Portfolio Refresh: Evidence Over Adjectives
TL;DR Ship with a strong resume, tailor via cover letters/criteria, and use AI as a validating assistant - never the voice. Track it all with a simple board.
Success is where preparation and opportunity meet - Bobby Unser
The moment everything tilts
I used to keep multiple versions of my resume to ‘cover bases.’ It actually diluted my story and was difficult to maintain. The fix for me initially was radical simplicity: one master version, one truth, tailored as needed.
What’s at stake (for me)
When everything is changing, version sprawl adds confusion. I wanted a workflow that reduced decision fatigue and preserved tone.
The moment of decision
I kept one resume, updated the headline, and, for the most part, tailored through cover letters and selection criteria only. AI helped surface strengths and I rewrote in my own voice.1
What I did
One master resume, tailored and copy saved
Maintain a single source of truth.
I would start each application from that resume and make changes to it, saving it as a new version but only for reference in the future. I’d save the tailored version with the cover letter in a specific folder and/or attached to the job card I’d created in Trello. Not being that organised previously had diluted my resume content away from my core experience, achievements etc.
Tailored cover letters
Highlight role‑specific proof points in human language.
There is a lot of chatter in LinkedIn circles over using AI for job applications - most of it negative as far as I’ve seen. I use AI as an assistant, especially when I’m struggling to leave the runway on an application or cover letter.
What I don’t do with AI, is expect it to be me. I take the highlight reel I’ve asked AI to present and I weave the pieces I want to talk to into my own narrative in the resume or cover letter.
Application tracker
Board columns: Saved • For Evaluation • Apply • Interviewing • Offer • Unsuccessful.
Quality guardrails
No applications when tired; Grammarly or a buddy check on content.
What surprised me
• The one‑resume rule sped everything up and reduced errors.
• Tailored cover letters carried more signal than tweaking bullet points.
Leader’s Lens: If you manage people through change
• Provide a minimal tracker template for impacted staff.
• Remind teams: voice and impact first, tools second.
Diary excerpt (lightly edited, anonymised)
“I updated my LinkedIn headline today with some refreshed text. Although it wasn't so long ago that I reviewed my resume, I reviewed it again to ensure it was ready for the jobs I intend to apply for.”
Thought of the Day
“Now that my Trello board is up and running for job applications, I switch my focus to following the steps of my new process”.Stage of Grief
Reconstruction & Working Through
Try this (this week)
• Archive duplicate resumes. Keep one. Use it as your master copy
• Write a fresh LinkedIn headline that reflects your current value.
• Stand up the simple tracker board.
Checklist
□ Single resume updated.
□ Cover letter template ready.
□ Board set with six columns.
□ Cut‑off time set for applications.
If your organisation is navigating change and you want calm, people‑first delivery without the drama, I can help.
This is based on my personal experience, anonymised to protect privacy. Nothing here is financial, legal, or medical advice - please seek professional guidance for your own situation.
Job market conditions and practices are changing all the time. While this approach initially worked for me, I conducted further research and discovered that there were emerging practices in recruitment that favoured tailoring one’s resume specifically to each application, in addition to the cover letter being tailored. Make sure you do your own research to ensure you’re giving yourself the best opportunity for success.