I landed a job at Goldman Sachs right out of college thanks to my résumé. My revamped résumé focused more on my mission as a person rather than my achievements. I think the best résumés and cover letters focus on a person's "why." More than a decade later, I've reviewed hundreds of résumés through my work as founder of Venture for Canada, a nonprofit that supports young entrepreneurs. The best résumés are not perfect. They are personal, show judgment, energy, and intent.
Many of us were handed down a story of what success is supposed to look like. Often, it's these markers that are external: titles, salaries, accolades, recognition, and so on. The reality is that we can meet all the traditional markers and still not feel fulfilled. While those achievements matter, we can also be left feeling emptier than expected, especially if they aren't anchored to our own values, passions, and truths;