Recently, I read a LinkedIn post about a woman who helped her husband secure a new professional opportunity because she works in hiring. It’s definitely something to celebrate; however, the tactics she used, widely accepted today, just don’t sit right with me.
People are being taught to tailor their resumes to match job descriptions, which makes sense to an extent. But what concerns me is the idea of erasing past professional experiences and rewriting one’s story to fit a company’s expectations. Doing so doesn’t guarantee a job, but it does mean compromising one’s integrity and unique journey.
I also feel there’s an underlying pressure to conform, perhaps even a fear of punishment for not following unwritten rules. While tailoring a resume for a specific role is reasonable, altering one’s truth isn’t. My past experiences don’t define me, but they have given me valuable wisdom. Rather than fabricating a perfect fit, I believe in taking responsibility for learning new skills and developing a creative, authentic approach to professional growth and service. I may not meet every requirement in a job description, I know my limits, but I am committed to expanding my abilities and unlocking hidden talents that I can benefit both my colleagues and the organization.
It's time to break this cycle, challenge the status quo, and bring authenticity to the forefront—walking the talk, so to speak. Alana Fairchild, the Australian spiritual artist and author, speaks of Sacred Rebels, those who fully embrace their truth, shake up outdated societal structures, and make way for creativity, uniqueness, and liberation. So maybe, instead of conforming to and battling keyword-driven job application systems, both job seekers and hiring professionals should awaken their Sacred Rebel within, focusing on recognizing individual strengths and unique voices. This shift could create a more fulfilling and mutually beneficial work environment for all.
Written by Liudmila Kazak