The Career Mistake Most People Make — and How to Avoid It The job market is becoming increasingly competitive, with many job seekers finding it harder to land new positions.

The job market is becoming increasingly competitive, with many job seekers finding it harder to land new positions. Recent data shows that in February, only 151,000 jobs were added—falling short of economists' expectations—and half of job seekers report that finding a job has become more difficult in the past year. Whether looking for new opportunities or aiming for career growth in their current roles, professionals must take steps to ensure their skills and experience stand out. Yet, many are unknowingly making a crucial mistake that could put their career progression at risk.

A recent study from resume.io reveals that 70% of U.S. workers are not updating their resumes frequently enough, a misstep that could be limiting their chances of success. Many people assume they only need to update their resumes when actively job-seeking, but career experts strongly recommend making regular updates throughout the year. The study found that nearly a quarter of Americans only refresh their resumes when looking for a new job, 15% do so once a year, and 7% only update their resumes every few years. Shockingly, 4% admitted they had never updated their resume at all. In contrast, just 29% of people follow expert advice and update their resumes multiple times a year.

Career coach Amanda Augustine emphasizes that regularly updating a resume is a simple yet powerful way to stay prepared for unexpected opportunities. Many professionals wait until the last minute to revise their resumes when a new opportunity arises, leading to rushed updates that may not fully showcase their skills and achievements. By making small and consistent updates every few months, individuals can avoid the stress of scrambling to revise their resumes and ensure they always have a strong, polished document ready to go.

A well-maintained resume is more than just a list of past roles—it is a strategic tool that reflects a professional’s evolving skills, accomplishments, and future goals. One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is focusing too much on past responsibilities rather than highlighting the achievements that set them apart. Augustine advises professionals to think beyond their current roles and consider where they want their careers to go next. Those aspiring for leadership positions, for example, should emphasize management experience, mentorship, and problem-solving skills to align with their future goals.

To make the resume update process manageable, career experts suggest spending just 30 minutes every few months reviewing and refining the document. Keeping track of key accomplishments in real-time, collecting data that supports career achievements, and aligning skills with future aspirations can make a significant difference. This proactive approach not only ensures that professionals are always prepared for new opportunities but also helps them clearly see their own progress and growth over time.

As the job market becomes more competitive, staying ahead requires more than just experience and skills—it demands strategic preparation. A resume is often the first impression a potential employer gets, and keeping it updated regularly can be the difference between seizing a great opportunity and missing out. With so many professionals neglecting this critical step, those who take the time to refine their resumes regularly will have a significant advantage. Whether actively job-hunting or not, maintaining a well-crafted resume is an investment in long-term career success.