Why the best time to update your Resume is NOW

How to keep your Resume relevant in a changing job market

Keeping your Resume up to date can feel like a chore, but leaving changes until you have a dozen updates at once makes it harder and easier to miss something important. Use this guide to review each section of your Resume, what to update, and why

If you haven’t created a Resume yet, check out our How to Write a Resume Guide first!

Contact Details

This one’s easy but critical. If you have a new phone number, email, or address, update your Resume right away. There’s nothing worse than having a great Resume and never hearing back because your contact info is out of date.

Future proof tips:

• Use a professional email address (e.g., firstname.lastname@…).
• Include a link to your LinkedIn profile (and make sure it matches your Resume).
• You can list your city/region rather than a full street address.

Education History

Keep this section short but detailed. List your most recent and relevant qualifications in reverse chronological order (most recent first). If you have a long list of accreditations, that’s fantastic, just use the most relevant 2–4 for the job you’re applying for (you can include the rest in a Qualifications section at the end).

If you’re currently studying, include it. For dates, you can note “undertaking” or provide an estimated completion date.

Future proof tips:

• Add short courses and micro credentials (online is fine) that are relevant to the role.
• If you need to fill your education history up, we can help! Check out our accredited and non-accredited training courses to find something that is right for you!

Employment / Work History

Keep your employment history relevant. If you’re in your 40s, your weekend job at a fast?food restaurant from when you were 16 probably isn’t going to help, so remove it.

Aim for quality over quantity. If you’ve had many roles, list your most recent 2–3 and 1–2 that are specifically relevant to the jobs you’re applying for. Use reverse chronological order.

Future proof tips:

• Focus on achievements, not just duties. Use action verbs and, where possible, numbers (e.g., “Served 50+ customers per shift,” “Reduced processing time by 20%”).
• If you’ve worked remotely or in hybrid roles, include that. Adaptability and collaboration skills are highly valued.
• If you’re light on experience, include projects, internships, work experience programs, or community roles that show relevant skills.

We can help you build experience through our range of work experience programs.

Referees

Referees are straightforward to update. A manager or supervisor from your most recent/current employer should be listed first. After that, include one or two more referees from other employers that appear in your employment history.

Future proof tips:

• Always ask permission before listing someone and check their details are current.
• If you prefer, write “Referees available on request.” Some employers only ask at the final stage.

Skills / Experiences (Optional)

This is the space to dot?point your best assets. If your Resume still lists vague skills like “Teamwork” or “Computer literate,” it’s time to update. Buzzwords are okay for first Resumes, but you’ll stand out more by being specific.

Future proof tips:

• Replace general terms with specific tools and capabilities (e.g., “Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables),” “Microsoft Teams,” “Zoom,” “Customer service and conflict resolution”).
• Include transferable skills relevant to the role (communication, problem?solving, time management).
• Tailor this list to the job, for example if you’re moving into office support, leave out forklift experience.

Aim for 10–15 points and update them for each job or industry you’re applying for.

Qualifications (Optional)

List smaller qualifications or certificates that aren’t part of formal education (e.g., RSA, RCG, Working With Children Check, First Aid). Keep it focused.

Future proof tips:

• Cap this section at 10 items and remove less relevant qualifications for each application.
• Include current licences or compliance certificates with expiry dates where applicable.

Your Resume layout is as important as the content

Lastly, let’s talk about how you should change up the layout and look of your Resume.

Think about your biggest strengths for the jobs you’re applying for and make sure they’re easy to find. If you’ve just completed a new course that’s highly relevant but your skills or work history sits above your education, your best asset may be hidden.

Use Resume templates, but make them your own!

Many people use resume templates, and that’s completely fine. Templates can make your resume look professional if you don’t have design experience. But don’t just paste your content and leave everything as-is. Templates may push your education onto page two when it should be front and centre.

Future proof tips:

• Keep formatting simple and consistent so your resume works with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Avoid heavy graphics, tables, or unusual fonts.
• Use clear headings and keywords from the job ad.
• Save a master resume, then create tailored versions for each application.
• Use a clear file name (e.g., “Firstname-Lastname-Resume.pdf”).

Need more help?

You’re in luck! Here at ETC, our vision is to make a positive impact on people’s lives, through the range of employment and training services.

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