If Your Resume Could Talk: Dig in and Prepare Yourself or Others for What's Next Through Career Exploration, Conversations, and Pivots

The notion that one can work in a single company or job for an extended period of time has changed. Companies are in need of talent. People are in search of jobs and just "the right position" for themselves.

How do we find that perfect match? In years past, one might pivot once, perhaps even twice over the course of their career. Today, a person may need to pivot multiple times. Can a business adapt to the amount of change their employees may need to make over the course of their lifetime? Will an individual want to or be prepared to change jobs on an ongoing basis throughout their career? Sometimes, there is a need to pivot. Can the pivot be made, smoothly? Finding starting points for these conversations can be challenging. Is it a pivot or is it a career change? Both are acceptable. Pivots, if planned, can be easier to navigate. Career changes require more preparation. Either way, fluctuations can be daunting, for both the individual and the organizations they work for, especially when there is a lack of clarity in managing the complexities of skills, career aspirations, and interests. Having meaningful conversations that gather personal insights and reveal options either before or when it is time to initiate career exploration can ease the transition.

This book captures the insights the author has gained through her career and provides the valuable lessons learned from reviewing resumes, interviewing, and coaching those early in their careers, starting new careers, or in the midst of career transitions. The author also shares her personal experience with career exploration and navigating change.

Evelyn Mok Lee, Ph.D. has over 20 years of professional experience in the healthcare and biopharmaceutical industries and additionally, insights on the food, business, and technology sectors. She leverages her human resources experience to offer a unique, analytical, and results-oriented approach to assess work experience and career opportunities from different perspectives. Evelyn holds a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago.