Time to Update Your Resume?  Here's How

to Refresh It the Right Way

When was the last time you updated your resume? If the file still says “_Final” but hasn’t been touched since 2017 – or worse, it’s saved on an old USB or floppy disk (remember those?) – then it’s time for a serious resume refresh.


Your resume is more than just a history of your past jobs. It’s your personal brand statement – your first impression with a potential employer. And if you’re job searching in 2025, your resume needs to be modern, strategic, and Applicant Tracking System (ATS)-friendly to make

the cut.


At Dawson, we review hundreds of resumes every week. We know what works – and what doesn’t. Keep reading for expert tips on how to update your resume and get noticed in today’s competitive job market.

Time to Update Your Resume?

Here's How to Refresh It

the Right Way.

When was the last time you updated your resume? If the file still says “_Final” but hasn’t been touched since 2017 – or worse, it’s saved on an old USB or floppy disk (remember those?) – then it’s time for a serious resume refresh.


Your resume is more than just a history of your past jobs. It’s your personal brand statement – your first impression with a potential employer. And if you’re job searching in 2025, your resume needs to be modern, strategic, and Applicant Tracking System (ATS)-friendly to make the cut.


At Dawson, we review hundreds of resumes every week. We know what works – and what doesn’t. Keep reading for expert tips on how to update your resume and get noticed in today’s competitive job market.

Outdated Resume Myths

(...and what to do instead).

Resumes have come a long way since the 1400s

(yes, really – the first known resume dates back to 1482).


Still, many job seekers follow outdated advice like:


  • “Include every job you’ve ever had.”
  • “Use your resume to list every accomplishment.”


The Truth: 


Your resume is not your autobiography. It’s a targeted marketing tool. To get interviews, focus only on relevant experience, measurable results, and the skills that match the job you want.

What Makes a Resume ATS-Friendly?


Most companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a recruiter ever sees them. If your resume isn't formatted correctly, it could get filtered out – no matter how qualified you are.


Avoid these ATS Mistakes:


  • Choosing decorative fonts or colorful layouts
  • Using columns, text boxes, or tables
  • Including headshots, icons, or graphics
  • Leaving out essential keywords from the job description


What Works Best:


  • A clean, single-column format
  • Standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
  • Tailored keywords that match the job listing
  • Clear sections: summary, experience, skills, education


At Dawson, we help job seekers craft ATS-compliant resumes  that also appeal to hiring managers. Let your skills and achievements do the talking – skip the visuals.




What Makes a Resume ATS-Friendly?


Most companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a recruiter ever sees them.

If your resume isn't formatted correctly, it could get filtered out – no matter how qualified you are.


Avoid these ATS Mistakes:


  • Choosing decorative fonts or colorful layouts
  • Using columns, text boxes, or tables
  • Including headshots, icons, or graphics
  • Leaving out essential keywords from the job description

What Works Best:


  • A clean, single-column format
  • Standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
  • Tailored keywords that match the job listing
  • Clear sections: summary, experience, skills, education


At Dawson, we help job seekers craft ATS-compliant resumes that also appeal to hiring managers.

Let your skills and achievements do the talking – skip the visuals.

How To Update Your Resume for 2025

in 3 Easy Steps


Refreshing your resume means more than just adding your latest role. Follow these three steps to create a modern, professional resume that gets results!



How Update Your Resume for 2025 in

3 Easy Steps

#01

Identify the Job You Want


Before writing, define your target role. Look at recent job listings in your industry and location. Take note of frequently used terms—especially in the qualifications and skills sections.


🔍 Pro tip: Save a few job descriptions and use them as keyword guides when writing your resume.

#02

Customize Every Application


One-size-fits-all resumes don’t work anymore. Customize your resume for each position by adjusting your professional summary, bullet points, and skills list to mirror the job description.


💡 Use action verbs and quantify your achievements:


  • “Reduced onboarding time by 40% by streamlining training processes”
  • “Managed a team of 10 and increased customer satisfaction scores by 25%”

#03

Modernize Your

Resume Format


Keep your layout clean and easy to read:


  • Use bullet points, not paragraphs
  • Limit your contact info to name, phone, email, city, and state
  • Remove outdated lines like “References available upon request”
  • Replace vague phrases like “hardworking” with real impact

01 ▸

Identify the Job You Want


Before writing, define your target role. Look at recent job listings in your industry and location. Take note of frequently used terms—especially in the qualifications and skills sections.


🔍 PRO TIP: Save a few job descriptions and use them as keyword guides when writing your resume.




02 ▸

Customize for Every Application


One-size-fits-all resumes don’t work anymore. Customize your resume for each position by adjusting your professional summary, bullet points, and skills list to mirror the job description.


💡 Use action verbs and quantify your achievements:


  • “Reduced onboarding time by 40% by streamlining training processes”
  • “Managed a team of 10 and increased customer satisfaction scores by 25%”




03 ▸

Modernize Your Resume Format


Keep your layout clean and easy to read:


  • Use bullet points, not paragraphs
  • Limit your contact info to name, phone, email, city, and state
  • Remove outdated lines like “References available upon request”
  • Replace vague phrases like “hardworking” with real impact

Final Resume Writing Tips for 2025


Did you know hiring managers spend an average of 6–8 seconds scanning each resume?  That’s why every word matters.


To stand out in 2025, your resume should be:


  • Short, clear, and relevant
  • Results-focused
  • Tailored to the specific job and industry
  • Free from distracting formatting or fluff


Need Help Updating Your Resume? Dawson Is Here For You!


If your resume still feels outdated or you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry – Dawson is here to help. Whether you're searching for jobs in Columbus, Ohio or looking to take the next step in your career, our recruiting team can guide you through the resume writing process.

Welcome to Dawson!

Allow us to introduce ourselves. We’re Dawson, a workforce solutions company offering job placements, HR Management Solutions, and Community Workforce Programs. 
We’ve been putting people to work for over 75 years, and we’re thrilled to work with you.

For Job Seekers:

We have countless open positions in Central Ohio
and beyond.
Let's see if we have that job
you want!

For Employers:

Building, hiring,
and managing
the best talent since 1946. 
It’s what we do best. 

Welcome to Dawson!

Allow us to introduce ourselves. We’re Dawson, a workforce solutions company offering job placements, HR Management Solutions, and Community Workforce Programs. 
We’ve been putting people to work for over 75 years, and we’re thrilled to work with you.

For Job Seekers:

We have countless open positions in Central Ohio and beyond.
Let's see if we have that job you want!

For Employers:

Building, hiring, and managing the best talent since 1946. 
It’s what we do best.