Amanda Barlow, co-founder and principal consultant at Cardinal HR Solutions, generously volunteered her time to help launch the Women in Transportation (WTS) Boston Chapter’s three-part Professional Development Series, designed to support individuals seeking new employment opportunities. The first session in the series was a Resume Building Workshop, to be followed by workshops on Interviewing & Networking Strategies, culminating in a Job Fair.

Amanda led a dynamic and interactive session focused on helping participants craft resumes that build confidence and stand out in today’s job market. She covered current trends, debunked common myths, and guided attendees through hands-on activities to develop strong, tailored resumes.

Drawing from over 15 years of experience in service delivery across nonprofit, public, and quasi-governmental organizations—including her role as interim and deputy administrator at GATRA (Greater Attleboro and Taunton Regional Transit Authority) during the COVID-19 pandemic—Amanda brought a wealth of insight and practical advice.

Workshop Goals and Key Takeaways

The workshop centered on three main takeaways:

1. Understanding what makes a great resume in today’s market
2. Learning a flexible resume framework that can be easily customized
3. Gaining confidence to finalize and submit your resume

Amanda emphasized that a compelling resume should include:

• A professional tagline or mission statement
• Your core values and an understanding of the workplace culture where you thrive
• A clear sense of your boundaries and non-negotiables—remembering that a job application is a two-way decision

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A visually engaging resume can prompt hiring managers to spend a few extra seconds reviewing it—those seconds could be the difference between being overlooked and being noticed.

Debunking Resume Myths

Amanda addressed three common resume misconceptions:

• Myth #1: Resumes must be one page
  Truth: A one-page resume is no longer the standard for most roles. Length depends on experience and industry.
• Myth #2: Employment gaps are red flags
  Truth: Gaps are increasingly common and acceptable. A CBS News study found that 75% of hiring managers are open to candidates with career breaks.
• Myth #3: Every job should be listed in chronological order
  Truth: Resumes should highlight relevant experience, not necessarily every role. Think of your resume as a sales page, not an exhaustive career history.

Cardinal HR's Recommendations for Stronger Resumes

• Include a professional headshot
• Add muted color accents to help your resume stand out
• Lead with your most impactful experience, not necessarily in chronological order
• Add a tagline and emphasize your core values or mission
• Highlight certificates, awards, committee roles, and relevant associations
• If your education is directly applicable, list it prominently on page one

Think strategically about your value proposition. Ask yourself: What makes me an asset to a company? If you’ve managed a $500M federal transportation project, that achievement belongs at the top of your bullet points.

Each section of your resume should be clear and concise. Amanda recommends five to seven bullet points per role—enough to showcase your work without overwhelming the reader.

Additional Resume Elements

Include volunteer roles, unpaid engagements, or committee work on the second page—especially if they demonstrate leadership, initiative, or networking. For example, being an active member of WTS Boston is valuable, particularly if you're involved in planning events or serving on committees.

Always save your resume as a PDF and ensure it’s accessible across your devices.

Final Thoughts

Amanda closed the workshop with words of encouragement: navigating career change can be stressful, so be gentle with yourself and practice self-compassion. She left attendees with a thoughtful quote from Rose Kennedy:

“Life isn’t a matter of milestones. It’s a matter of moments.”

 

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