Signs Your Resume Needs a Refresh (And What to Do About It)

Your resume is your trail pass—it’s what gets you through the gate and onto the path toward your next opportunity. But if it's outdated or not aligned with where you're headed, it could be holding you back without you even knowing it.

Here are a few signs it might be time to give your resume a refresh—and what you can do to get back on track:

1. ⏳ It’s Been Over a Year Since You Updated It

A lot can change in a year! New projects, promotions, or skills should be added regularly. If you haven’t touched your resume in over 12 months, it’s time to revisit and reflect your most recent accomplishments.

2. 🧭 It Doesn’t Reflect Your Career Direction

If your resume still focuses on an old role or industry you’re no longer interested in, it won’t get you where you want to go. Tailor it to your current goals, not just your past experiences.

3. 🎒 It’s Crammed With Irrelevant Experience

Think of your resume like a hiking pack—you don’t want to overpack with things you don’t need. Cut out unrelated jobs or outdated skills that are just taking up space.

4. 📉 You’re Not Getting Interview Calls

If you're applying regularly but not hearing back, your resume might not be making it past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or catching the attention of hiring managers.

5. 🪨 It Just Feels... Stale

Maybe the formatting looks outdated, or the language doesn’t sound like “you” anymore. A fresh design and updated tone can make a huge difference in how you're perceived.


What to Do About It:

✨ Don’t stress—resumes are living documents!

Take some time to:

  • Revisit your goals
  • Cut what no longer serves you
  • Add achievements (use metrics when possible!)
  • Refresh the layout
  • Consider getting a second pair of eyes (👋 I can help!)

If you’re unsure where to start, I offer free resume audits to help you assess where your resume stands—and what tweaks will help you stand out.