What to Include. What to Leave Out.

The old game of cat and mouse

With all the advice swirling around the job seeking world, here are a few simple tips about what to include and what to leave out of your job search.

What to Include

With so much of today’s job-search closely tied to LinkedIn, when you’re navigating the recruiters favorite tool, keep these things in mind. First, your own personal email isn’t enough. If recruiters and hiring managers are using LinkedIn so much, make it easy for them. Include your LinkedIn address on your resume and your business cards.

Second, to get the most out of LinkedIn, you really must do more than simply post your profile. It’s a good idea to become engaged on the site by being active with endorsements and recommendations – all genuine, of course. Also, it never hurts to comment on postings and articles. Get your name as well as your thoughts and ideas out there.

What to Leave Out

Once more with LinkedIn: there are a lot of reasons why, but you’re better served by omitting the terms “in transition” and “looking for new opportunities.” Many recruiters stress focusing on your keywords instead and try to make your keywords related to skills and/or accomplishments.

One recruiter friend is adamant about using vague terms when describing past jobs and responsibilities. For example, he says that the terms “business development” and “supply chain management” are so bereft of meaning to be virtually worthless. Be precise and focused on accomplishments.

Many people agree that it’s wise to leave dates out of your resume as they will probably date you. Although you can’t (and shouldn’t) hide your age, you don’t need to trumpet it as well. It may be beneficial to say that you worked at ABC Company for 15 years, but leaving out the start and end dates may help as well.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg, but they’re simple enough to implement.

More tips.