As the calendar turns to a new year, it’s the perfect time to reimagine your resume. Imagine this: you’re a recruiter scrolling through hundreds of applications. Within seconds, a decision is made to move forward or pass on a candidate. The truth? They’re looking for specific keywords, systems, and skills that stand out immediately. If they can’t find what they need at first glance, your resume might not make it past the pile.
But don’t panic! Resumes are more than a checklist of experiences—they’re your story. Let me tell you how I’ve transformed my own career by viewing my resume as a narrative, not just a document.
Taking Control of Your Story
Early in my career, I followed the traditional rules for resumes: keep it short, list your jobs, and hope for the best. But as I applied for roles, I noticed something. My efforts stopped at hitting the "Submit" button. I realized that to truly stand out, I needed to take the extra step—to connect directly with decision-makers.
That’s when everything changed. For every HR role I’ve landed, I reached out beyond the application portal. I researched recruiters, found contact information, and sent personalized messages. I kept it short and focused on the job description, highlighting the exact skills and experiences they were seeking. This extra effort helped me skip the line and showcase my value directly.
Addressing the Gaps
Let’s face it: life happens. Companies downsize, contracts end, or sometimes, we just need a break. I’ve been laid off three times from roles I loved. Explaining these gaps to recruiters became a constant challenge. That’s when I decided to take control of the narrative.
Instead of waiting for questions, I added a simple explanation to my resume:
"Role ended due to company-wide reduction in force."
This one line removed the mystery and allowed recruiters to focus on what mattered—my skills and accomplishments. By addressing these transitions head-on, I turned potential red flags into stepping stones.
Rewriting Your Role
Sometimes, we do so much more than our job titles suggest. Early in my career, I was an Administrative Assistant. But my daily tasks went far beyond the title: I managed HR operations, coordinated executive schedules, and even led office projects. Initially, my resume reflected the title alone, and I wasn’t getting the calls I wanted.
So, I rewrote my story. I reframed my responsibilities to showcase the breadth of my impact:
"Office Manager overseeing HR operations, executive-level scheduling, and project management."
With this new narrative, I started receiving interviews for higher-level roles. The work you do matters—make sure your resume tells the full story.
Rewriting Your Role
Sometimes, we do so much more than our job titles suggest. Early in my career, I was an Administrative Assistant. But my daily tasks went far beyond the title: I managed HR operations, coordinated executive schedules, and even led office projects. Initially, my resume reflected the title alone, and I wasn’t getting the calls I wanted.
So, I rewrote my story. I reframed my responsibilities to showcase the breadth of my impact:
"Office Manager overseeing HR operations, executive-level scheduling, and project management."
With this new narrative, I started receiving interviews for higher-level roles. The work you do matters—make sure your resume tells the full story.
The Power of Volunteer Work
One of my proudest accomplishments isn’t from a traditional job. As the Grow with Google Training Director, I led a national program with over 150 trainers. This experience gave me expertise in training and development that I might not have added to my resume otherwise. Similarly, my involvement with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has been a treasure trove of skills—from marketing and branding to project management.
These roles showed me the value of including volunteer work on my resume. They allowed me to explore new industries and strengthen my professional narrative. Remember, the skills you gain outside of paid roles can be just as valuable as those from your 9-to-5.
Your Story, Your Impact
As you step into 2025, remember this: your resume is your story. It’s a chance to show recruiters not just what you’ve done, but who you are and how you’ve made an impact. Be bold. Be transparent. And above all, make it personal.
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