3 Signs It’s Time to Update Your Resume
- Ed Herzog
- October 15, 2025
- 4:31 pm
- 0 comments
If your job search isn’t gaining traction, the issue might not be your skills or experience. It might be your resume.
A strong resume does more than list your job duties. It positions you strategically, tells a clear story, and makes it instantly obvious why you’re a fit for the roles you want.
Here are three signs that it's time to update your resume.
1) You’re applying…but not getting interviews
You’ve spent hours applying online. You’re qualified. Yet your inbox is silent.
That’s a strong signal your resume isn’t grabbing attention. Recruiters and hiring managers make decisions in seconds, and if your document feels too generic, too task-heavy, or not aligned with the employer’s priorities, you’ll get passed over.
What to do: Shift your focus from listing responsibilities to showcasing results. Use metrics, highlight achievements, and make it clear how you’ve added value in past roles. The goal: help the reader imagine the impact you could make on their team.
2) You’re landing interviews… but they’re for roles below your level
If recruiters keep reaching out about jobs that are a step down from where you want to be, your resume might be underselling you.
This is a positioning problem. Maybe your leadership experience isn’t prominent enough. Maybe your accomplishments are buried beneath task lists. Or maybe your summary makes you sound like a “doer,” not a “driver.”
What to do: Review your resume through the lens of the roles you want next, not the ones you’ve already done. Emphasize your strategic contributions, decision-making, and the scope of your impact. Every line should reinforce that you’re ready for the next level.
3) Your resume is outdated
If it’s been 2+ years since you last updated your resume, you’re probably missing your most recent wins, promotions, or skills. That means if you suddenly need it - due to a layoff or a great opportunity - you’ll be scrambling to remember details.
What to do: Update your resume regularly, even if you’re not job hunting. Capture new achievements while they’re fresh. Add new tools or technologies you’ve learned. Keep a “career brag file” - a running list of wins you can easily pull from later.
BOTTOM LINE
Your resume is often your first impression — and it should reflect the professional you are today, not the one you were three years ago.
Whether you need a light refresh or a complete overhaul, investing in a strong resume can be the difference between being overlooked and being hired.
Copyright © 2025 Ed Herzog