One of the BIGGEST mistakes I see job searchers make is updating their resumes and applying to jobs before doing some thinking about where they are headed.  That is why I recommend that you stop applying for jobs for a bit, find a quiet place to think, grab a cup of your favorite coffee or tea and go through the below exercise. This simple step will transform your job search and help you find work you love, instead of repeating a cycle of jumping into jobs where you feel stuck and unhappy.

Here are 5 things you MUST do before updating your resume:

#1: Brainstorm

Think about the following questions: What is the first thing you want the interviewer to know about you? What makes you unique? Why are you different from other candidates? Why are you awesome? What are your passions?

#2: Create Your Resume Branding Strategy

Your resume branding strategy will help you figure out what to include on your resume. It includes the following:

1. Who am I?

2. Who is my target?

3. What is my goal?

4. How do I stand out?

5. How do I want to be known?

#3: Identify Your Career Goals

A resume helps you meet your goal. So what is your goal? You are in charge of your career and where you are going. What do you really want? Remember, if you aren’t working on your own career goals, you are working on achieving someone else’s! (Your boss, your parents, your boyfriend, etc.)What are your short-term and long-term goals?

#4: Identify Your Career Targets

How can you create a resume without having a clear direction?  Remember, the more focused you are, the more success you will have.

List your top career or industry targets. List what qualities, experiences and skills a person would need to have in order to reach this career target. List what makes you want to go into this career.

#5: Know Your Strengths

A recruiter may only look at your resume for a few seconds, so you really want your strengths to jump off the page! That is why it is a good idea to spend some time thinking about your strengths and the top 5 words that describe you. Stumped? Ask a friend or family member how they would describe you. 

Ready to get started creating a resume that helps you get hired? Download the template above and get started updating your resume and moving towards a career you love today.