivery Consultant
At Matchtech we see a lot of CVs. Big ones, small ones, detailed ones, sparse ones, good ones…and some shockers. But we know that this isn’t anyone’s fault. Writing a CV is tricky, not in the least because certain industries ask you to do different things to others, a hiring manager at a company might have a particular presentation of a CV they like, and you might just not know where to start. All completely valid reasons, but all reasons that having someone on your team – like our specialists at Matchtech – is a good thing.
We got together as a team and brainstormed a few things that we thought showed why updating your CV is really, super-duper important as a prospective candidate. We will also look at how to start a CV at a later date if you’re feeling like you need to start a fresh, but for now, let’s take a look at simply keeping it up to date and why that’s a good thing. Let’s get into it.
1. Career evolution
Updating your CV can show how your career has evolved to date over time. Career paths evolve, and people acquire new skills and experiences. Updating your CV shows this and helps you accurately show how you’ve evolved as a professional.
2. Tailoring for fit
When you update a CV, it can be to tailor it for a specific opportunity. Your recruitment partner can help you with this, and really help you to home in on what a specific hiring manager and company are looking for. This can increase your chances of being selected for that position that looks like it fits you perfectly.
3. Go on, show-off a bit!
Use the CV revamp to showcase your growth professionally: highlight new responsibilities you’ve gained, achievements you’ve hit, and any qualifications you have. Shout from the proverbial hilltops about it – it will help you show that you look to grow constantly.
4. Are you online?
Professional profiles extend beyond paper, so regularly updating your CV can ensure that your online profiles, like on LinkedIn, represent your current expertise and achievements. If anything, it can prompt you to look at your online presence and keep that up to date too!
5. Networking is still relevant!
Yes, paper isn’t something you take to a networking event, but updating it can help keep fresh in your mind what you’ve done. So, when you do go to these events, you have some great discussion points to explore with new connections. You never know – you might even get new collaboration opportunities with people who are looking for exactly your skills…
Top tip: if you have business cards, pop a QR code on them that leads to an (updated) online CV or (updated) LinkedIn profile – give these out at your next networking event. If you don’t have any business cards, look into getting some. They can be as creative as you want them to be!
6. Ain’t nothing like a first impression.
The more updated and tidy your CV is, the better your first impression will be. This shows a commitment to your career and can leave a lasting (positive) impression on potential employers, clients, or collaborators.
7. Personal and Professional Alignment
Regularly updating your CV can prompt some important self-reflection. Assess how your current role aligns with what you want out of life and out of your career. Use the process to identify areas for improvement, or areas where you want to pivot.
8. Telling a story
Updating your CV allows you to update your own story – you can craft a narrative that aligns with your career goals. Whether it’s leadership roles you crave, or you want to transition to a completely new industry, your CV is critical to tell the story of your career and why you’ll be a successful asset you your prospective new employer.
9. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
Career opportunities are often unpredictable. Having an updated CV means you can seize unexpected opportunities far more easily than if you didn’t. It could be a promotion; it could be a chance encounter with a team like ours on the lookout for someone with your skillset. Be like a scout: be prepared!
10. The more updated your CV is, the more relevant roles you will be shown
Out of date information leads to uninformed decisions. Organisations and recruiters alike may well send you roles based on the information they have, but these could well be way to junior for you, or be based on historical experience – not great if you’ve pivoted or made a career shift. Don’t get overlooked for what could be your dream role!
There we are, why updating your CV is a good thing. It doesn’t have to be a mundane task, it can be fun, and it can allow you to do some important thinking that will set you on the right path for a career change or transition. If you don’t know where to start, that’s ok – drop one of the team at Matchtech a line, and we can help you out.