September is International Update Your Resume Month: Tips to Update Your Resume Fast

When people think about their careers in September, they often focus on back-to-school routines or winding down summer. It helps to know that September is officially recognized as International Update Your Resume Month, a perfect time to revisit your work story and make sure your resume is aligned with today’s job market. Career Directors International introduced this observance to encourage professionals to stay proactive in managing career documents and readiness.

If you haven’t looked at your resume in a while, or updates tend to happen under pressure, setting aside time this September can make all the difference. Here is a clear, practical guide to refresh your resume thoughtfully and fast.

Why International Update Your Resume Month Matters

Calling September International Update Your Resume Month is more than symbolic. Here is why it matters:

• Early fall brings hiring momentum: Companies ramp up recruitment after summer. Fresh hires, budgets, and planning cycles often align with this season.

• Prevents last-minute panic: Waiting until your resume is needed causes stress and a rushed result. Schedule updates while you’re relaxed and thorough.

• Captures recent achievements: Waiting months or years means forgetting key contributions. Updating your resume during a rhythm helps you record wins while they’re vivid.

Set a September goal: dedicate a few focused hours to refresh your resume now, so it’s ready whenever an opportunity appears.

Tips to Update Your Resume Fast (and Well)

Follow this step-by-step process to update your resume efficiently:

1. Choose a Modern, ATS-Friendly Format

Ensure your resume passes applicant tracking systems and reads well:

• Use a simple reverse-chronological format unless you are pivoting careers, in which case a hybrid format works better.

• Reduce the use of formatted elements like tables or shapes.

• Stick to clear, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica at 10–12 pt size.

• Save your document as a PDF unless the job posting specifically asks for Word.

2. Update Contact Info and Headline

• Confirm your email and phone number are current and professional.

• Use a clean headline or profile title (for example, “Marketing Manager” or “Product Designer”) in place of a dated objective statement.

3. Update Your Skills Section With Intention

Recruiters often filter candidates by specific skills, so review this section carefully.

Do this:

• Remove outdated or irrelevant skills.

• Highlight modern, in-demand skills aligned with your target roles, such as AI tools, data analytics, project management, and communication.

• Keep it balanced: include both hard skills (technical) and soft skills (interpersonal).

If you’re unsure which skills to include, start by scanning LinkedIn job postings for your ideal roles.

4. Rewrite Job Descriptions Into Impact Statements

Instead of listing tasks, focus on results. Use the Challenge-Action-Result (C.A.R.) method:

Weak Example: “Responsible for managing social media accounts.”

Stronger Example: “Managed and grew social media presence, increasing engagement by 45% and driving 20K new followers in six months.”

Tips:

• Start each bullet with strong action verbs: spearheaded, implemented, achieved, optimized.

• Keep bullets concise and measurable whenever possible.

5. Highlight Recent Achievements

Make sure your resume reflects your most recent successes:

• Completed certifications or workshops

• Promotions or leadership roles

• High-impact projects or metrics showing measurable success

If your last update was over a year ago, adding recent accomplishments can make a big difference during this month..

6. Tailor Your Resume for Each Role

Generic resumes rarely get noticed. Align your resume with the language and requirements of each job posting.

Steps to follow:

• Scan the job description for recurring keywords.

• Integrate those words naturally into your summary, job bullets, and skills section.

• Focus on aligning your accomplishments with the company’s priorities.

7. Keep It Short, Relevant, and Clear

For most professionals, a one-page resume works best. If you have 10+ years of experience or senior-level roles, two pages are fine, but avoid overloading with unnecessary details.

Trim or remove:

• Roles older than 10–12 years (unless highly relevant).

• Outdated software, certifications, or tools.

• Generic filler phrases like hardworking team player.

Quick Checklist: 10-Minute Update Flow

If you only have a short window, focus on this checklist:

1. Add one recent accomplishment per role.

2. Update contact info and headline.

3. Swap an outdated bullet for a results-focused one.

4. Remove one irrelevant item.

5. Check for typos and formatting gaps.

Doing this regularly keeps your resume sharp and ready.

Using This Month to Your Advantage

Take advantage of this month with these smart habits:

• Block time in your calendar for fall resume refresh.

• Set a cue like your performance review as a prompt.

• Walk through your resume quarterly for small tweaks.

• Archivist tip: Keep a master version with all details and slice it for each application as needed.

These small routines add up to bigger readiness.

Take Your Resume Update Further With Our Labor Day Workshops

If you want more hands-on support this September, join us for our Labor Day Career Workshops designed to help you stand out and strengthen your personal brand. We’ll also be hosting resume and career branding workshops throughout the month to celebrate International Update Your Resume Month, starting with our September 1st kickoff events.

• The C.R.A.S.H. Course: Resumes with Impact — September 1st at 9:00 AM EST Learn how to write resumes that grab attention, pass ATS scans, and showcase your value effectively.

• The LinkedIn Playbook Masterclass — September 1st from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM EST Discover proven strategies to optimize your LinkedIn profile, grow your network, and attract more opportunities.

• The 90-Minute Career Pivot: Rebrand Fast. Get Noticed. Move Forward. — September 1st at 1:00 PM EST Get step-by-step guidance on repositioning your experience and creating a strong personal brand for your next move.

These sessions complement everything you’re doing during International Update Your Resume Month and give you practical, actionable tips you can start using right away to get noticed by employers and feel more confident about your career strategy. Click here to save your spot!

The Bottom Line

Treating September as International Update Your Resume Month lets you refresh your career story with intention, clarity, and readiness. With simple strategies, thoughtful updates, and a sprinkle of focus, your resume can become a powerful tool rather than a burden.

Use this month to gain momentum, stay relevant, and prepare for whatever opportunities lie ahead.