Why Your Resume, LinkedIn, and Website Aren’t Working...and What to Do About It

If the thought of revisiting your resume one more time makes you want to scream into a pillow (or chuck your laptop out the window), you're not alone. Most people I talk to are on revision 14…or 37… And at this point, they’re beyond frustrated, because despite all that effort, nothing’s landing.

When a potential client reaches out to me, the first thing I do is review their brand documents. That might include their LinkedIn profile, resume, website, or even their social media presence. And …. it's rare that I walk away with a clear, compelling picture of who they are or what they’re aiming for.

Therein lies the problem!

Because if I, someone actively looking to understand and support their goals, can’t figure out what they’re all about, imagine how a recruiter or potential client feels? If you're sending out job applications, sales pitches, or networking messages and getting ghosted, perhaps you are not being clear.

Your messaging may be vague. 
You listed every job you’ve ever had, but didn’t make it clear why any of it matters now.
Your positioning may be unclear. 
You focused so much on sounding “professional,” including every keyword, that you forgot to sound like you.

Your brand documents aren’t answering the five core questions every decision-maker needs to know before they reach out, refer you, or hire you.

If you’re not answering these questions clearly, you’re likely leaving people confused, unsure of your value, and failing to build the trust necessary to get noticed. This means you could be missing out on the very opportunities that should be yours. Let’s fix that.

Here are the five questions your brand must answer to stand out, build trust, and start getting the traction you deserve:

1. Who Are You? This is about your professional identity. Too often, I see resumes that are six pages long (yes, really) because someone is trying to be all things to all people. That’s confusing. Does your LinkedIn profile match your business goals and/or career aspirations?  (If it’s still live, people will look at it, even if you don’t use it much.)

Ask yourself: Does your LinkedIn profile align with your career goals? If it’s still active, potential employers or clients will find it, whether you use it or not. Take a moment to Google yourself too. You might be surprised by what pops up. Outdated blogs, social profiles, or old websites can hurt your credibility and send the wrong message. The longer these relics linger, the more they confuse your narrative.

✅ Pro Tip: Align all your brand assets with your current career or business goals. When they all tell the same story, you’re much more likely to attract the right opportunities.

2. What Do You Offer? Your audience doesn’t have time to guess what you do or how you can help. Clearly articulate the problems you solve. Be specific about your core skills, services, or solutions, and make it crystal clear how they create value. If your resume or LinkedIn just lists tasks or responsibilities, you’re missing an opportunity to connect the dots for your reader. 
People need to understand what they’re getting from you, and how it helps them.


✅ Pro Tip: Use AI to analyze job listings or client calls for proposals and tailor your language to match the specific requirements. It’s a great way to make sure your messaging resonates with what decision-makers are looking for.

3. Who Do You Help? Your message should speak directly to your target audience.
Are you aiming for Fortune 500 companies, Series C startups, nonprofits, or individuals? Be specific. Consider things like: industry, size, stage of growth, values, or location. Include language that speaks to them directly. If your message isn’t tailored to the right audience, it’s too easy for decision-makers to pass you by.


✅ Pro Tip: Tailor your content so that your ideal client or employer immediately recognizes themselves in your message. When they feel like you "get" them, they’re more likely to respond.

4. Why You? This is where your secret sauce comes in. The majority of people who apply for a job or go after a client will have similar buzz words and experiences. Pull in testimonials, success stories, or specific metrics that demonstrate your unique value. This is your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) your chance to showcase what makes you stand out. Find it, own it, and communicate it clearly.

✅ Pro Tip: Consider using tools like video, voice messages, or visual examples to showcase what makes you you.

5. What’s Your Track Record? Can you show proof of success?  If someone’s on the fence about working with you, this is what nudges them to a YES.
Think:
✅ Case studies
✅ Portfolio pieces
✅ Client feedback
✅ Tangible metrics
✅ Referrals
✅ Before/after stories

If you’re just talking about what you can do but don’t have anything to show for it, you’re missing a critical step in building trust. 

So let me ask you this: Are your brand documents really working for you, or are they keeping you invisible, overlooked, or stuck in a cycle of frustration? Not sure? I would be happy to take a look and tell you what I see.
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I invite you to schedule a complimentary brand audit and career exploration call.
During our call, we’ll:

• I’ll walk you through the results of your brand document audit, highlighting key areas that need attention and showing you exactly what’s working, and what’s holding you back.
  
  
• Fine-tune your messaging to make sure your resume, LinkedIn, and website are working for you, not against you.
  
  
• Explore the key strategies that will help you stand out and get noticed by the decision-makers who matter most.
  
  
  

How much longer are you going to let outdated resumes, a vague LinkedIn, and a scattered online presence hold you back from the opportunities you deserve?

Schedule your complimentary career discovery call today: https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session