Yes, you still need a resume – and make sure to update

Q. Do I need a resume? I’m looking for a job and I keep hearing that companies don’t really need it. I hope this is true?

A. You should still have a resume. It’s true that yes, some companies may no longer require it, but it’s still the gold standard in job searching. Especially when you’re networking, people who are able to help will ask to receive your resume. When you apply online, even though you can enter your employment information, there’s typically a section to upload your resume. Yes, yes, yes, please update your resume and ensure you have a polished one ready to circulate.

Q. I got laid off before the holidays and I’m pretty lucky. I don’t have to look for a job right away — financially, I’m set for a while. I’m kind of enjoying some downtime to relax. I’d rather just take a month or two and then start looking, maybe start working in the spring in a new full-time job. What are your thoughts?

A. I’m sorry to hear you got laid off, but it sounds like you’re fortunately in a great position financially and not in any rush. You do you. That said, keep in mind that landing a new job may not happen immediately.

When I worked in corporate recruiting, in some instances it happened almost instantly (and by that I mean around two to four weeks), but the majority of the time, depending on the availability of interviewers’ schedules, finance approvals, and more, it took several additional weeks.

If you’re thinking by April you want to be in a new job, I suggest you starting looking at least in February. It doesn’t hurt to at least be a passive job searcher: update your resume, set up job alerts, start networking. You can still enjoy downtime while passively looking. I definitely wouldn’t wait until spring when you’re ready to start working. While enjoying the hiatus from a full-time work schedule, you may want to start thinking about how you’re spending your time to provide employers with a narrative such as acquiring a new skill, achieving an online certification, and more. So, definitely enjoy the downtime while making it worth your while for a career thread to put on your resume and talk about during this time.

Also, while you’re enjoying downtime, it’s beneficial to set up networking calls and coffee chats, and keep your eyes and ears open to opportunities even if it’s not on your time frame. You can potentially land a job and extend the start date. Enjoy and good luck!

Vicki Salemi is a career expert, former corporate recruiter, author, consultant, speaker, and career coach. Send your questions to [email protected]. For more information and to subscribe to Vicki’s newsletter, visit www.vickisalemi.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @vickisalemi.

Tribune News Service