Why is it important to keep your CV up to date? Here are four reasons.

Stay sharp - ensure your CV is ready to use when you need it.

Let’s be honest: most of us dread writing or updating our CV. It can feel awkward, overwhelming, or like a tedious admin task. (Read more about that here). But the truth is, a little discomfort now can lead to a lot of growth later and no regrets about potential missed opportunities.

Think of it as a confidence workout. Yes, it takes effort. But it can also remind you of your achievements, clarify your direction, and put you in the driver’s seat of your career.

Why is it important to keep your CV up to date? Here are four reasons.

– Your CV is your passport, your gateway to new, more challenging, more fulfilling roles. Without a strong, up-to-date CV, you're not just stuck - you're invisible. Even if you're not actively job hunting, opportunities often come when you're not expecting them. Having a current CV ready means you can say yes with confidence to having exploratory conversations, knowing you are ready to go when the right thing comes along.

– Regular maintenance is good for your car, so why not run a career MOT? Is your career performing well? Does your CV need a tune-up? We service our cars regularly, but when was the last time you serviced your career? Updating your CV is a smart way to assess whether things are still running smoothly. Are you using your skills to their full potential? Do you still feel energised by your role? This is your chance to make small adjustments or major realignments before burnout or boredom set in.

– It’s an opportunity to take stock. Putting your experience on the page forces you to reflect:

• Are you where you thought you'd be?

• Are you still growing?

• What’s missing, and what do you want more of?

This kind of career self-awareness can be a catalyst for change. Maybe you’ve outgrown your role. Maybe your values have shifted. A CV update can spark important decisions about what’s next.

– It becomes your personal performance review, like an annual appraisal. We often forget our wins, especially the quiet ones. Writing your CV means digging into your achievements, recognising your growth and reminding yourself of how far you’ve come. It’s also a great way to track your development over time and ensure your story reflects who you are today, not just who you were five years ago. Ask yourself:

What have I achieved? What progress have I made? What’s next?

Is it time to update your CV? Not sure how to start?

You don’t need to overhaul everything in one go. Even 30 minutes of reflection or a few bullet points updated to show outcomes is progress.

And if you’d like help shaping your experience into a clear, confident narrative that gets results, I can help with that too. Let's review your current CV and see how to get it into shape.

Click ‘Book a call’ on the website for a free intro call or email me at louise@careertherapy.co.uk

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