Kickstarting Your Career: Why You Should Prepare Your First Resume Sooner Than You Think

Many people know early in life which direction they want their career to go, but it’s the rare soul that turns that knowledge into a professional resume. Even the most career-oriented student most likely doesn’t have a resume to use in applying for a college internship or, even more common, they procrastinate until they’re deep into their final semester before graduation (I admit nothing…). The arguments use to be that, typically, a resume wasn’t absolutely necessary until you were interviewing for your first post-graduation, full-time, professional job. That is no longer the case.

Some colleges now ask for resumes as part of their enrollment applications. Applying for any job or internship, whether during high school or college, has become more laborious, AI-driven, and in-depth. Basic information on a generic application is a thing of the past. Employers want to see resumes, LinkedIn profiles, job board profiles, social media accounts, and the details of any accomplishments that may differentiate you from another candidate.

When is it too early in your career to develop a resume? First off, dispel with the idea that developing a resume is a finite process that’s only necessary when you’re actively searching for a new job. A resume is a fluid living document that should be updated on a regular basis, and, second, you must be proactive in documenting your achievements in real time, ideally with measurable results as appropriate.

The earlier you start to develop a resume, the easier it is to modify and build into a professional document as you advance through the stages of your education and work life. You are the sole author of your story – and you must provide the details that give your story credence and authenticity.

Developing a resume in this way requires an advanced level of diligence whether you’re a high school student applying to a college or a senior executive at the top of your field. It’s a career-long engagement. Here are five things to consider if you recognize the future-thinking long-term benefits of resume development at an early age:

·      It is never too early to start developing a resume. Even if you’re a high school student who’s just completed your first summer job, the exercise of creating a basic resume with your one job on it means you’re ahead of the game and when the time comes when you need a resume it will be easier to update.

·      Document your achievements. This is probably the hardest thing to do. First, you have to remember to do it, and, second, you have to remember to do it. If you are disciplined enough, the best course is to keep a running journal of what you do in any given position. The more salient details the better.

·      Get the metrics. Now that you’ve remembered to document your latest work accomplishment, the best thing you can do to bolster your position is to include metrics. This can be tricky if you don’t have access to the kind of data that may help you. If necessary, request the data from the appropriate person as soon as possible. This is another important area where incremental changes to your resume is the best methodology. If you wait until you need a resume (e.g., termination, dream-job opportunity, moving to a city, etc.), willingness to share sensitive internal data, such as sales figures, may be non-existent.

·      There’s nothing like a good job appraisal. Many jobs – even part time roles or internships – have periodic performance appraisals designed to guide you to a higher level in your career. While many people hate writing self-assessments and appraisals are certain to include constructive criticism, the final documented appraisal can be a treasure trove of information you can mine for your resume. Take an appraisal process seriously and use it as way to get as much information as you can about the work you’ve done and its impact.

·      The fact you even have a resume at an early age is a great first impression. If you develop a resume long before you may even need one, it’s easier to update, it’s a stronger more impactful document, and instantly creates the perception you are an ambitious, career-oriented individual who takes their future vocation seriously. It will make a positive impression on savvy recruiters and hiring managers.

 Philip Roufail contributed to this article.

Scott Singer is the President and Founder of Insider Career Strategies Resume Writing & Career Coaching, a firm dedicated to guiding job seekers and companies through the job search and hiring process. Insider Career Strategies provides resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, career coaching services, and outplacement services. You can email Scott Singer at scott.singer@insidercs.com, or via the website, www.insidercs.com.