Beyond the Bullet Points: Revealing Your Authentic Self

??Happy Friday! Today is story time!

Last week I decided to revisit my resume. The Goal? To refine its content and develop a more versatile version less tailored to VFX, animation, and games and more open to other industries (It's pivot time, again!). Seeking various perspectives, I contacted three people in different industries for feedback, incorporating valuable insights into my updates. A significant lesson learned was the importance of crafting a summary that not only captures the reader's attention but also infuses it with my personal touch and personality.

?? To those who don't know me on a personal level, I consider myself to be outgoing, with a hint of silliness, curiosity, and a dash of spice. However, I felt that this aspect of my personality wasn't shining through in my summary.

For those of you struggling with HOW to present yourselves in your resume's summary, here are 3 tips that helped me:

1) Look Inside

Ask yourself:

?? Who are you? What are your goals? what makes you unique? What drives you? What are your wins? what do you do outside of work? why should someone be interested to know more about you?

Tabitha Cavanagh gave me this golden advice: "The goal is to be relatable. Let someone feel who Viv is!"

2) Break The Mold

I wrote a blurb that focused on what I bring to the role and my strengths as a recruiter, adding a bit of me at the end. However, it still felt stuffy and too corporate.

The too serious before:

With a diverse talent acquisition background, I excel in mentoring junior recruiters, fostering team unity, and forging meaningful stakeholder connections. Committed to exceptional candidate experiences, I prioritize values of kindness, curiosity, humor, and inclusion, aiming for lasting impressions in every interaction. Beyond work, I enjoy web design, crafting, and indulging in foodie adventures. [Plus, I love to bake!]

Tabitha then said "Viv - is that how you would say it out loud? If you read it, does it sound like you? How would you say it more casually?"

3) Be YOU

??Her question made me stop and rethink the wording. How can I be more casual but still keep all the wins and passion? (without using "passionate", "eager" or "proven track record" in the summary?)

I put on my thinking cap and wrote this:

Talent Acquisition comes naturally to me. I love mentoring, building teams, and working closely with hiring managers to refine recruitment processes. I aim to create a great candidate experience with a touch of kindness, curiosity, humor, and inclusion, all while boosting employer branding through early career advising and strategic recruitment initiatives. Outside of work, I enjoy web design, crafting, exploring new culinary experiences, and baking yummy treats!

Tabitha's response? "That is SO much better. and feels more like you. Gives me a sense of who you are. It's more relational."

? Surrounded by the formalities of the bullet points on my resume, adding my personality to the summary allowed me to feel a deeper connection to showcasing my true self at the start. Why was I so hesitant to add LIFE and HUMANITY to my summary? As a foodie, I see the summary as the amuse-bouche, served both to prepare the guest for the meal and to offer a glimpse of the chef's style. Give your readers a reason to keep reading and pique their curiosity to learn more about you!

?? If you are inspired to rewrite your summary, remember this: More HUMAN, less ROBOT.

??Tabitha's HOT TIPS for those looking to revamp their summary:

??Try writing your summary in corporate, industry lingo speak. Then, write it exactly how you'd say it (out loud). The feel-good version usually exists somewhere in between!

??Record yourself saying it out loud. Listen back. What did you highlight? HOW did you say it? Sometimes we talk, but we don't really hear ourselves. I've found the recording uncovers details you're likely missing and can help you with a renewed perspective!

Thank you, Holly Burton , Tabitha Cavanagh , and Stefanie Fackrell (she/her) for your feedback, getting those fresh pair of eyes reignited a fresher and stronger resume rewrite! ??

?? Like my career tips? ring the ??at the top right side of my profile.

?? Challenge: Instead of using an emoji to like this post, add a comment to build a relationship and network, what are your thoughts? How does your summary tell your story?

?? Need help with your resume? Book a 15-minute resume or demo reel review with me (15 mins = $30). Visit my calendar to find a slot to chat. https://lnkd.in/d4b6VUyW

?? Hi, I'm Viv and I am #OpenToWork = Are you looking to hire a senior recruiter/Talent Acquisition Manager in Vancouver, BC, or remotely anywhere else? Let's chat! *USA/Canada dual citizen. Learn more about why you should consider hiring me here.

#animation #vfx #games #recruiterAdvice #openToWork #resume #summary #hotTipFriday