If you’re an experienced engineering or tech leader feeling stuck in your current role—or frustrated that your resume isn’t opening doors—you’re not alone.
I work with professionals like you every week: sharp, capable, and deeply respected on the inside of their company… but invisible or misunderstood on the outside. The first instinct is often to blame the resume: “Maybe I just need better bullets.” And while yes, clear, strategic writing matters—it’s rarely the real issue.
The truth?
Your resume reflects how you see yourself. And if your professional identity hasn’t caught up with where you actually are—or where you’re ready to go—it’s going to fall flat.
You’ve Outgrown the Version of You That Your Resume Describes
Your old resume may still showcase what you did, but not who you are now. It lists your responsibilities, but not your leadership style, your strategic thinking, or your vision. This happens a lot with people who’ve evolved inside a company over 10+ years. Promotions happen quietly. Responsibilities pile on. You solve high-level problems daily—but you’ve never stopped to ask:
“What does all this mean in the context of the story I want to tell next?”
It’s time to recalibrate. Not just the document, but the way you see your career narrative.
Here’s What That Looks Like:
- Start with clarity, not copywriting.
Before rewriting a single bullet, take a step back. What kind of leader are you now? What problems are you best at solving? What kind of work makes you feel alive?
This is the groundwork for a magnetic resume. - Don’t just reflect the past—signal the future.
Your next opportunity is less about what you’ve done and more about what you’re capable of doing. A strong resume subtly points in that direction with language that feels forward-facing. - Reclaim your wins.
Most senior-level engineers and tech leaders drastically undersell themselves. If your bullet points sound more like a job description than a results-driven highlight reel, it’s time to reframe them.
A Real Example:
Here’s a before-and-after from a client I recently worked with:
Before:
“Managed engineering team and oversaw development of new product lines.”
After:
“Led cross-functional team of 12 engineers to design and launch 3 product lines, resulting in $4.2M in new revenue within 18 months.”
The second version not only sounds stronger—it reflects the scope, impact, and leadership behind the work. Same person, new lens.
Ready to Recalibrate?
If you’re realizing that your resume—and your self-story—might be due for an upgrade, I’d love to help you walk through that process.
Start by downloading my free Career Clarity Workbook for Engineering & Tech Leaders, which will walk you through the exact questions I use with my clients to reset and refocus their narrative.
Download the Career Clarity Workbook
Or, if you’re ready to talk through your transition, book a free Clarity Call to see if VIP Coaching is the right fit for you.
You’re not lost. You’re just in between versions of yourself. Let’s reconnect with the one who’s ready for more.