Why an Updated CV Matters More Than Ever Going Into the New Year

(Written by Tavis Shearer, Managing Director at TRS Resourcing)

I posted a video on LinkedIn the other day and due to some comments and feedback I thought it was worth writing an article about. So, every year, as we get closer to January, I see the same trend play out. Candidates start thinking about making a move, looking for better opportunities, or reassessing where they want to be in the new year. And every year, without fail, I lose track of the number of people who come to us without an up to date CV.

Now, let me call it for what it is:
If you’re planning to look for a new job in 2026, not updating your CV is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. You are doing disservice to yourself.

Doesn’t matter if you’re a boilermaker, mechanical fitter, forklift driver, warehouse operator, heavy diesel mechanic, or a tradesperson who’s always found work just by picking up the phone and calling in, guys, things are changing! Recruitment has changed, the job market has changed, and candidate expectations have changed. A current, clear CV isn’t “handy to have” anymore. It’s the thing that gets you noticed, gets you shortlisted, and gets you working sooner.

Skills Based Hiring Has Changed the Game

Companies are changing to skills first hiring. (You can read more about that in my previous article this month.) They want to see your current abilities, experience, and recent ticketing, not a vague, outdated summary from years ago.
And with AI now screening applications on job boards, the question employers ask first is simple: “Can the candidate do the work?”

If your CV isn’t updated, doesn’t show your recent roles, or doesn’t reflect the skills you’ve built, AI systems won’t bring your application to the front or even list it, meaning recruiters won’t prioritise it, and hiring managers won’t short list you. A CV that’s updated helps you show up in AI searches, aligns with skills based hiring trends, and proves your readiness for the role.

Tradies: The Old Way of Getting Jobs Is Gone

Let me speak directly to the tradies here, because you’re the ones I see most affected by this shift.

There was a time when you could move from job to job without ever touching your resume. You’d get a call, rock up to site, and start the next day. Those days shouldn’t be relied on anymore. With so many businesses tightening processes and using digital systems, your CV is now your ticket to getting in front of employers quickly.
If you’re still relying on old habits, you’re going to fall behind candidates who took an hour or two to update their profile.

A Good CV Makes Our Job Easier And Gets You Working Faster

I hear this all the time:
“Can you write my CV for me?”

Look, if I sat down and rewrote everyone’s CV, I wouldn’t have time to actually find people work. My job, as well as that of every recruiter on our team, is to provide you with opportunities. To do that properly, we need your information to be ready, accurate, and clear.

Here’s the truth, most candidates don’t realise: The candidates who get placed the fastest are the ones who:

• Update their CV before applying
• Send documents quickly
• Provide references straight away
• Have tickets, licences, or qualifications ready
• Keep their job history accurate and detailed

These candidates go straight to the top of the list because they’ve given us everything we need to put them forward without delays.

If we don’t have your documents, we can’t submit you.
If we can’t submit you, we can’t get you the job.

Use the Free Tools Available (Including TRS’s CV Template)

We offer a free CV template on the TRS Resourcing website, specifically designed for Australian trades and blue-collar roles. It’s simple, clean, and includes everything employers in manufacturing, logistics, trades, transport, and defence expect to see.
There are also companies online that write or tidy up resumes for a small fee. Honestly, it’s worth it. If a professionally written CV helps you secure steady employment for the year ahead, that’s a smart investment.

And if you’re applying for multiple roles, an updated CV ensures you consistently show up in AI searches and job board algorithms, something that was never a factor five years ago.

If you spend a couple of hours now updating your CV, you’re going into January ahead of the competition. If you wait until everyone else is applying, you’re already behind.

Find our Free CV Generator here

Find Work With TRS Resourcing

What Every CV Should Include in 2025

To maximise your chances of getting placed quickly, make sure your CV includes:

• A short skills summary
• Recent work history with correct dates
• Bullet points outlining the work you actually did
• Tickets and licences (with expiry dates)
• Qualifications
• Contactable references
• Your location and availability

If any of this is missing, incomplete, or out of date, AI screening tools and recruiters won’t know where to place you.

Final Word From Me

I’m not asking you to write the perfect CV. I’m simply asking you to update it.
Because the reality is straightforward: “The candidates who take the time to update their CV are the ones who get the work.”

If you want steady employment, start now. Get your CV sorted, grab our template if you need it, and set yourself up for a strong start to the year.

TRS Resourcing is here to help, but you’ve got to meet us halfway.

Skills Based Hiring: Why Degrees Are Out and Competencies Are In

How Much Should You Pay for a Professional CV?