Dream Job pursuit.
Ukraine. 2021/2
Act 1: Writing Resume
After listing all her hard skills in one column and her soft skills in another, Olya realized her skillset was truly impressive. Her professional profile stretched far beyond a single role — a definite advantage because...
In today’s business world, multitalented - M shaped - professionals are in high demand — those with expertise across multiple fields, able to pivot between industries and grow in diverse directions.
This insight brought Olya comfort, but it didn’t fully silence her persistent self-doubt. She thought, “Okay, I’m scared and uncertain.” Yet, having spent two years studying Transactional Analysis psychotherapy, she knew how to face her inner critics. Out loud, she said:
“Dear Fear and Self-Doubt, I know you won’t just disappear. So, you can stay — but don’t cause a scene. Otherwise, I’ll draw my Minecraft swords. And yes, I have two of them. Big things are coming, so just watch quietly.”
Kick impostor syndrome to the curb — especially during a job search — but stay mindful of the Dunning-Kruger effect. Striking that balance is key. Maybe I’ll write about this someday.
After calming her inner critics, Olya hung a sheet of flip chart paper on her wall and opened Canva. She chose a neutral, minimalist, and stylish resume template. Sure, a Word document can look good too, but why not take advantage of the many free tools available to create a polished, professional-looking resume?
Crafting a resume is an essential step — and it should only be done after clearly defining and articulating your hard and soft skills. This clarity makes it easier to highlight your strengths (don’t stress about weaknesses — that’s interview material), accurately describe your roles, and give your resume a modern, engaging edge.
Instead of scouring the internet for templates, Olya decided to draw entirely from her personal experience and create her CV from scratch.
She was curious to see what she could achieve at 41.
Speaking of age…
Olya’s Resume Dos and Don’ts.
DOs.
Polish your social media profiles, especially LinkedIn, before sending out your resume. If you’re targeting a reputable international company — or really any professional role — LinkedIn is your primary platform for recommendations and networking. While Facebook and Instagram carry less weight, it’s still smart to reflect your professional interests there.
Structure your resume starting with your current or most recent role and work backward to the pivotal positions in your career. Your growth and experience should be easy to follow. Keep it clear and elegant — no more than two pages. Make it effortless for employers to read and navigate. Polished writing and clean formatting matter more than you think.
Create a dedicated section highlighting your 2020 achievements. Reflect on what you accomplished during that challenging year — what you’re proud of and what worked well. This isn’t just a resume booster — it’s also a meaningful story to share with your kids someday.
Include a brief summary of your professional identity or personal philosophy. This could mirror your LinkedIn headline or even your Facebook bio. Adding a personal touch helps you stand out.
DON’Ts.
Avoid including birthdates, marital status, or photos. Don’t give potential employers a chance to judge you based on age, gender, or other biases. If a recruiter focuses on these factors, it’s a red flag about the company’s ethics—and likely not a place you want to work.
Skip vague qualities like “team player” or “stress-resistant.” Employers rarely trust such claims on a resume. Soft skills are better assessed during interviews. Instead, highlight your hard skills and measurable achievements.
Don’t list every training or certification you’ve ever earned. What matters is the knowledge and skills you’ve retained—not the quantity of certificates. You can always provide proof if requested. (For the record, Olya’s certificates have never been asked for in interviews.)
Always tailor your resume to each job application. Customizing shows you’ve done your homework and makes your profile stand out.
Align it with the company’s mission, goals, and the specific role you’re applying for. Yes, it’s extra work, but it’s crucial.
Olya was lucky to work with a fantastic recruiter who thoroughly edited every comma and word in her CV to perfectly match the target company’s needs. While you might not always have that level of support, it’s smart to seek advice from a career coach, a trusted colleague, or a helpful friend.
And yes — a thousand times yes — always keep your resume updated and ready. You never know when the next opportunity might come knocking.
Olya spent weeks perfecting her resume and shared her best tips in this post. Send some gratitude vibes her way!
Stay tuned for the next episodes, where Olya shares her wildest interview adventures.
To be continued…
May 29, 2021.