As flowers bloom and closets get cleared, spring is the perfect time to give your resume a refresh too. Whether you're actively job hunting or just want to be ready for the right opportunity, a little seasonal maintenance can go a long way in keeping your professional story sharp, relevant, and compelling.
Here are a few simple, strategic tips to help you spring clean your resume:
Dust Off the Basics
Start with a quick scan of your contact information. Is your phone number still current? Is your LinkedIn profile URL listed (and updated)? Double-check your email — bonus points if it’s a professional address.
Trim the Old Growth
That college internship from 2014? It may be time to let it go. If your resume spans more than 10–15 years, consider trimming the less relevant roles to make space for your most recent and impactful experiences.
Freshen Up Your Format
A clean, modern layout can do wonders for readability. Swap outdated fonts for something crisp and easy to scan, like Calibri or Helvetica. Use bullet points for clarity, and keep things consistent with spacing, alignment, and styling.
Replace Duties with Wins
Instead of listing what you were responsible for, highlight what you accomplished. Use active language and quantify results where possible — think “Increased client engagement by 30%” vs. “Managed social media accounts.”
Update Your Skills
Tech moves fast. Make sure your skills section reflects tools, platforms, or certifications relevant to your industry today. Remove any outdated programs that might make your resume feel behind the times.
Polish Your Summary
If you have a summary section at the top, refresh it to reflect where you are now and where you're headed. Think of it as your elevator pitch: Who are you, what do you do best, and what kind of role are you aiming for?
Proof, Then Proof Again
Even a beautiful resume loses its power if it's full of typos. Run a spelling and grammar check, and read it aloud or have a friend review it. Fresh eyes catch what yours might miss.
A Fresh Resume = A Fresh Start
Just like spring itself, your resume should feel full of possibility. A thoughtful refresh signals not only your professionalism but also your attention to detail and commitment to growth. So take a little time this season to clean it up — your future self (and future employer) will thank you.
