Statics show that, in order to make a living, 72% of unemployed professionals did not just change jobs, thay also changed industries. Downsizing, rightsizing, mergers, acquisitions and bankrupticies are more prevelent today than ever. It is probably just a matter of time before you get caught in this growing trend.

Therefore, it makes good sense to keep your resume updated and at the ready. Unfortunately, many people neglect this vital process. We think, that we may never need it or we just get lazy. Many people think that a good resume can be done on the spur of the moment. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only does good writing take time; but, trying to remember your accomplishments and new skills since the last resume writing can be a real challenge. Here are some tips to make your next resume writing challenge a little easier:

1. In the beginning is the file. Make a folder in which to keep information pertinent to your resume.

2. Keep good records of any trainings you have attended, education you havereceived or certifications you have earned.

3. Write down new skills as you acquire them. Remember, skills can be transferredfrom job to job as well as from industry to industry. Employers look for these“transferable” skills.

4. Know your strengths and write them down. It often becomes difficult to thinkpositively about yourself when you are stressed and under pressure.

5. Be sure to record dates of employment, company names and locations. Trackingback over the years can prove to be a daunting task if you have changed jobs every3 to 5 years.

6. Maintain a record of your salary over the past years.

7. Be sure to keep track of your accomplishments. Anytime you can quote numberson your resume, it makes a good impression, i.e. Reduced turnover by 15%,increased sales by 20% or designed and implemented a new system reducingpaperwork by 5%. (At least they will know you are detailed oriented if nothingelse.) Don’t forget pertinent awards or recognitions you have received!

8. Maintain your contacts and network on a continuous basis. These are the peoplewho can lead to you job openings. This file is a good place to keep names, addressand phone numbers. Remember that approximately 25% of available jobsare “advertised”. The old saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know” isstill true today.

9. Keep a record of your duties and responsibilities. If you’ve done it before, youcan do it again. Job responsibilities are constantly changing. We forget aboutthose that have changed or that we no longer perform or how these tasks might berelevant to a new positon or industry.

10. Keep all of your complimentary notes and letters in this file. This information may or may not be included in your resume, but it will keep your attitude up during what can prove to be a stressful time.

Following these few, simple steps will make your next job or career change much less traumatic and just a little less painful.