6 Tips to Refresh Your DentalPost Jobseeker Resume Profile

We often find ourselves looking to spruce up and refresh when spring arrives. From cleaning out closets to washing windows, organizing offices, or even scrubbing social media profiles, we all look for a fresh start each spring. However, we often overlook an important item that should be cleaned up and updated regularly. You guessed it, your resume profile.

Are you currently looking for a new position? Graduating in a few weeks and trying to land your first job? Is your current resume outdated or covered in dust? In each of these situations, it’s time to refresh (or create) your resume profile.

An effective resume profile can help you get the job you deserve, so it’s important to take the time to ensure it’s in tip-top shape. It’s your first opportunity in the job search process to set yourself apart from other candidates by showcasing your skills, experience, and interests. Tell them why you love dentistry and how you can bring value to their office. Before getting started, it’s important to think of your resume as a personal sales and marketing tool rather than a checkmark in the job-seeking process. Think about what drives you in your career, that’s what employers want to know!

At DentalPost, our job seekers are always looking for tips and tricks to create an eye-catching resume profile. So, how do you stand out in a job search? How can you create the right first impression? The answer is simple- a well-crafted, eye-catching resume profile will help you get your foot in the door for your dream job.

Here are six ways to ensure you have a top-notch resume profile:

1. Utilize our FREE Ultimate Dental Job Seeker Toolkit

Our 5-Step Guide to Finding a Job You Love is complete with worksheets, checklists, tips, and best practices for everything from your resume profile to nailing an interview. Be prepared before submitting your first application to make the best first impression.

2. Upload a Professional Profile Photo

When selecting a profile photo for your job seeker account, it is important to remember that you are looking for a job, not a first date. Selecting a photo that showcases your professionalism is key to landing an interview. For example, a photo with a warm and friendly smile will convey that you are approachable.

Selfies should be saved for Instagram or Facebook profiles – not resume profiles. If you do not have any professional headshots, consider having some taken by a local photographer or ask a friend or family member to take one for you against a solid-colored background. Already working in a dental office? Ask a colleague to snap a photo of you in your scrubs, but leave the selfie stick in your bag.

The clothing you wear is also a major factor. Choose solid colors with conservative necklines. As the saying goes, dress not for the job you have but the one you want. Finally, the photo you select should be from the shoulders up and of just you. Family, friends, and pets should not be in your job seeker profile photo. Remember, this is YOUR first impression.

3. Use Your Profile Introduction to Attract the Right Employer

Now that you’ve uploaded your professional photo, it’s time to move on to your profile’s introduction/about me section. While writing, it is important to remember the end goal: finding a job. This means if it is not dental-related or specific to the position, it should probably be left out of your introduction. This section should not solely be a summary or list of your qualifications but showcase the value you will bring to the office. Remember, the first few sentences are extremely important and directly impact whether the person making the hiring decision will continue reading or move on to the next candidate. By grabbing their attention right away, you will hopefully land an interview.

It’s also important to use active language. Consider using positive action verbs such as motivated, developed, resolved, or strengthened to show that you can get things done. Remember to choose your words wisely: the words you select can help you move to the top of the job seeker pool and make your profile pop.

4. Sell Yourself

As you think about the hiring process, remember that employers are making a purchase. Successful resume profiles don’t just tell about your qualifications but sell you as the ideal package to the employer. To do this effectively, your resume profile should answer the question, What can I bring to the table to improve XYZ’s dental office? Whether you are a recent graduate or an industry veteran, this answer will be vastly different and should highlight your skills and contributions. Age identifiers should also be left out. Leave off positions you held a long time ago and graduation dates.

As a rule of thumb, it is best to focus on what you DO have to offer instead of what you do not. Once you land an interview, think about what questions you should ask to show your interest in the position better. Remember, be honest, assertive, and confident when presenting your skills. Singing your praises can feel unnatural, but standing out among other candidates is necessary. Now is the time to toot your own horn; if you don’t, nobody else will!

5. Keep it Professional

Professionalism is a key ingredient of your resume profile. Everything from your profile picture to the email address you select sends a clear message to the employer about you. Hobbies should be left off your resume unless they directly relate to the job, volunteering, or dental organization membership. Save your resume profile real estate for professional details to help you land an interview. Also, don’t forget about your social media profile content and settings. Employers do check social media, so it is important to ensure that all profiles are updated, cleaned up, and put your best foot forward. You may also want to consider making your social media profiles private if they are not already. Our blog, How to Improve Your Professional Etiquette Game in 7 Steps, can help you further your professionalism in the job-seeking process.

6. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!

We can’t stress this point enough. You may be the best candidate for a job, but a glaring error in your resume profile can disqualify you immediately. It is important to take the time to review and correct any mistakes before applying for an open position or making your profile public. Ask a friend, family member, or co-worker to read your resume. Another set of eyes is key to picking up on costly grammatical or spelling errors.

Whether you are actively seeking a job or not, it’s important to keep your resume profile current. At DentalPost, we are always here to help with your resume profile needs and are available to answer any questions you may have. Happy resume enhancing, and good luck with whatever your next adventure may be!

Updated April 28, 2021
Originally published May 23rd, 2016