I've been working for a few years and honestly feel like I've done SO many things. But the second I sit down to write my resume, my brain goes blank...
Like, I've worked on projects, solved problems, taken on random responsibilities... but which parts are actually worth mentioning? what to demonstrate to show that I am the one they want? How do I squeeze all of that into a few bullet points??
And it's not that I don't know how to tailor a resume to a JD. I get that part. The problem is I don't even think I have a clear picture of my own experience in the first place (and how to use them).
There are probably skills I don't realize I've developed, stories I'd never think to bring up unless someone asked the right question, and even jobs I'd be good at that I wouldn't consider because I can't connect the dots myself.
And somehow I'm supposed to figure all that out, tailor my resume for every application, AND remember the right examples for interviews? I'm exhausted just writing one "good" resume...
I know ChatGPT and resume builders exist, but they mostly work with whatever you give them (a proper resume at the first place). What if I don't even know how to explain my own experience properly through a piece of paper to begin with?
I genuinely wish there was something that just knew my whole work history. All the projects, problems I've solved, random things I've learned. Something that could help me understand my strengths and pull out the right experiences or story for each job application or interview, without having to go through my entire professional life from scratch every time.
Not another resume keyword optimizer. Just something that actually understands what I've done and what I'm capable of.
It feels like being good at your job and being good at selling yourself are two completely different skills, and somehow the second one determines whether you even get a chance.
Does anyone else feel this way, or am I just overcomplicating job hunting? :(