Insider Ideas For Job Search, Resume Writing, Social Media Optimization & More …

On the subjects of resumé writing and job hunting at DNG Placement Services we see and hear a lot.  Helping our clients successfully overcome a variety of career search challenges is our business, yet we have enough confidence to offer you the following resume writing suggestions.  If, however, you need more help, then don’t worry.  Contact us to explore the best solutions for you.

To freshen and focus your resumé for that new/ better/ higher paying job…

A.  Define Your Target and Take Aim.

1. A singular focus. Decide on a specific job title and level. The resumé must clearly and definitively speak to that particular search.
2. When creating a cover letter or online application statement be prepared to articulate (in three sentences or less):
   1. 1. Why and how you will meet and exceed the requirements of the job. (If possible, do not cite education, rather provide examples of experience.)
      2. If you’re an out-of-the-box candidate explain what skill sets you have that they can use – an unforeseen benefit.
      3. Spoiler Alert! This is not the time to regurgitate resumé data.

B. Quality vs. Quantity: Strong Content + Meaningful Delivery.

1. “The Devil is in the Detail”. It is imperative to demonstrate key career efforts and achievements in clear-cut, data-supported, brief explanations for each job noted on resumé.
2. Buzz Kill. Don’t overuse industry-specific jargon; be selective in word choice, especially where it corresponds to job title and description.
3. Don’t repeat the same job descriptions under each and every job. Quite frankly, it’s boring and shows a lack of effort.

C. Inaccuracies + Gaps [aka No Fudging or Lying]. Be honest.

1. Writing deceiving and inaccurate content on a resumé/ CV is grounds for not getting hired or terminated. Employers are now going way beyond general reference checks by verifying degree(s) and certification(s) and even vetting authorship and plagiarism of blog(s) and article(s).
2. Gap in work history? Stuff happens. Ensure the start and end dates are accurate. Don’t try to seamlessly smooth them over. The reason for gaps between jobs can be noted in the resumé. This is done without a lengthy explanation in a brief professional statement. Then move on.

D. One Page Myth + Letter Size.

1. Resumés: If you have an extensive work history, then in most cases it is acceptable to extend to a second page.
2. Curricula Vitae (CV): Different from a resumé, CV’s are used in the higher education arena and always require more than a few pages of detailed experience and achievements.
3. Font (Type Style) & Size: Resumé fonts should be simple, clean-lined, and easy to read. Don’t select a style which is overly ornate, nor too small. You want to be read so consider decision-maker eye fatigue.

E. Contact Information:

1. Cell number is preferred to a landline.
2. Incoming greeting on voice mail: Keep it professional i.e. Simple and to the point. No vulgarities. No background music.
3. Create and use a dedicated job search/ professional email address. Select an email address that uses your full name and possibly your profession.
4. You do not have to use your home address or POB.
5. You should include your LinkedIn profile link.

These are just some of the basics! There is still so much more to consider when upgrading your resumé, answering an ad, getting an interview, and landing a job.

We at DNG Placement Services, Inc. wish you a successful career journey and we will be here. Contact us when you need us.