I Landed a Goldman Sachs Job Right Out of College with a Unique Résumé

At 21, I was in my georgetown dorm room try to land an investment banking or Consulting Job.

I HAD LIMITED BUSINESS EXPERIENCE, AND I WAS AN International Politics Major. My résumé was forgettable. Not Surprisisingly, I didn’t Hear back from Most firms.

SO I HIRED A Résumé Consultant to Help with Tell My Story. There were so many unspoken rules of Résumé Writingand i didn’t know how to convey my experience in a way that that would Attract Employers. The Consultant Helped with to Stop Writing As if I were Squing for Approval and Start Writing Like I Had Something to Offer. In the new draft, we focused on results, cut the fluff, and added my voice.

That résumé helped with Land A Job at Goldman Sachs Right out of College.

More than a decade late, i’ve revixed nozzle of résumés through my work as founder of Venture for Canadaa nonprofit that Supports Young Entrepreneurs. The best résumés are not perfect. They are personal, show Judgment, Energy, and Intert.

Here are the five résumé rules I swear by to help you tell your story to employers.

1. CLARIFY YOUR VALSES BY REFLECTING ON PEAK Experiences

Once i identified that Value Helping People take meaningful risk, this shaped like i think and talk about my work.

To identify your values, think of three moments when you felt proud, energized, or fulfilled. What do they have in common? Those are values.

Your résumé and cover letter Will Stand Out if they show what matters to you – not just what do you done.

2. Define a Personal MISSION;

You will not need need everything figured out when you apply. I didn’t. Before 2020, I was guided by an unspoken mission, something like “create things that make a difference.” It was vague but direct.

It helped with makeups that felt aligned, if If I COULD NOT articulate why at the time. Eventually, I landed on a sentiment that stack: “Help others reach their Full Potential.” That line clarified why i studied politics and launched a nonprofit.

If you are not sura sura where to start, look at three deciss you are proud of. What do they have in common? That pattern offten reveals your mission in disgument. You will not need Need the Perfect Words; You just Need a working Compass.

If you will not include it in your letter, it will help you score a story that of the reader and your sailor.

3. Write Multiple DRAFTS, Read The Out Loud, and Test Say

In my book “The Uncetainty Advantage“I Describe Career Growth As A Loop: Reflect, Act, Adjust. Writing a cover letter or résumé is no different.

TRY A FEW Versions, Read The Alud, and Ask yourSelf, “Does This Sound Like Me?” Better Yet, Ask Someone Else. “Wold you call this person in for an interview?” If they Say, “It”s Solid,” Rewrite it.

You want to hear, “This Sounds Exactly Like You.”

4. Get Feedback from People Who Won’t Hold Back

Early in My Career, Mentors Read My Drafts and Told Me, “You’re Hoiling.” They were right. I was trying to sound impressive instead of being honest.

DON’T KAS 10 ACQUOINTANCES FOR FEEDBACK. Instead, ask one or two people who knew how you speak and will push you to be more direct and specific. Think of someone you’ve Workhed with WHOM you Trust and Especialy Value Their Judgment.

5. Let your Story Evolve

I Can’t TELL YOU HOW MANY ITERRATIONS OF MY Story I Have Shared Throughout My Career. When i started venture for canada, i thought entrepreneurship was About Building Companies. Over time, I realized it is About Building People. That Shift Changed How of Lead, Hire, and Communicate.

Your goals will Likely Also Change, and Your Story Will Evolve; this is a sign of grown. Instead of Overthinking Things, Focus on Sharing Your Story Right Now.