‘I Didn’t Think My Experience Mattered’ — The Resume That Changed Everything

The Voice of Doubt

"I just don’t think my experience really matters anymore."

That’s what she said as she slouched into her chair over Zoom, her eyes tired, her voice thin with self-doubt. After two decades in the workforce, navigating a non-linear path filled with career gaps, industry pivots, and part-time roles, Emily* had reached a crossroads. Her resume felt more like a confession than a sales pitch, and every job application sent into the digital void only deepened her frustration.

Emily had tried DIY templates, online resume builders, and even AI-generated drafts. But nothing changed. Her inbox remained empty. She felt invisible.

Until she found Thomas Career Consulting.

The Problem Beneath the Paper

Emily's story is far from unique. Every week, I work with clients who have been:

• Rejected over and over again, without a single callback
• Frustrated by how to "package" a career change
• Paralyzed by the fear of how gaps, pivots, or age will be perceived
• Lost in a sea of advice that doesn't fit their story

Their common denominator? They don’t realize they’re trying to compete with a marketing brochure using an outdated instruction manual.

A resume is not your biography. It’s your marketing tool.

If it isn’t written with strategy, storytelling, and keyword optimization in mind, it’s likely getting lost in the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

The Turning Point — A Strategy, Not a Template

Emily came to Thomas Career Consulting after hearing a former colleague rave about our approach. What drew her in wasn’t just the professional resume writing credentials or the Best Resume Writing Service in Philadelphia award — it was the promise of real collaboration.

We began with a deep, judgment-free conversation. No forms. No impersonal intake processes. Just one-on-one time to listen, explore, and understand.

I asked:

• What did you really do in that role?
• What are you most proud of?
• What results did you achieve that no one else could?
• What lights you up about your work?

As we talked, golden nuggets emerged. She had launched new programs, led critical change during restructuring, and mentored countless junior colleagues. None of it was on her resume.

That changed quickly.

The Rewrite That Worked

We revamped her resume using the following professional resume writing principles:

1. Tailored Formatting to Tell Her Story

We used a hybrid resume format to highlight transferable skills while keeping her timeline clear and honest.

2. Keyword Optimization for ATS

Each section was aligned with job descriptions Emily was targeting. We infused relevant industry keywords to ensure the resume passed the initial scan.

3. Powerful Storytelling

Instead of dry job descriptions, we focused on outcomes:

"Increased department efficiency by 30% during a strategic reorganization"
"Championed mentorship initiatives that improved employee retention by 25%"

4. Professional Polish and Strategic Positioning

We eliminated generic language and instead used persuasive, concise wording that reflected her leadership.

5. Real Human Collaboration

From our first conversation to the final draft, Emily had a trusted partner at every step. Her confidence started building before the resume was even finished.

The Results

Within two weeks of submitting her new resume:

• She received three interview invitations from top-tier employers
• Recruiters began reaching out via LinkedIn
• Her confidence soared—not just because of the interviews, but because she finally saw her value clearly

Emily later said, “I never realized how much I had accomplished until someone helped me connect the dots. I thought my experience didn’t matter. I was wrong. It just wasn’t being told right.”

What You Can Learn from Emily’s Journey

If you’re feeling stuck like Emily, here are practical, expert-backed solutions to revitalize your resume and career prospects:

✅ Stop Thinking of Your Resume as a History Report

Think of it as a brochure about the best version of your professional self.

✅ Identify Your Golden Nuggets

What sets you apart from others with similar backgrounds? Those hidden wins are key to your resume story.

✅ Ditch the Templates

Templates often fail ATS scans and lack the customization needed to stand out.

✅ Invest in Professional Resume Writing Services

At Thomas Career Consulting, I work directly with every client to:

• Uncover your unique value
• Craft a strategic, polished resume

Provide guidance on LinkedIn profiles and interviews

✅ Collaborate with an Experienced Career Counselor

With over 25 years of experience, I don’t just write resumes. I coach, I counsel, and I strategize with you.

Why Thomas Career Consulting is Different

Unlike mass resume mills or AI-driven services:

• You work directly with me, Mindy Thomas, from start to finish
• You’re not passed off to junior staff
• Your resume is crafted based on in-depth interviews, not forms
• Your background is honored, not judged

Everything is virtual, but feels deeply personal. We collaborate. We revise together. And we make sure the final product competes in today’s saturated job market.

Who I Help

My clients range from recent college grads to C-suite executives. I’ve supported:

• Legal professionals (attorneys, paralegals)
• Mid-career professionals seeking change
• Leaders returning after a career break
• Executives aiming for their next big leap

Each resume is customized, strategic, and aligned with your goals.

Are You Next?

If you’re not getting interviews, your resume isn’t selling you right. Period.

Let’s fix that.

Ready to get started?

Email your most recent resume to mindy@thomascareerconsulting.com for a custom quote.

“If you are not getting what you want in the way of your career, you might want to consider an alternative approach by hiring a professional.” — Client testimonial from the Quotes of Hope video

Let’s write your next chapter—with the resume that changes everything.