Why September Is the Perfect Time to Refresh Your Resume
As the summer winds down and the back-to-school season kicks into full gear, September presents a unique opportunity to reassess and refresh your resume. Whether you're actively job hunting, open to new opportunities, or simply looking to keep your professional documents current, this month offers a natural pause to focus on your career trajectory. Here’s why September is the ideal time to update your resume—and how you can make the most of it.
1. New Beginnings and Fresh Mindsets
September feels like a new start. It’s the unofficial “second New Year” for many professionals, especially as the post-summer mindset shifts back toward work and productivity. This is the perfect time to reflect on your recent achievements and long-term career goals. If you've taken on new projects, completed certifications, or enhanced your skill set over the summer, updating your resume now ensures it's fresh and ready.
2. Hiring Season Kicks into High Gear
Fall is one of the busiest times of the year for hiring. Many companies ramp up recruitment efforts in September, as budgets are finalized for the remainder of the year, and hiring managers look to fill roles before the holiday season. Having an updated resume ensures you're prepared to seize new opportunities when they arise. Whether you’re passively exploring or ready to actively pursue a new role, a refreshed resume puts you ahead of the competition.
3. Summer Accomplishments to Highlight
You may have had time over the summer to work on professional development, attend webinars, or lead a successful project. September is the perfect time to capture those accomplishments while they’re fresh in your mind. Even if you weren't working, you may have developed new skills or refined your expertise in areas such as time management, organization, or leadership—these soft skills are valuable additions to any resume.
4. A Resume for the Evolving Job Market
The job market is constantly evolving, especially as remote work, automation, and digital transformation continue to impact industries. By refreshing your resume now, you can ensure it reflects the current demands of employers. Highlighting your adaptability, tech-savviness, and any relevant remote work experience is essential for staying competitive. September’s reflective nature gives you the space to thoughtfully tailor your resume to meet the latest trends.
5. End-of-Year Reviews Are Around the Corner
With performance reviews and promotions typically occurring toward the end of the year, September is a great time to ensure your resume is ready for internal opportunities as well. Updating it with recent accomplishments, metrics, and projects can provide a clear and concise summary of your contributions. This preparation could also give you the confidence to negotiate for a promotion or raise when the time comes.
6. Incorporating Transferable Skills
As you assess your career journey, take this time to highlight soft and transferable skills that have become increasingly valuable. Leadership, communication, and adaptability are now just as critical as technical abilities. Incorporating these into your resume this September allows you to position yourself as a well-rounded candidate, ready to take on diverse roles in an ever-changing professional landscape.
7. Stand Out Before the Year Ends
Many professionals wait until the end of the year or the start of a new one to consider refreshing their resume. By taking the initiative in September, you position yourself ahead of those who wait until January to make updates. A well-polished resume not only boosts your confidence but also signals that you’re proactive and ready for new challenges.
How to Refresh Your Resume This September:
Add Recent Accomplishments: Think about what you’ve achieved in the past 6-12 months and include measurable and quantifiable results wherever possible.
Update Keywords: Scan job descriptions in your field to identify in-demand skills and ensure your resume incorporates the latest industry keywords.
Tailor to Your Goals: If you're eyeing a specific industry or role, adjust your resume to align with the qualifications and skills that hiring managers are looking for.
Polish Your Format: Make sure your resume is clean, modern, and easy to read. If necessary, consider updating the design to reflect your personal brand.
Seek Feedback: Have a trusted mentor, colleague, or resume expert (that’s us!) review your updated document to ensure it’s clear, compelling, and competitive.
If you’d like an expert review of your resume or a complete overhaul, please reach out and book a free consultation with one of our HR Experts. We can help ensure you are ready for your next career move!
