Moving Up In Your Company? YOU Need A Resume, Too!
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I have written resumes for many clients who were not moving companies and some who weren’t even moving departments – they were simply asked to present an updated resume to apply for a higher-tiered position within their company. The funny thing is they were surprised that they would even need a resume for the same company that hired them years earlier.



If you are thinking of applying for a higher position in your company, be prepared to present a new, updated resume prior to interviewing. You may think, “Oh, I’ve been here 10 years! They know what I do.” But, the fact is your interviewer may likely be a non-biased 3rd party, and you will be competing on a level playing field with outside candidates. Do you think using your 10-year-old resume in a dusty HR file drawer will land you that job? Don’t bet on it. You must be prepared to sell yourself just like any other candidate!



Here is a simple way to update your resume for this purpose:



1. Introduction: It is likely that resume trends (and the business world as a whole) have changed since you joined your company. If your old resume contains an objective, trash it. These are candidate-focus and the current business mindset is company-focused. Instead, start off your resume with an introductory summary (a paragraph stating your core strengths and unique talents that make you great for the position). You may even choose to add a list of keywords that fit the potential position. Here is an example of a resume with a brief yet inclusive list of job-specific keywords.



2. Work History: Since your old resume already represents everything you have done prior to your current job, you may only need to add this position (or series of positions you’ve held with this particular company). Be sure to list several bullets with accomplishments you have achieved with the company. It is vital that you are honest and accurate – your colleagues are more likely than anyone to know the difference.



3. Add-Ons: Don’t forget to list any certifications, corporate trainings, additional education, or job-related awards you have received since joining the company.



4. Contact: Update your contact information as your address, email, and phone have likely changed in the time you’ve been employed.



If you are looking to move up in your company, update your resume NOW and save yourself the panic and hassle of updating it only when management requests it. Once you’ve updated and polished your resume, you can be proud knowing it is a better representation of who you are today!