The Human Story Behind a CV: Lessons in Resilience, Inclusion, and Progress

Today, I reflect on an unexpected encounter during my pursuit of a role in the AI space - an experience that made me reconsider what organisations value in their candidates. I come from a background that some might consider unconventional, but it’s that very journey that shapes the value I bring to the table.

I applied for a role with what I thought was a forward-thinking company, a place where I felt my experiences would allow me to make a significant impact. The role, initially advertised as a contract position, later shifted to full-time. I was told my CV was admired by the hiring manager, so much that it would be used as a benchmark for other applicants. I was sure that my skills and background would stand out and at least receive a phone call or an email.

Weeks passed with zero communication on both applications, and after some follow-ups, I learned why I was not considered: grammatical errors. That was it - grammar. In a world that claims to embrace diversity and innovation, I was dismissed for imperfections in language.

For context, my family and I survived being gassed multiple times by Saddam’s regime. I began schooling in Iran, learning Persian despite my native tongue being Kurdish, then returned to Iraq, navigating my education in Kurdish and Arabic (These three languages are equivalent to learning French, English and German! as people have asked me before if they are the same). After fleeing persecution, I found myself missing critical years of schooling, yet still managed to learn English in year 11 and 12 and complete high school in Australia and study at University.

By the time I was 17, I had already endured four different languages and survived an Iranian prison at 14 and 2.5 years in a refugee camp. But life didn't stop there. I competed in sports and aimed for the Athens 2004 Olympics when that dream became impossible, I went on to serve 15 years in the Australian Army, full-time and as a reservist, I built several businesses successfully exiting two of them. I mention this not to boast, but to emphasise how experiences like mine shape more than just résumés, they shape character, resilience, and the ability to adapt in ways no grammar check can reflect.

In today’s world, it’s essential that companies embrace more than just “polished resumes” and “perfect grammar”. We live in a time where real innovation comes from diverse backgrounds and real-life experiences, and where unconventional paths often bring the most valuable perspectives.

I believe that I, and many others with complex journeys, offer something far more significant than textbook qualifications and polished resumes. I hope companies begin to recognise the untapped potential that people like me and so many others can bring to the table, because perfection on paper is never as powerful as the lessons learned from life itself.

Thank you.

Hardy