Dumb down a resume?

Question

If you're unemployed for awhile and don't receive many responses from jobs you're qualified for and have applied to, is it sensible to dumb down your resume and apply for lesser positions?

All of these answers are great, I wish I could pick all of them as best answer. Since I can't, I'm going to put it to a vote.
Thank you!

Answer 1

Never "dumb down" your resume. If you are qualified for a position, you should get an interview. Try following up with a call (if not forbidden) to show additional interest, and if you get an interview (even a phone interview), for god sake's send a thank you card.) Thank you cards really do go a long way and as much as we talk about their benefit, RARELY do people do them.

If you're still not getting responses, go ahead and try for a lesser job, but if you've dumbed down your resume, there may be openings at a place you're applying that aren't advertised or posted externally that might be possibilities for you as well. If you leave that stuff out and find out about those positionslater, it can be difficult convincing someone you have qualifications to do a bigger or better job unless you admit you lied, which no employer wants to hear.

Be proud of your accomplishments and highlight how they might be an asset, even if it's in a role lesser than what you're after.

Answer 2

Don't dumb down the resume -- but rather tailor it for the particular job you're applying for.

For example:
If you'd been hoping to land a job as a public relations person and now are willing to take a job as a store sales person, you would emphasize different things. Instead of starting your resume with your degree in marketing, you might start with that part time job you held at K-Mart while in school. And, you might drop or add things: whereas before you wanted to list all your marketing course work now you might drop that and add more about your accomplishments at K-Mart.

This isn't dumbing it down, but rather making decisions as to what goes in depending on the job your applying for.

You also asked about applying for lesser positions -- I'd say if you need a job - take what ever you can get and then start moving up. While there are all kinds of people doing the hiring, most want first and foremost someone willing to work, and taking a "lesser" job demonstrates that very well.

Answer 3

The job market is tough and there are many applicants and many other people who are also qualified. First, everyone needs to work to survive so you do what you need to do. Work somewhere you do not want to until you get a better job. Before you dumb down a CV first you must take a honest look at yourself and skills and decide if you are definitely qualified. It is tough but only you can be that honest with yourself. Also find where you need to improve your CV and cover letters. Make them as personal to the reader as possible. What you are trying to do is reach the reader beyond the job, the qualifications, the stress of finding the right candidate. You want them to feel comfort before they actually meet you. One thing I will add, there is no such thing as dumbing down, if you are qualified or overqualified and at times under qualified, state your case and convince them otherwise. Good luck and keep your spirits positive.

Answer 4

Dumb down your resume is also a way to get interviews. However, you should do this when you are very desperate. Yes, of course, if you get a job first, you can go on and keep searching.

Many companies nowadays are hiring cheap and intelligent workers. They are just not willing to pay enough for those who should be qualified. It is like the corrupted CEOs ones are holding your future. Either you have to be very top, or you will be very low. If you get into the middle, you will get laid off, fired soon, then you have to start over. I quite understand your situation. Yes, dumb down your resume until you get a better job, and boost it up later.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I wouldn't. If you dumb it down... then with the internet, that resume has it's own life. Perhaps a better solution would be to 'refine' the resume into something more generalized in nature. Most headhunters will do 'key word' searches... with your 'goal' are you using the right keywords? I found that - after changing a few words (and I mean like rewording a couple of sentences) there was a DRAMATIC change in 'hits'.

good luck (been there)

Answer 6

The problem with your resume may be the amount of time you've gone without working. Explain this ~shortly~ on your resume. Also, if you've held many jobs, but each job only for a short while, potential employers will often toss your resume.
Best of luck to you!

Answer 7

Doing a "dumb down" on your resume will make your experience less desirable to prospective employers. You don't want to do that! Rather than "dumb down", "smart up" your resume so you come across more experienced and capable. First list all of your strengths and accomplishments. Then see where these can apply to your resume. The result will be that you will have a stronger resume.

For resume templates and tips, and cover letter tips and samples click these links:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverletters/a/cuttingedge.htm
http://www.jobstar.org/tools/resume/cletters.php
http://phoenix.about.com/cs/empl/a/coverletter01_2.htm
http://www.careerlab.com/letters/
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes/qt/microtemplate.htm
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT101043371033.aspx
http://www.jthomaswood.com/CareerTips_Resume.htm?scr=overture
http://www.free-resume-tips.com/10tips.html
http://resume.monster.com/
http://www.ausable.ca/resume.html
http://www.resumebuilders.net/tips.html
http://www.easyjob.net/resume/free-resume-tips.html

Answer 8

I thought about doing that on several occasions, but it really is best not to lie. You will end up having to format a complete historical story for the interviewer, and the chances to slip up are way to high.