Your resume and online profile are your personal marketing tools. They are often the first contact a recruiter will have with you. A well-built profile is what opens the door to the dream interview.

1. The Essential Resume (CV)

• Be Clean and Concise: Use a professional and easy-to-read layout. Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages. Essential information should be at the top.
• Focus on Achievements, Not Tasks: Instead of just listing your responsibilities, demonstrate your results. Use numbers to quantify your achievements.
  • Bad: "Responsible for social media."
  • Good: "Increased social media engagement by 30% in 6 months through a new content strategy."
• Tailor Your CV for the Job: Read the job description carefully and use the same keywords in your resume. This is crucial for passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

2. Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is your professional showcase. A complete and active profile greatly increases your visibility.

• Professional Photo: Use a headshot with good lighting and a neutral background. Smile!
• Catchy Headline: Don't just use your current job title. Use keywords that describe your field and what you're looking for. Ex: "Software Developer | Java, Spring Boot, AWS | Passionate about scalable solutions".
• Strategic "About" Section: Use this space to tell a brief story about your career, your passions, and your goals. It's a more personal version of your CV summary.
• Ask for Recommendations: Recommendations from former colleagues and managers add credibility and serve as social proof of your skills.

3. What to Avoid

• Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: Proofread your resume several times. Ask someone else to read it. Typos or grammatical errors can disqualify you instantly.
• Unnecessary Personal Information: Do not include document numbers, full address, marital status, or a photo on your resume (unless requested). Keep it to your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn link.
• Being Too Generic: A resume that fits all jobs fits none. Customization is the secret to standing out.

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