Well, take off the blinders. Everything has changed. When you consider FedEx has been known to scour blogs for top level IT candidates, Microsoft has used billboards, and resume management systems seems to be ruling the roost … well, only updating your resume seems farfetched. It’s equivalent to taking a severely dented piece of furniture and slapping on some paint. Slapping on a bit of new doesn’t necessarily cover the old.

When you consider that traditional job-search methods are increasingly becoming old-school, let us consider calling September, “Throw Your Resume Away” month. A resume developed for last year’s hiring manager isn’t necessarily the right format for today’s when you consider resumes are being transformed to accommodate other job-search forums; i.e. blogs, social networking, and video and audio deliverable systems.

Teena Rose of Resume to Referral offers up 3 reasons why you should have a ceremonial burning of your old resume:

First, take your resume to a local library and pull a resume sample book off the shelf. If your resume resembles anything listed in those pages, you are doing a second rate effort of finding that perfect job. Use only the latest and greatest styles and techniques when it comes to your resume and cover letter, while customizing your materials to each varying delivery channel. What’s appropriate for your paper resume isn’t necessarily appropriate when that same info is transitioned to the work experience section of your LinkedIn account, for example.

Second, Teena says, “How will you stand out and be front and center when the time is most crucial?” Good question. How will you? Certainly you should develop and utilize a resume and cover letter, if that’s what’s expected, but don’t be afraid to try something new. As you step on each rung of the career ladder and the job-search landscape changes, your search techniques should transform, improve, and be distinguishable as well.

Third, stop looking on a small scale. There’s a reason why companies such as FedEx and Microsoft are using unique hiring techniques. They’re searching for individuals who not only look outside the box, but look for those who see possibility, feasibility, and reach-ability. They want grand thinkers; people who embrace not shy away from new technologies and ideas. Think about how YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitHire, and so many others, have changed how we search for new jobs.

How limited is your thinking? Is your short-sightedness hurting your resume, and well, your career?

Information about Resume to Referral

Teena Rose, President of Resume to Referral, is an executive resume writer, personal branding specialist, interview trainer, and careerist. Visit Resume to Referral to read articles and learn more ways you can transform your resume, speed your job search, survive downsizing, improve negotiation skills, secure a top salary, and more.

She oftentimes tells people that her “favorite clients are those who control their careers; those who continue their education because it's in the best interest of themselves and their employers; those who embrace new techniques, systems, and processes; those who outperform, outdo, and outwit.”

Established in 1999, Resume to Referral has helped thousands of individuals launch, advance, and switch careers. The company offers tiered resume packages including comprehensive job-search and career development services.