9 Reasons Why You Need A Resume (Even If You Have A Job)

During a job search, your resume plays a major role. It provides proof that you're capable of doing the job. However, having a resume even if you're not looking for a job is also important. Related:Resume Cheat Sheet: 5 Tips For A Winning Resume Here are nine reasons why you need a resume, even if you have a job:

---

1. To Ensure Client Loyalty

Clients and customers are always on the lookout for a better, quicker, more attractive response! There's no quicker way to lose a customer or opportunity for business than to rest on one's laurels and assume you have things wrapped up. A good job yesterday may mean nothing if a more visible competitor impresses one's best client. Ensure visibility and present one's expertise to not only new customers, but also existing ones.

2. To Attract New Clients Or Customers

Whether the plan is growth, replacing clients lost through attrition, or just ensuring a fair share of the American Pie, everyone needs new customers. Tomorrow is mercurial, especially in today's economic times. The winners are constantly in motion – visible, dynamic, and attractive.

3. To Improve Or Maintain Status In An Industry Or Field

In many industries, it is crucial to have a standing in one's professional community. A recommendation from a competitor (or at least a lack of negative comment) can often carry more weight than one from a friend or customer. Visibly impressive qualifications communicated well and often ensure that few people will have ill words to speak. To do so would be to risk dissension.

4. To Provide Job Security

In today's climate, even holding one's current role steady is a challenge. If changes need to be made, a manager will be less likely to delete someone who clearly has the skills, knowledge, and ability to do the job. All things being equal, the one APPEARING most qualified will be kept on. This is not to say that it is not necessary to hone one's skills and remain sharp on all fronts, of course.

5. To Obtain A Raise

Who doesn't want more money? Clearly delineate value to the company, recent accomplishments, and present them in a polished fashion to justify the raise to a superior. Not only will an updated resume provide the needed justification, but also it gently reminds the boss that you are a well-qualified employee that would be sought after by competitors.

6. To Confirm Self-Worth

Often, today's business environment does not provide positive feedback to workers. Sometimes one just needs to see oneself through another's eyes. A resume is a great way to sit back and look objectively at oneself to see what others may: A pat on the back if done correctly!

7. To Identify Gaps In Skills, Knowledge, Or Abilities

Prior planning prevents… Well, enough said! Just the exercise in pulling together the information for an updated resume may be enough to identify areas for improvement. There is no time like the present – not having an up to date resume is like playing Russian Roulette with one's income. No one wants to have to look for work because they lost their job. Be prepared, keep a current resume, and keep skills current.

8. To Find A New Job

Change is sometimes forced on a worker – companies do not share all the information that could potentially impact employees or sometimes the company is blind-sided by changes outside of its control. If you are caught in this position, your stress will be somewhat eased by an updated resume on hand and ready to send to potential employers and colleagues.

9. To Find A New Opportunity

A visible resume posted online or shared among a network of trusted friends or colleagues could open doors to opportunities not recognized, considered, or thought of. How exciting to be presented with the perfect opportunity out of the blue? A network member might recognize a match between contents of a resume and an opening only they are privy to at the moment. After an “AHA" moment or two a line can easily be drawn between the needs of the opportunity and the offerings outline in a well-formatted resume. This post was originally published at an earlier date.

Related Posts

3 Things That Make Your Resume Less EffectiveResume Power Statements: What Are They & Why Do I Need One?How To Include Volunteer Work & Travels In Your Resume

About the author

Mary Sherwood Sevinsky is a career and occupational consultant who is masters-prepared and certified. She is a business owner with nearly 20 years of experience in Corporate Management, Career Assessment & Counseling and in writing Career Articles and Educational Materials. She has worked as a corporate manager experienced in hiring, firing, and managing a staff of professionals with a multi-million dollar budget. Learn more about Mary and her services: www.life-works.info. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert.