6 reasons everyone needs a resume

Do you believe that a resume is something you need only when you are looking for a job? That is the perception among a lot of professionals. However, there are plenty of times a resume will come in handy outside of a job search. You don’t need to be a seasoned professional to have a resume. Even high school students benefit from having a resume. Here are six reasons why everyone needs to have a resume:

A resume attracts business for you

Are you a freelancer looking for your next gig? Or are you a digital nomad traveling the world while you work? Many self-employed professionals benefit from having a resume. We have discussed the benefits of resumes and other marketing materials for independent contractors through a previous article. You need to have an updated resume to send potential clients when they ask you to send one.

A resume helps you get promoted

Are you planning to ask your manager for a promotion? When there is an opening for the position, they will definitely let you know. However, you need to have a strong resume to compete for your promotion. You will be shoulder-to-shoulder with your colleagues in the fight for the new chair. A personal-branding resume that highlights your best accomplishments and achievements will get you miles ahead of the competition.

An effective resume motivates you

Did you know that writing a resume motivates people to do better in their careers? Many professionals who start writing a resume for a job application end up realizing that they need to upskill in order to check all the employer’s boxes. This motivates them to develop new skills and get new experiences. When you write a resume, you get a true idea about your level of competence. This will motivate you to achieve better things out of your career.

A good resume prepares you for challenges

There are various things that can happen to you during your career. In recent months, we have seen how many professionals were let go by their employers due to the unforeseen economic tumult in the country. If you are working in an industry that frequently lays off employees, you will need to prepare for a sudden job cut. Career cushioning will help you in such a scenario. Having a strong resume to apply to new jobs with will help you be more prepared.

A strong resume scores better opportunities

Let’s say that you applied for a dozen job openings with a resume you wrote several years ago. The professional achievements, skills, and qualifications you have mentioned on the resume could be miles apart from the industry standards today. Therefore, you will likely be recruited for jobs that offer less compensation and benefits. However, if you apply for jobs with a winning resume, you have more chances of getting called back for better opportunities. This is because potential employers will view you as a more qualified candidate due to your up-to-date qualifications.

A thorough resume highlights your weaknesses

Although the major purpose of your resume is to highlight your strengths, it will help you notice the areas where you lack as well. When you create the key skills section of your resume, you will notice some skills that you need to brush up on. Also, you will realize how certain credentials, projects, or certifications can make your resume more impressive. Once you notice the areas you need to improve, you can become a better professional.