Nithya Srinivasan
Career Coach
Nithya has over 15 years of experience in career development and is passionate about helping job seekers present their authentic selves to potential employers.
Jennifer Dulski, a seasoned leader from giants like Google and Facebook and now CEO of Rising Team, knows that true potential lies beyond bullet points and job titles. Her go-to interview question? "Tell me about your life before your resume."
Why? Because, as Dulski wisely states, "People who are ambitious and creative and adaptable and overcome obstacles, I can see those patterns in people's early life." She looks for the lemonade stand entrepreneurs, the curious engineers dismantling and rebuilding, the individuals who demonstrated drive and resilience long before their professional careers began.
This insight is a game-changer for job seekers, and it perfectly aligns with the power of a Reelin video introduction. Your Reelin profile provides the ideal platform to share that crucial "life before the resume" narrative, giving recruiters like Dulski a deeper understanding of who you are and the inherent qualities you bring to the table.
Reelin: Your Stage to Share Your Foundational Story
Think about it: a static resume can't convey the spark of childhood ambition or the grit you developed overcoming early challenges. But a short, engaging Reelin video can. Here's how you can leverage Reelin to tell your story before the resume even gets opened:
1. Highlight Your Early Seeds of Ambition and Creativity
Did you start a neighborhood club with a unique twist? Were you always tinkering with gadgets? Did you find innovative ways to solve problems as a kid? These early experiences offer powerful insights into your inherent drive and creative thinking.
Reelin Tip: In your video, briefly share a captivating anecdote from your childhood or adolescence that showcases your initiative and creativity. Instead of just saying "I'm creative," you could say, "Even as a kid, I loved taking things apart to understand how they worked, which led me to [briefly connect to your current field or interest]."
2. Showcase Your Adaptability and Resilience
Life throws curveballs. Sharing a story about overcoming an early challenge, whether it was learning a new skill against the odds or navigating a difficult situation, reveals your ability to adapt and bounce back – qualities Dulski highly values.
Reelin Tip: Briefly recount a moment where you faced an obstacle early in life and how you navigated it. Focus on the lessons you learned and how that experience shaped you. For example, "Learning [a challenging skill] wasn't easy, but that experience taught me the importance of perseverance, a trait I bring to every project I undertake."
3. Let Your Passion Shine Through
Dulski notes that good salespeople often naturally share their early passions. Your Reelin video is your chance to let your genuine enthusiasm radiate.
Reelin Tip: Talk about what truly excites you, even if it seems unrelated to your professional field at first glance. Your passion and energy are contagious and can offer valuable insights into your intrinsic motivation.
4. Be Authentic and Comfortable
Just like Dulski encourages candidates to share only what they're comfortable with, your Reelin should feel genuine. Don't try to fabricate stories. Focus on authentic moments that reveal your character.
Reelin Tip: Practice your delivery to ensure you sound natural and confident. Let your personality shine through. Remember, this is your opportunity to make a human connection before your resume provides the factual details.
Reelin: The First Chapter of Your Story
Your resume tells the story of your professional journey. Your Reelin video offers a glimpse into the foundational chapters that shaped you into the candidate you are today. By sharing your "life before the resume," you provide recruiters like Jennifer Dulski with invaluable insights into your inherent qualities – your ambition, creativity, adaptability, and resilience – making you a far more compelling and memorable candidate right from the start. So, embrace your authentic self and let your Reelin video tell the story that truly matters.
