Don't Just Think Outside of the Box, Get Out of the Box

I’ve just recently set out on my own into the intimidating world of entrepreneurship. Following a 22-year streak of working for other people (17 in a single industry), I’m finally working for myself. I’m only about a week in, but I’ve already seen enough green flags to know this is the right path for me, at least right now.

With the new “free” time that comes with quitting a 9-to-5, I thought it would be a good idea to try to give back by offering free resume reviews and mock interviews to anyone in my network that wanted one (or both). I received 14 resumes within 48 hours and returned each within a day or two.

One thing that struck me is how similar most of the resumes were. Nearly every resume was a single page, black and white text only, with the same sections outlined in the same font, with the same rote rhythm. The majority of my feedback wasn’t related to the content but recommendations to add context, and adjust the layout to help them stand out.

The mock interviews have been REALLY amazing thus far. I’m meeting with people half my age that have already accomplished more than I will in my lifetime. The face-to-face interaction adds the details needed for someone to truly sell themselves. With as hard as it is to actually get to a real interview these days, please focus on standing out in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

1. Talk more about?why?you did what you did than?what?you did.
2. If the resume is just going to be skimmed, make sure the cream is at the top.
3. Less is more unless more is needed to know?you.

I love helping people, so if you want your resume reviewed, want to be mock interviewed, or just want to shoot the breeze, shoot me a note.