When applying for an internal promotion, don't just update your old resume, write a brand new one from scratch.

Most people make the mistake of simply adding two bullet points to the top of the resume they used to get hired.

The problem is that HR already has that old version on file.

If your new resume looks 90% like the old one, you end up looking like the perfect candidate for the job you already have...

To actually land the move up, you need to show that you’ve outgrown your current role.

It is much better to use your previous resume only as a reference and rebuild the new one to focus on your internal impact, institutional knowledge, and the leadership skills you've developed since joining.

The experts at VMS suggest that your focus should be entirely on where you want to go rather than where you have been. By starting fresh, you can frame your achievements to prove you are ready for the next level, rather than just proving you're good at your current desk.