This is a love letter to hiring managers, recruiters, sourcers, headhunting firms, and, most importantly, all the job seekers out there relentlessly applying for opportunities. I want everyone reading this to rethink how we find great people and how we, as job seekers, present ourselves to those searching for the perfect fit for their teams.
This post is about a concept I’ve started putting into practice. My background isn’t conventional: short stints at small startups, no high school diploma, no college degree, and minimal formal training outside of work. Yet, I’ve managed to bootstrap my way to where I am today, thanks to the generosity of people who shared their time and knowledge to teach me new skills.
Apply, Apply, Apply
Day in and day out, I submit an endless array of applications. Most of these rely on a two-page document summarizing my 15 years of professional experience. This single document, my resume, is the only thing standing between me and a human interaction. With all the technology we have, why are we still using resumes to identify talent at the earliest stage of the hiring process?
Every time I restart my job search, the same thought pops into my head: Why are we still using this relic to get jobs? Sure, it probably works well for some, the ones with prestigious colleges, impressive companies, long tenures, and stellar extracurriculars. But for most of us, a resume doesn’t really explain who we are as workers.
Who Are You Really?
My goal with this site, and this rant, is to advocate for breaking this resume-first culture. People and brands are moving toward more authentic expression, stripping away filters and glossy perfection.
Here’s what I’ve learned after five years at startups, interviewing people, and structuring interview processes:
- A resume doesn’t explain who someone is or what they can do. It only shows what they’ve done.
- Startups are tough environments, especially for PMs or founding PM teams. What works at a big company doesn’t always translate.
- If someone comes from large, traditional firms, I probe extra hard about their startup mindset.
- Strong motivation and tenacity often get filtered out during the sourcing phase.
- Interviews are about getting to know people. Culture fit often outweighs technical skills.
The Anti-Resume
So why am I explaining all this? Because I want to propose something new: the anti-resume. What is it? It’s whatever you want it to be. The point is to share what isn’t on your resume. What makes you tick? What do you love? Hate? What do you do when you aren’t working? Who are you, really?
This is about showing your personality, passions, and unique knowledge. Share those. The goal is to express your non-work self so people can really get to know you.
For example: Last week, I launched my professional pottery website. It was terrifying because it put my art out there for real. No one has bought anything yet, and yeah, it stings. But I’m learning to deal with rejection because it’s necessary for growth.
Adam Grant captures this beautifully in his book Hidden Potential:
“Personality is how you respond on a typical day, character is how you show up on a hard day.”
This one lives in my brain rent-free. I absolutely love it because I’m always seeking out the hard days. They’re what carve me into a better version of myself.
“Becoming a creature of discomfort can unlock hidden potential in many different types of learning. Summoning the nerve to face discomfort is a character skill, an especially important form of determination.”
When I see someone who has entered a new industry, switched careers, gone back to school, or built something they didn’t initially know how to build, I get excited to talk to them. These people are lifelong learners.
Conclusion
You might wonder, what does my pottery site have to do with who I am as a professional? Well, to an experienced eye, it might show that in just a year, I’ve managed to not only create tangible products with my own hands but also develop a distinct style and design that reflects my interests. Beyond that, I’ve connected with a community, building meaningful relationships along the way.
As always, I’m here to disrupt, share, express, support, and bring great vibes to everyone. I hope this inspires you to build your anti-resume and personal brand. Let’s break the mold together.