Canary Careers: The Director’s Cut

Resume writing is a strange old profession. Career coaching is too, but that seemed like a more natural progression. So how did a kid from Poquoson, Virginia with the highest and tightest flat-top haircut you’ve ever seen travel the world and become the David Lynch, Kathryn Bigelow, Ridley Scott, Coen Brothers of resume writing?

Where to begin…

My first ever resume had to be my own. As a writer, you may expect the act of putting words on paper to describe something would come easy. Alas, that is not always the case.

Like anyone, I did as much research as I could online to perfect the art of the CV, but my proper training came from a large resume-writing service that gave an opportunity to a struggling copywriter who was desperate to get out of marketing and advertising. From there, I’ve developed a track record of success getting people in the door for interviews through good old-fashioned storytelling and the right blend of ATS keywords.

As my resume-writing skills grew, I found myself transitioning more and more away from my first love/career, soccer. Before serving as a career-focused wordsmith, I had the fortune of playing ball in the US, England, Gibraltar, and Spain. I was also a Director of Coaching for the Virginia Legacy, Assistant Coach at the College of William and Mary, and currently coach goalkeepers for the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation.

More recently, I earned a license in career counseling from CCS and occasionally work with clients on a contract basis through Randstad RiseSmart. My training and experience as a career coach/counselor now perfectly pairs with the resume-writing and interview coaching services we provide.

I’m also, believe it or not, a second-generation resume writer. While I never learned the craft directly from grandfather, William MacArthur Sr., it’s in my blood to help people by providing them with the tools they need to make things happen.