Crafting Bios for Career Transitions

Considering a Career Transition? Doing this one thing can make the difference between being overlooked or being selected for an interview and landing an offer. ✅ Be the obvious choice – Don’t assume recruiters will connect the dots. They’re often scanning for an exact title match. Your job? Bridge the gap for them. Translate your past experience into the language of your target role so they see you as a natural fit. Example:  Transition from a Project Manager → Product Manager Let’s say you’ve been a Project Manager for years but want to move into a Product Manager role. A recruiter or hiring manager might not immediately see the connection because they’re looking for candidates with direct Product Management titles. Instead of listing: ❌ “Managed project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communications.” Reframe it to match Product Management language: ✅ “Led cross-functional teams to deliver customer-focused solutions, prioritizing features based on business impact and user needs.” Why this works: “Led cross-functional teams” aligns with how product managers work across engineering, design, and marketing. “Customer-focused solutions” signals an understanding of product development, not just project execution. “Prioritizing features based on business impact and user needs” shows a product mindset—something critical for a PM role. ✨ Bonus: 📎📄 Attached is an in-depth example of how to identify your transferable skills and effectively highlight them as relevant experience. This can be a tool that assists you with your resume, interviewing and negotiating. 💡 Need guidance? Assisting clients with career pivots and transitions is something I excel at. Plus - I’ve successfully navigated several transitions in my own career, so I’ve lived it. Let’s connect! #CareerChange #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #CareerTransition #Laidoff #CareerDevelopment #CareerGrowth #JobSeeker #CareerPivot

Ok, let me get on my soap box for a minute. You’re talking about your career in job interviews + info conversations all wrong. I see wildly impressive women make this mistake daily, so I say this in the most loving way possible. Every info conversation + interview starts in the same place: “Tell me about yourself.” You can spend weeks (months!) preparing for your job search — Sundays doing reflection exercises + personality tests, late nights scrolling job boards + the hard work of setting up calls. But all that preparation is wasted if - You can’t talk about yourself in a way that immediately conveys your : - unique value - direction, and - readiness to lead at the next level It’s not your fault! This requires marketing + storytelling. Skills you’ve learned in a business context, but aren’t taught to apply to yourself. Let me walk you through how to do it right. Here’s a simple structure I use w/ clients to help them turn their resume into a compelling, confident story — one that positions them for the roles they want next: 1) 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰/ 𝐚 𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞. Lead w/ a one‑line headline that signals your value and direction. Template: I’m a [adjective] [function/level] in [industry], known for [edge]. Example: I’m a strategic operations leader in consumer tech, known for scaling scrappy teams into revenue engines. 2) 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥. Explain why you made each move, so your path reads as intentional. Template: I moved from X to Y because… which let me… Example: I left consulting for a growth-stage startup to own outcomes end-to-end + build cross‑functional muscle. 3) 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞. Select 1–2 proof points per role that ladder to your target. Template: What did I learn or deliver here that directly serves the role I want now? Example: Launched a new product line that became 30% of annual revenue. 4) 𝐂𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. Edit ruthlessly. Cut side projects, tool lists & responsibilities that dilute the through‑line. Rule of thumb: If it doesn’t strengthen why you for this role, it’s out. Example: If you’re pivoted from sustainability consulting into partnerships, cut the references to sustainability + position yourself as a consulting generalist. 5) 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬. Translate activity into outcomes with numbers, speed + scope. 6) 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐬 𝐰/ 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. Briefly, confidently address gaps, pivots, layoffs, or sabbaticals - then move on. Ex: Took a 4‑month sabbatical to care for family; returned w/ refreshed systems that improved my team’s cadence. Want to see this action? Check out the example below – this is my main character, “Maya,” the star of all my trainings. See how we turned her dry biography into a page-turning memoir. Your story is already powerful. You just need to know how to tell it.

When you're transitioning into a new industry whether it's from retail to biotech, bedside to corporate, or academia to clinical research there's one thing that must go with you: A clear, compelling personal brand. When your experience doesn't check every box, your brand fills the gap. It tells people: I may be coming from a different world, but here's the unique value I bring. So how do you build a brand that opens doors during a pivot? 1. Own Your Narrative Don’t hide your pivot position it. → I bring a patient-first mindset into clinical research. → I translate scientific complexity into actionable insight. → I’ve led under pressure now I’m ready to lead with purpose. 2. Lead With Transferable Strengths Not the job titles the skills behind them: → Communication. Strategy. Adaptability. Data interpretation. These are your assets. Make them loud and clear. 3. Align Your Messaging Make sure your LinkedIn profile, resume, and even how you introduce yourself all tell the same story: I’m pivoting with intention and I’m bringing results with me. 4. Show Your Work Post. Comment. Engage. Share what you're learning, thinking, and building. Let people see your transition in real time not just read about it on a resume. If you’re in the middle of a pivot, you’re not starting over you’re starting strategically. Your experience is an asset. Your voice is your differentiator. And your brand? It’s the bridge between where you’ve been and where you’re going. Own it. Shape it. Share it. #CareerPivot #PersonalBranding #CareerChange #TransferableSkills #CareerGrowth 

I've reviewed over 500 resumes in my career as a career spotlight coach The profile summary is your golden ticket to stand out. Here's a strategic blueprint to make your resume pop: - Keep it short - 3-4 powerful sentences max. - Focus on achievements, not generic responsibilities. - Use quantifiable metrics and specific results. - Highlight your unique value proposition. - Tailor the summary for each specific role. 🟢 Pro Tips for Crafting a Killer Profile Summary: - Start with a strong professional identity - Showcase your top 2-3 core competencies - Demonstrate industry-specific expertise - Include keywords from job descriptions - Reflect your personal brand's essence I've seen candidates transform from zero callbacks to multiple interview invitations just by revolutionizing their summary section. The secret weapon? Being laser-focused about your professional impact. 📌 Instead of "Experienced marketing professional," write "Drove 150% revenue growth through targeted digital campaigns for 3 Fortune 500 clients, generating $2.5M in new business." Your summary should tell your career story before anyone reads the full resume. Make it count, career builders! P.S. What's the most compelling profile summary you've ever crafted? Share your insights below. #resume #resumewriting #jobseekers

𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭? Here’s how to own your story. Ever been in a situation where it feels challenging to explain your career shift? Sometimes, it’s hard for others— for people reviewing your resume—to fully understand how your past experiences translate into your new role. They might focus on job titles or specific skills, but there’s so much more beneath the surface. I recently had a conversation with Abhijit Bhaduri, and his perspective really stood out: "𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠." That line made me pause. It’s not just about switching roles or industries—it’s about who you’re becoming in the process. Here’s what Abhijit shared, and I think it will resonate with anyone navigating a career transition. 1. 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲? Before making a career move, take a moment to ask yourself: Am I ready to shift my professional identity? Career changes force us to step outside our comfort zones and reimagine who we are. If you’re comfortable with that shift, it can open doors you never thought possible. 2. 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but career shifts demand clarity. What is it that you really contribute? Beyond the job title or tasks, what’s the real impact you make? This clarity gives you the confidence to tell your story in a compelling way. 3. 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 When you explain your career shift, it’s not just about listing your skills. The real question is: How has your work driven results? Frame your experience in terms of the impact you’ve had. Show how your skills have shaped outcomes, and people will see your value in a new light. Every career shift is an opportunity to redefine not just what you do but who you are. It’s about taking ownership of your story and framing it in a way that highlights your growth and contribution. So the next time you’re explaining a career shift, remember—it’s about your identity, your contribution, and your impact. 🎯 What’s been your biggest learning from your own career shifts? Catch the full episode through the link below and dive deeper into the conversation! #CareerShifts #Leadership #TransferableSkills #IdentityShift #Growth

Making a career transition requires an intentional strategy— If your move so far has been to Easy Apply to a bunch of jobs that are in areas you haven’t worked in (yet), it’s not going to cut it. 🙅♀️ One of my clients Kimberly was seeking to make a move from a paralegal to an executive assistant. All of her experience was in the legal industry, so she had to get strategic while creating her personal brand. Instead of writing that she assisted attorneys at her law firm, she referred to those attorneys as "executives" and "leaders". She didn't lie about her experience or fabricate her roles in any way. She just got creative while crafting her narrative so that her future CEO could connect the dots. The result? Kimberly made a successful transition in title AND a switch in industries! This was possible because she first took the time to understand her target industry and audience. Then, she wove a compelling career narrative that helped hiring managers view her as a top candidate. Career transitions aren't impossible— They just require a little creativity. Have you ever successfully made a career switch? How'd you do it? #careertransition #careerpivot #jobchange

part 2: how i landed my current l&d role in ~ 5 months 🎊 cue taylor swift because it was time to enter my rebrand era. 🪩 ✨ i’d spent 4 years branding myself as a career coach and consultant, so it was time to pivot my personal and professional brand. you know the saying, ‘dress for the job you want, not the job you have’ — the same applies to your brand when you’re transitioning careers! your personal brand and online presence should align with the job you WANT, not what you’re currently doing. 💥 for me this meant: 1️⃣ linkedin: changing my banner, my profile statement, and my about, featured, and experience sections. 🙋🏻♀️it wasn’t about erasing or negating the fact that i had been a business owner, career coach, and consultant, but it was changing the narrative about how those *actually* related to what i wanted to do next. 🔑 by far the biggest mistake i see people make here is making their CURRENT reality (being a jobseeker, an entrepreneur, getting laid off, being a former educator, etc) their personal brand. 2️⃣ resume: creating a one-and-done resume highlighting ONLY the skills i *actually* wanted to use in my next role (and only applying to roles that aligned with my resume) 🙋🏻♀️i never once updated my resume to fit a job description, and had a ~20% apply to first interview rate. i identified 14 skills i knew would give me energy in my next role, and created a resume highlighting only those. 🔑 you don’t have to include every detail of every job on your resume. remember, your resume is not a laundry list of everything you’ve ever done. it’s a marketing document showcasing what it is you want to do next, through the lens of what you’ve done in the past. 3️⃣ portfolio: curating a collection of previous work samples that showcased the type of work i want to do next. 🙋🏻♀️ i don’t believe every l&d niche requires a portfolio, but because i had a ~4 year gap in full time employment, i knew having some additional ammo to back up my resume would work to my advantage. 🔑 similar to your resume, if you’re creating a portfolio keep it curated to exactly the type of work you want to do next. my portfolio (https://lnkd.in/gtwmEmdV) features me on a panel about the future of leaning, program strategy docs, a white paper i co-authored, and an excerpt of a leadership development session i developed and led. what you’ll notice my portfolio NOT heavy on is facilitation, elearning, asset development, etc. the goal of my personal brand was to have someone land on my linkedin, resume, and or/portfolio and have them say “wow, i want her to do that for ME.” 🎯 💡if you’re career transitioning, or have pivoted in the past, how have you rebranded yourself?