Whether I’m writing a resume or an executive bio, one thing is clear: Everyone has a story to tell. The funny thing is that they don’t always realize it.
I recently completed three projects for two different clients that involved writing short bios (50 to 150 words each) of highly successful individuals. While one client asks writers to send each executive a brief set of questions to answer by email, the other asks us to do short phone interviews with the individuals on our lists. What always astounds me is how many of these people are surprised to be included in what amounts to a “best of the best” list.
The phone calls are always fun, especially when it dawns on subjects how their past experiences—their unique stories—led them to pursue careers they love.
Like the woman who, as a teenager, saw a documentary that spurred her to get involved with humanitarian causes and eventually work for humanitarian organizations before joining a company that makes and markets documentary films about humanitarian issues.
Or the man who had a former employer tell him he was too nice to succeed in business, but decided to ignore that person’s advice. He now ingrains in his employees the importance of putting others first and respecting colleagues, clients, and contacts even when a deal doesn’t go through.
Some people know they have a story, they just don’t know how to tell it
Sometimes people allow their own insecurities to shape their stories.
Every writer I know struggles when a publication or potential client asks them to submit a writer’s bio. I know I did when writing the About page for this website. It’s human nature to sell ourselves short or downplay our achievements, so when we need to tell our stories we can feel like we’re boasting or bragging. An outside perspective never hurts.
I’ll never forget one resume client. She was an incredibly successful C-suite executive who had helped invent and patent a product that revolutionized her industry. She had more than enough accomplishments to fill a three-page resume. When I sent in the first draft of her new resume, she insisted I include a retail sales job she’d held in high school.
For whatever reason, she couldn’t see that her post-collegiate work history was more than impressive enough to wow any potential employer. Including that retail job would only have left hiring managers wondering why she felt compelled to include something so insignificant. I’m sure she had her reasons, but she eventually relented when reminded that we were writing her resume, not a more comprehensive curriculum vitae.
Everybody has a story to tell. Sometimes it takes someone with a fresh perspective to help you tell it. Let me help you tell yours.
Paula is also a playwright whose scripts have been read at Durango Arts Center (Colorado), Bonita Springs Center for Performing Arts (Florida), and The West Side Show Room (Illinois). Her piece, The Dance: A Monologue, will be published in Venus Theatre’s upcoming anthology, Frozen Women/Flowing Thoughts.
Need an experienced writer for your next project? Contact Paula for a quote, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
- Transcribing Interviews - August 6, 2024
- How Creative Writing Techniques Can Improve Your Copywriting - August 6, 2024
- Working With Freelancers - August 6, 2024
For those of use who were brought up being taught it’s not polite to brag, it’s always harder to write your own bio or resume than to have someone else do it. A few weeks ago I helped my sister do her resume, and had to remind her of a few of her accomplishments.