When you have held a certain position for many years—or even just a few—your resume can become a distant memory, something you used to get a job that is no longer useful. For those who are happy with their current employer, it may not be the best idea to put the resume to rest just yet. Furthermore, for professionals who are ready to take their career to the next step—such as by asking for a raise or a promotion—an updated resume can be an incredibly useful tool to have in one’s arsenal. Here’s why:

• Resumes Can Show Your Growth

Updating your resume is encouraged whenever you are ready to take that next step in your career—even if it is with the company that has employed you for years. Taking time to look at where you started and where you are now helps put your skill and your professional development into perspective.

A carefully-crafted resume will not only show how long you have worked with a company, but also how your responsibilities have changed over the years. Since some professionals may not even notice these changes, a resume update can be extremely beneficial. For instance, updating a resume can help you appreciate the hours you have put in, the people you have managed and the revenue you have generated for a company.

Even if you do not submit an updated resume to be considered for a raise or a promotion, understanding how you have grown and what you offer to your employer can help provide insight when trying to leverage yourself for growth.

• Resumes Still Matter When Applying to Positions Within a Company

In some cases, an individual may already be on track to attain a promotion within his or her company; in other situations, a professional may need to apply for the position. Many large companies have internal job boards that allow for current employees to look for new positions that may be more aligned with their skills, interests and growth plan.

If you are applying for a job through an internal Applicant Tracking System, whether for a higher-level job or a transfer, having an updated resume will be of true benefit. Like any other job application, it is important to submit the most current information to demonstrate professional growth and contributions. Having these detailed elements present may help you get the job over other colleagues who are vying for the role.

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