By Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, Expert Resume Writer
While long-term employment is always favored over long-term unemployment or a job-hopping history, it’s easy as a worker to feel like you’ve stuck with the same title in the same company for too long. If you’re ready to move on to a new position but worry that hiring managers will think you don’t have enough variety in your resume, here are some ideas to give your resume that fresh, updated look you’re hoping for.
1. Remove Outdated Skills and Credentials
One way to move your resume out of the 20th century is to remove outdated skills and other credentials. For instance, if you don’t want it to appear that you still function at the same level you did in 1992, then it’s a good idea to eliminate phrases like “skilled at word processing” as it implies that you just recently retired your typewriter and learned how to use a computer. Instead, list specific and current programs that you’ve learned in order to give your resume a fresher look.
2. Highlight New Responsibilities
It’s good to show in your resume that you’ve taken on new responsibilities in your position over the years, even if you’ve kept the same title. As mentioned previously, it’s likely that you’ve had to learn new programs or adjust to new communication systems in order to adapt to evolving technology. Also, think about adjustments in your position that you initiated—and be sure to use action words such as: developed, programmed, organized, etc. to show leadership. Finally, consider listing years that your new responsibilities were acquired as a way to measure growth.
3. Show That You’ve Continued Learning
Of course, if you’ve learned technological skills, you’ve probably received some type of training along the way. So be sure to list training classes you’ve taken that make you relevant to new employers. And if you’ve gone back to school, be sure to say so to give younger candidates a run for their money.
4. Add a Career Summary That Shows Growth
In your resume, it’s always good to add a career summary near the top of your resume to provide hiring managers with a value proposition. But in your case, the summary works especially well in giving the company a snapshot (usually via a bullet-point list) of your career highlights, accomplishments, and evolution in your position.
5. Highlight Longevity in Your Job Target
Finally, your job target (also known as a headline) is a fantastic addition to your resume because it highlights the very best of your professional career in one sentence. You can use your longevity to your advantage by stating that you’re a “Legal Assistant with 22 Years of Experience in a Fortune 500 Law Firm Targeting an Executive Assistant Position with XYZ Company.”
There’s no doubt that long-term employment shows you are dedicated, loyal, reliable, and responsible—which is why your employer has held on to you for so long. So use those high points to your advantage as you write a winning resume for the next phase of your life.
About the Author
Jessica Hernandez, is a resume authority for the Job Talk America radio program and multi-published expert author for resume, career, and job search publications. She boasts more than ten years in human resources management and hiring for Fortune 500 companies and utilizes her extensive experience to support job seekers in their quest to move onward and upward in their careers. Find out more at Great Resumes Fast.
Check out the latest Career Insider eNewsletter - November 17, 2011.
