In ancient times (1979), I read Casey’s resume in disbelief, then laughter. I rejected her because I didn’t know what type of job to consider her for, and I didn’t believe anyone could be good at everything her resume said she was, which was just about everything. Read the following two resume sections and then ask yourself what type of job you believe she was best suited for?

Sharing Areas: I’m capable of seminars, counseling or group interactions as a result of either my personal or business experience in the following areas: alcoholism, auto care, economizing, diet and nutrition, divorce, entertaining, flower arranging, jewelry, microwave cooking, mistressing, marital problems, interior design, income tax, sewing, radio, plastic surgery, personal financial management, sill analysis, sex, self -esteem, wardrobe analysis and real estate.

Skill Areas: Communicating – public speaking, personal and written, organizing, Supervising and Delegating, Analyzing – People and Problems, Creating – Ideas and Resources, Motivating – People and Causes, Understanding – Business System Dynamics and Human Dynamics, Segmenting – many unrelated entities simultaneously, Following up and through.

Your resume should reflect what you do best, what is special or unique about you. That’s what an employer wants to know.

Casey made a resume mistake, but I also have worked with people who truly believed they could do anything, and they tried to do it all. That was a problem.

I encourage you to try doing many different things. And don’t just try them once, because the first time you do something new, chances are it won’t go well. Don’t quit. Keep on trying and the results will show you one of three things.

1. You’re good at it – We are each uniquely made and gifted. When using your gifts, whatever you are doing is easier and you are efficient in doing it. For others, it’ll take them 3 to 5 times longer to do what comes easy to you because it’s your gift and you’re good at it. Your career should use your strengths and gifts because you’ll progress much farther and faster and enjoy it more when you are doing what you are built to do.
2. You can do, but don’t enjoy it – I’ve learned I’m capable of doing many things and even doing them well. That doesn’t mean they all give me joy. If I’m honest, some things I “can do”, drain me of energy. Your career shouldn’t be doing something that sucks the life out of you. Seek what you’re good at and gives you joy.
3. You aren’t good at it – Since you were a child, everyone has told you that you can do anything. One day you wake up and realize there are things that you just aren’t very good at. I don’t have a voice for singing, don’t dance well, can’t run fast, can’t dunk a basketball, etc. The list is long of things I can’t do well. The world doesn’t end when you accept there are things you don’t do well, nor does it mean you are a failure as a person. For whatever reason those gifts are just not yours.

Spend time learning what you are gifted at, then use those gifts in your career.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;  if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8