Updation of CV every 6 months is the best self-appraisal tool and good reality check for ones career path. CV is just not document of credentials it also depicts one’s attitude. Self appraisal of CV will have a lot of benefits, it helps in checking –

1) What value addition one has achieved in the last 6 months

2) Analyze short term and long term goals

3) Jotting down achievements, critical information as and when it happens than to recollect it later

4) Tangential achievements (All achievements not directly related to work but those that go in CV)

If you have just completed a project which is pretty much similar to any other projects in your CV, you have just added years to experience. This is pretty much extension of information in your CV. Try to add some spikes in your CV for the other to take notice. This helps in standing out from the crowd.

Many assume promotions or similarly major events have merit in noting down in the CV. But smaller developments will also reflect favorably. Some of the changes which are generally overlooked and could be included in CV are;

1) A new language learnt (e.g. French, Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin)

2) Working for an NGO

3) Your personal blog which has XXX visits per day

4) A junior level member who is suddenly working directly with the firm's senior level member.

5) Underwent training for XXX hours in the last 6 months or 1 year

6) Have a hobby which is worth mentioning (e.g. Marathons, Cycling, Quizzing, sports)

All these instances probably speak volumes about your ability, character and attitude.

Updating your CV regularly helps not only to update your skills and accomplishments but also its format. E.g. Just five or 10 years ago most CV’s included an objective at the top. These days, the career summary has taken its place. Updating your CV might help you to be ready for your dream job. Just imagine, when a recruiter calls with the perfect job, you may suddenly find your resume is out of date, and you'll have to scramble to catch up.

Lastly, whether or not you’re on the hunt for a new job, keeping your resume up-to-date is important and a habit worth inculcating.

Source my blogpost at www.rightdisha.in