The Retail Sales Resume
Keep Yours Current

When is the last time you updated your retail sales resume? Keeping your resume current is essential. Find out why in this informative article. Adapted by an article written by Teena Rose.

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Many people do not like the idea of having to keep their resume current. This happens for a variety of reasons. It may could be that you have to face the fact that your job is not as secure as you want it to be; updating your resume may take too much time; it may look complicated; or you may have hired someone to do it the first time and you aren't confident that you have the skills to update your resume yourself.

However, it is important to note that maintaining a current resume, particularly for those in executive positions, is a wise decision.

We all know that the job market is volatile, and even though no one likes to think about it, your job may not be as secure as you would like to think it is. Having a resume that is up-to-date is like having an insurance policy. If you should lose your job, you'll be prepared to take the next step. You don't want to have to be updating your resume AFTER you experience an unexpected event. At that point, you will be stressed out, angry, frustrated and demoralized. You need to have the preparation done in advance - just in case.

When you do keep your resume current, consider how much different your job search situation will be: your stress will be greatly reduced, allowing you to focus on securing your next retail sales job rather than on your job search documents.

Another, more positive reason to keep your resume current is that you have no way of knowing when a new opportunity may present itself. There are times when a recruiter, a headhunter, or another firm will call you looking to hire you away from your current employer. If it's one of those opportunities that is too good to pass up, having an updated resume gives you an advantage.

Those kinds of situations don't open up often and if you are facing any competition, the opportunity may be fleeting. If you have a professional resume ready, you'll have a better chance of getting considered for the position.

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As a salesperson, you will also find yourself in a number of networking situations - online and offline. You may be contacted via your social network about possible job opportunities. If you have your job resume updated, you are in a much better position of being able to take advantage of those opportunities as they arise. There are many times at a networking function when someone will hand you a business card and say, "Send me your resume on Monday" and you either spend the weekend stressed out and putting a resume together or updating an old one or you relax all weekend and send in your current updated resume on Monday as requested (because you already have yours updated).

Time is on your side when you have your credentials updated. Consider keeping a folder with your job search documents current and in order. Include your resume, a copy of a cover letter (that you can use as a guideline, a portfolio of your work, recommendation letters and a list of references. If you keep all of this information in one folder, you will always have it at the ready. Time fades memories and it helps to keep records of everything that pertains to your employment history.

Side Note: As you complete projects, make notes about your accomplishments and add quantitative statements wherever possible. Point out your specific contributions. Add this to the folder mentioned above. As you receive positive feedback from senior management, customers, or board members, keep records of this information as well. A quality quote or recommendation from a superior can sometimes spice up a resume or executive biography perfectly.

Hiring a professional resume writer can also be a great time saver, particularly if you are squeezed for time. A professional resume writer will know the best keywords and phrases to include and will be able to tailor your resume to your unique situation and your career plan. Usually, a professional resume writer can craft a well-written resume within a few days - or sooner if necessary. You will need to provide all of the information, of course, so expect to take some time to fill out whatever forms are required for that.

Regardless of whether or not you hire a professional resume writer or do it yourself, make sure your resume quantifies your achievements. Pay particular attention to details which show your ability to make a quantifiable positive difference to the company's bottom line. Showing prospective employers how you can save money, make money or save time is critical. Did you considerably shorten a process? By how much, specifically? Detail it out.

Finally, another good reason to keep your retail sales resume current is that it keeps your achievements fresh in your mind. Whether you need a boost going into that next harrowing sales meeting or whether you are making a product pitch to a new Fortune 50 company, reviewing past accomplishment is a confidence-builder. Use this to sell yourself, your company or network professionally.

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You never know when an opportunity to promote yourself and your business will present itself.

Teena Rose is a columnist, public speaker, and certified, published resume writer with Resume to Referral. She's authored several books, including "20-Minute Cover Letter Fixer" and "Cracking the Code to Pharmaceutical Sales."

Here are some additional articles about resumes that you might also find interesting:

• Do You Have This Key Element in Your Resume?
• Job Resume Tips