Tech inexperienced educator discloses: Utilizing these four resume tricks, I landed a position at Google.
Revamped Résumé, Revamped Life: Keith Anderson's L strides into Big Tech
Wanna know how Keith Anderson turned his teaching tenure into a Big Tech career? It was all about a clever résumé makeover.
This former educator took charge when he recognized that teaching wasn't cutting it. "Teaching couldn't keep up, paying peanuts and offering no real perks," he remarked. So, Keith steps out of his classroom and into the world of tech titans like Google, Meta, Uber, and DoorDash.
His journey started with a bump: friends and family doubted his chances at landing jobs at Amazon, Google, or Meta with his teaching background. But Keith aimed high and applied to any opportunity he spotted, from Apple to Netflix, and beyond. However, the initial results left him down in the dumps with no responses to show for his hundred applications.
A frustrated Keith sought help. His career coach wasn't much encouragement, mentioning his limited tech experience and suggesting he pursue opportunities in education. But Keith didn't give up. With his resolve unbroken, he hired a professional résumé writer. The writer whipped up a résumé that sparkled with tech industry lingo and snazzy keywords, all tailored to suit the algorithms of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Still, no matter how many top-tier companies he pitched his revamped résumé to, Keith remained in the cold. He didn't let despair take root, though. He connected with over 50 LinkedIn pals at Google and persisted in striking up convos with them, even when the majority seemed uninterested or couldn't keep conversations going.
Then came a turning point. A group of disgruntled teacher friends formed a pack to swap insights and review each other's résumés. Keith also tapped into tech networking events and made pals from various industries. By genuinely engaging with their journeys, Keith discovered a way to craft a standout résumé. He noticed that the meticulously polished résumés out there failed to transmit the human element behind the impressive stats.
Inspired, Keith experimented with new techniques:
- Adding a personal touch: Infusing his unique personality into his résumé helped break the ice and catch a hiring manager's eye.
- Tailoring content: Instead of crafting a one-size-fits-all document, Keith tailored his résumé to each job application, so it addressed the respective company's specific needs.
- Highlighting transferable skills: Showcasing his teaching skills as beneficial in the tech sector helped demonstrate his adaptability.
- Emphasizing impact: Instead of simply listing out achievements, Keith focused on illustrating the impact they had on the students and school systems.
Finally, Keith's persistence paid off, as a Google hiring manager recognized the value in Keith's unique blend of skills and experiences. His tale serves as a reminder that finding your dream job sometimes means stepping outside the box and showcasing your expertise in an unexpected way!
- What about the enriching journey Keith Anderson embarked on, transitioning from an educator to a tech professional at giants like Google, Meta, Uber, and DoorDash?
- Anderson, despite initial concerns about his teaching background, tirelessly applied to numerous tech companies including Apple, Netflix, and more, but initial results were dismal.
- Enlisting the help of a professional resume writer, Anderson's document was transformed, brimming with tech industry jargon and enticing keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Despite steady rejections, Anderson refused to be disheartened and connected with over 50 LinkedIn contacts at Google.
- Anderson's turning point arrived when he examinedrevised résumés crammed with polished stats and lacked human elements, so he decided to introduce authenticity by highlighting personal growth, career development, and learning experiences.
- Apart from adding a personal flair, Anderson tailored content for each job application, showcased transferable skills from teaching, and emphasized the impact his educational experiences had on students and school systems, eventually capturing a Google hiring manager's attention and landing his dream job in the tech sector.
