Why Updating Your Resume Feels So Hard

I often hear clients say, "Every time I try to update my resume, I stare at the screen and feel completely stuck."

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Resume writing is challenging for many professionals, and I believe there are a few key reasons why:

Lack of Knowledge

How many of us were taught in high school or college how to write a strong resume? I know I wasn’t! The professional world often assumes that everyone should just “know” how to do this, but the reality is that resume writing is a learned skill.

Lack of Confidence

Many people navigate their careers without ever needing to formally articulate their skills. If your past transitions have been through networking, or if you’ve stayed in the same role for years, you may not have had to showcase your experiences on paper before. It can be hard to see your own strengths clearly, especially when you’re in the middle of a job search.

Inability to Remember

Most of us aren’t told early in our careers to keep records of job descriptions, performance reviews, or success metrics. This makes it difficult to recall key details when updating a resume. (Pro tip: Start keeping track of your accomplishments now! A simple monthly check-in can make a big difference. And it’s never too late to start.)

Overwhelm

Career transitions are often triggered by significant life stressors—layoffs, personal challenges, or a realization that it’s time for a change. In those moments, having to sit down and write a compelling resume can feel like an impossible task.

How to Move Forward

If you are a strong writer, a career coach can get you on the right track–starting you off with a quality resume template, giving you some pointers, and helping you brainstorm valuable content for your resume.

If you’re short on time, energy, or confidence, working with a resume writer can take this task off your plate entirely. Resume writers are trained to ask great questions to help uncover your achievements and ensure your resume truly reflects your value.

If you have any questions about working with a career coach or resume writer, I’d love to chat! You can schedule a Discovery Call with me HERE.

You got this!