Large letter 'A' with words "AREA TALENT" vertically along the right. Text says "About," "Meet Don," "Meet Brynston," "Meet Robin." Circular text reads "HI THERE! IT'S SO GREAT TO MEET YOU." Black background.

ABOUT

Man in suit with glasses and beard smiling
French Bulldog sitting on a wooden floor in front of a fireplace, with a plant in the background.
Woman with long brown hair smiling outdoors, wearing a black top and a necklace, with greenery and brick building in the background.

  • Founder | Career Strategist

    Hi, I’m Don — an HR exec-turned-résumé-writer who knows how to help you get hired.

    I’ve spent years* leading recruiting and HR strategy across Fortune 50s and high-growth startups. In 2008, I launched area|Talent to help people cut through the noise and show up confidently — on paper, online, and in the room.

    I’m a Certified Professional Résumé Writer, Digital Career Strategist, Interview Coach, and Personal Branding Strategist. I’ve worked with clients navigating pivots, promotions, and executive transitions at companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Aston Martin, TikTok, and many more. I also consult with Stewart Cooper Coon, an executive search firm.

    Beyond the career world, I’m proud to give back. I volunteer with Chrysalis, helping unhoused individuals get back into the workforce, and I’ve served as a crisis prevention counselor with The Trevor Project since 2014.

    When I’m not helping people land jobs they deserve, you’ll find me planning my next travel adventure or managing my dog’s Instagram, hoping she’ll eventually become the breadwinner.

    Want to see where I’ve been featured? Click here.

    *Following my own advice to clients: once your experience crosses a certain threshold, you don’t need to timestamp it. Just trust that I’ve been doing this long enough to know what works, and young enough at heart to still care deeply about every detail. I promise I don’t act my age (and neither should your résumé).

  • Certified Professional Resume Writer | Early Career Strategist

    Robin is a certified higher ed professional and certified resume writer with over a decade of experience in career services and recruiting. Robin is currently the Director of Career and Internship Services at Culver-Stockton College (CSC), where she helps undergraduate students prepare for life after school. Under Robin’s leadership, CSC has been named the #1 School in Missouri for Getting a Job in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

    When she isn't helping college students launch their careers, you will probably find Robin in the great outdoors. She is always ready for an adventure, particularly if it involves camping, hiking, kayaking, or travel of any kind. She has visited 49 states and three countries outside the US.

    Robin works exclusively with upcoming or recent college graduates (0-2 years post-graduation). You can view her services here. Interested in learning more about working with Robin? Schedule a complimentary one-on-one call using the Free Consult button above.

  • Director of Barketing

    Brynston is a paid-in-treats barketing professional and gives her paw of approval to every project before delivery. Follow me @brynstonlbarque on Instagram so I can be the breadwinner in the family!