Jeri Hird Dutcher
My career story
I’m Jeri Hird Dutcher, and I inspire executives and professionals to envision, attract, and achieve the career of their dreams. That’s because I learned how to reach my dreams by making all of the mistakes in the book, and a few more. Rather than chalk them up to bad luck, blame them on someone else, or believe I was incompetent and unemployable, I decided to put them to use. So, here’s my own career story to let you know how I got here and why you and I might work together well. (If you’ve already figured that out and just landed here by mistake, you’ll find the right page here.)
At the last place I was employed, despite being known as one of the best employees, despite seven years of glowing annual reviews and raises, and despite my recent request for more responsibility, my manager gave me a bad annual review. I left the job and felt for years that I had done something wrong. It wasn’t until I realized that I had to leave that job behind to find my dream career that I understood and forgave myself.
When I began career coaching, I figured out just how big that understanding is. I applied it to the rest of my previous career and saw the path I had been on. I’d stumbled across some very successful strategies.
There was the time I found the perfect position at the local convention and visitors bureau. Double the salary, and they needed someone who could shine up all of their publications. That was me! Instinctively, I looked for ways to know more about the job and the people. I visited the office, but the administrative assistant was the only person in. She told me a little about the position, but she needed to get back to work. She was struggling with some correspondence for her boss. Opportunity! I whipped the letter out in nothing flat, and we had more time to talk. She sang my praises to the board for two weeks, and I got the job.
That story is a great example of networking your way into a company and then showing what you can do. Had I been doing it strategically, it would have been even better. The opposite was also true. Experiences that seemed like irreparable mistakes at the time turned into valuable lessons and insights.
A year later when I hated that same job worse than any other in my life, I realized I had done enough homework to get hired, but not enough to know how the job would fit me.
I tell you a few of my not so shiny moments for two reasons:
First, you can see that I’m not just a pile of theoretical credentialed tips. I have experiences like yours in the workplace. I have sat in the hiring chair, but I’ve sat in the candidate chair more often, and that’s the perspective I see – yours.
Second, I want you to know that everything you’ve experienced has brought you here to this perfect moment. You’ve made some mistakes along the way, and that means you’re in good company. Together, we will look at every single step you’ve taken and determine how it is of value. Everything you have experienced is important to your journey. Some experiences tell you what you want; others tell you what you will avoid. All are priceless.
What you do with your experiences makes up your genius. I have never had a client who wasn’t a genius, and you’re no exception. If you’re looking for a place to apply those gifts, you’ve found exactly the right person. (If you’ve made up your mind, you’ll find the list of Workwrite services here.)
My credentials
I won first place in the 2010 international best resume competition for Creative Resumes, Career Directors International, October 2010, San Diego, CA. (That’s the gold seal with the quill in it up in the right-hand corner of the page. I’m really proud of it!)
I hold certifications from the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches in career coaching, resume writing, and interview preparation.
My professional writing experience goes back more than 25 years (Would you believe I started when I was 4?) For 10 of those years, I’ve dedicated myself to writing resumes and providing job search assistance in nearly every industry.
My background includes award-winning writing, editing, and design as well as public relations management in several industries. I have a BA in English (summa cum laude) with a concentration in writing and have taught composition at the college level.
Specialties
I specialize in job seekers and career changers willing to:
- Trust that the greater plan is always good.
- Believe they have a purpose within that plan.
- Open themselves to higher possibilities.
- Use the tools I teach them to achieve their goal.
Places you can read my articles include:
Other cool things I’ve done Served as a senior editor for ResumeEdge.com, the premier online global resume provider. Piloted ResumeEdge’s interview preparation program. Had two resumes published in Arnold Boldt’s Resumes for the Rest of Us. Maintained current memberships in
- Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches
- Career Directors International.
- Local Chamber of Commerce.
- Local affiliate of the Society for Human Resources Management.
About Workwrite Workwrite offers step-by-step training and support for executives and professionals changing jobs or careers. We have lots of encouragement to offer at a time when looking for a job can be particularly discouraging. Our processes and techniques that give you the added advantage in the job market include:
Setting and reaching your dreams
Using effective job search strategies
Targeted resume and cover letter
Online profiles that get you discovered
Preparing for a successful interview
Negotiating the salary you deserve
Don’t wait any longer! Visit one or all of these pages and contact me to get started with your dream career right away!
