I’m updating my resume, which right now simply looks like a chronological list of job titles and duties assigned to different periods of my life. A resume is a standard way to present yourself professionally, but it’s a very one dimensional view. Once the basic requirements of the job are satisfied, the real question is who is this person? To provide a more robust answer to that question, I created my unofficial resume. I do this not to toot my own horn, but to remind myself of my core strengths.
- I’m Helpful – I like to be of assistance. It makes me feel good. If I can help someone implement their vision or get their project done, I’m up for it. I enjoy making a contribution. I’ve spent most of my professional career in a support role. It’s where I feel most valuable.
- I’m Friendly – I like people. I enjoy interacting with them. The writer part of me kicks in and wonders about the story behind each person I meet. People are interesting to me.
- I’m a Good Listener – Again, the writer part kicks in here. I can’t learn about people and what they want if I don’t listen carefully. If I’m not clear on what you’re saying, I’m not afraid to ask clarifying questions to make sure I understand you. Communication is key for me.
- I have a Sense of Humor – Life’s too short. You gotta make the most of every day, and an essential part is being light-hearted and sharing laughter with the people around you. It’s a great stress reliever too.
- I’m Reliable – I show up. I do what I say I’m going to do. I feel a sense of commitment, and I stick to the ones I make. I’m conscientious.
- I Care – I wear my conscience close to my sleeve. I pay attention. I give a shit. In a former job, our mantra became he who cares the most loses. We adopted that as a coping strategy to get through the insanity. I don’t ever want to work for another business where my caring is a liability.
- I Take Personal Pride – As a writer, I know the work doesn’t come out perfect on the first try. I check my work before I deliver it. I am not a do the minimum and check the box as done sort of person. Maybe that’s because I care.
- I’m Honest – I have a strong sense of personal ethics. I know what is right and what is wrong. I walk the line. I went to Catholic school. I’ll stop there.
- I have an Innate Sense of Organization – Organization and pattern recognition come easily to me. I used these skills formerly as a business analyst, but more recently as a writer when structuring and completing my novels. Years ago, I did volunteer work at an animal shelter, where I hand washed about two dozen cat food bowls as part of the daily clean up. Having angled the bowls neatly against each other to air dry, I was stunned to notice that I had grouped them by color without even being conscious of doing it. It’s just what comes naturally to me.
- I’m Not Competitive – At least half the people reading this probably just winced and thought she shouldn’t have admitted that. It’s not cool to admit that you aren’t competitive in our culture. Sorry to disappoint, but I’m not. I’m all about cooperation and collaboration. I don’t need to be the best at anything; I just need to be my best self.
- I’m Solution-oriented – I’m not interested in chewing over the same problem over and over again. I look for solutions. I’ve even been trained to actually have a few possible solutions before I alert you there is a problem. I like to resolve issues and move on.
- I’m a Storyteller – Recently while I was expounding on how different the jobs of business analyst and novelist are, a friend told me she didn’t think they were really so different. They both require taking an abstract concept and presenting the information in a narrative which people can understand and draw conclusions from. Point taken.
- I Keep it Real – I’m not playing games. Again, life is too short. I’m about being my authentic self, not playing silly mind games. What you see and hear from me is what you get. I’m for real.
If you are interested in my official resume, click here.