These days, when an employer (or recruiter) posts a job opportunity online for a position they want to fill, they often find themselves drowning in a sea of resumes; faceless pages clamoring to be seen; cover letters shouting to be heard; a whirlwind of abilities and accomplishments fluttering about, trying to win a seat at that much coveted interview.
It has become clear to me that an online resume and portfolio is not enough to distinguish me from the masses of talented and talent-less people. I need to to show prospective employers what I am all about in a way that resumes are simply incapable of doing.
Here's the thing - resumes are good at stating the tangibles and noting achievements. But what about the intangibles? So much of what makes us who we are lies in the realm of the intangible. My resume might state that I graduated from UMASS Boston with honors, but what does that actually say about me? Does that imply that I am intelligent? Or perhaps not as intelligent as another candidate who graduated from an Ivy League school? Does it imply that I am a hard worker? That I've got grit? The stuff that I think is really helpful in forming an accurate assessment of a prospective employee is inappropriate to put on a resume. Granted, we can and often do list our skills on our resume but that list can't realistically include statements like, "I'm great in social situations" or, "I take feedback well" or, "I make a strong first impression with prospective clients."
Here in lies the issue. The personality traits that actually offer employers insight into a candidate's character and whether or not he/she would be a good fit with the company cannot be conveyed in a traditional resume and portfolio.
So, with that said, let me tell you who I am - first, the basics:
I have over 20 years of experience in product & ux design, creative strategy and team leadership, and am equally adept in both B2B and B2C worlds. My results-driven process is made up of equal parts creative vision and tactical execution. I have extensive experience working in a broad range of environments – from early-stage startups like FaveRave, Affiniscape and MyNewPlace, to Fortune 500 companies like Golden West Financial. I believe great ideas can come from anyone at any level, and that constructive feedback is as good as gold. I am happiest in roles where I am able to straddle the line between big-picture strategy and hands-on creation.
I am a self-taught musician. I have played guitar since I was 4 years old. I used to get up at the crack of dawn, sit at the top of the stairs by my parents' bedroom and make up songs.
I LOVE Persian food. Frankly, I love good food in general - from anywhere in the world, but I'm always down for ghormeh sabzi.
I tend to fix up my space - be it a house or an office, or a cubicle. I like to create comfortable spaces.
I love learning new things and evolving in my process as a product designer. I am inspired by the creativity and passion of others, whether they are designers, developers or janitors. Wisdom is everywhere.