The Resume Syndrome

Have you heard of "Resumé Syndrome"?
How does it impact your career, particularly during midlife?

Every day, individuals reach out and express their frustration:
"After enjoying a fulfilling career spanning over twenty years,
I followed all the conventional steps - hired a career consultant, updated my CV, and sought advice from experts to enhance my LinkedIn profile, but nothing seemed to be working.

I send out my resume, but I receive no response.
On the rare occasions when I do get a reply, it's usually to inform me that I am overqualified for the position.
As someone with another two decades of work ahead, I find myself losing hope."

So, I ask: Are you familiar with the concept of "Resumé Syndrome"?

This syndrome stands in the way of the success you rightfully deserve!
Your resume.

Let's start with a simple explanation:
A resume is a document that reflects your past experiences.

If you have a wealth of experience, your resume quickly fills up with technical details.
At the beginning of the document, you highlight your strengths and virtues based on your own self-perception.

This is the approach you've been using since you first entered the workforce - unchanged.
You update, refine, and stylize it without injecting any originality or thoughtful consideration.

You expect the reader to comprehend what you can offer them without explicitly stating it in the document.

Big surprise:
You are no longer a novice; you possess extensive experience and skills, making you eligible for senior positions.
However, the person reading your resume is a busy senior manager with limited time to spare.

Do you honestly believe that someone pressed for time will take the effort to understand what makes you attractive?
Even in Las Vegas, the odds of winning are better.

The manager is primarily interested in one thing:
"What can you do for me right now?"

You need to provide a document that goes beyond empty words and showcases your thoughts and intentions, highlighting your abilities.
Instead of simply filling a page with words lacking genuine thought, present your skills with a clear purpose.

At this point, you might feel frustrated and argue that recruiters would not agree with this approach. And you are correct.
In reality, the hiring processes for experienced individuals in their midlife often occur directly at the executive level. That's even better.

This stage in your career necessitates a different approach.
Take a pause and embark on an authentic journey of self-discovery:

"Who am I as an individual, and what do I genuinely aspire to do now?"
Focus not on what you have done, but on your current capabilities.
Identify your desires and rediscover the passion and vitality for your work.

It's a distinct process that demands a different course of action.
Yet, in the end, you will realize the true value you possess
And understand why you have the potential to achieve things you haven't pursued yet.