10 Game-Changing Takeaways to Build a Resume and Interview Like a Boss
Kimberly Y. Bennett—managing attorney at K Bennett Law and co-founder of Fidu—is known for shaking the table when it comes to legal innovation and career design. During Week 2 of the AdaMarie Career Accelerator, she dropped gem after gem to help early-career professionals rethink how they show up in job searches and interviews—with curiosity, confidence, and control.
Here are ten game-changing takeaways from her powerful session on building resumes and interviewing like a boss.
1. Own Your Narrative—It’s Yours to Tell
“I have been asked, ‘How do you show up authentically in various spaces?’ Early in my career it was hard. But as I went further in my career I started owning my narrative and who I have become.”
Kim emphasized throughout the session that no matter what phase of your career you’re in, your power lies in owning your story. She reminded us that you get to shape how your experiences show up on the page and in the room. Confidence in your journey—gaps and all—is a strength, not a weakness.
2. Your Resume is a Pitch, Not a Biography
“It’s a table of contents on how to show yourself off.”
A resume is not just a list of jobs—it’s your highlight reel. Focus on crafting a clear, skimmable document that leads the reader to what matters most: your strengths, your value, and your potential.
3. Design for Both Humans and Machines
“When you’re building your resume, you want to consider both the human that will eventually get the resume and the thing that is making the decision to move you forward or not, but that shouldn’t be where the resume building starts.”
Start with the story you want to tell. Then make sure your resume is readable, scannable, and aligns with both applicant tracking systems (ATS) and real humans skimming at lightning speed.
4. Storytelling is a Strategy
“Don’t let (a lack of) formal training be the barrier.”
“Have a few stories that share how you created impact ready to go.”
The best resumes and interviews are rooted in storytelling. Structure your experiences around challenge, action, and result. Then, bring those stories to life during your interview with clarity and intention.
5. Speak to the Right Audience
“Make sure you’re using terms even a non-technical person can understand.”
Not every person reading your resume—or interviewing you—is a subject matter expert. Kim’s advice? Use language that communicates value clearly, no matter the audience.
6. Keep It Simple, Strategic, and Focused
“Readability is real.”
“Don’t overcomplicate language.”
From resume formatting to interview answers, simplicity wins. Choose strong, intentional words. Avoid jargon. Help your reader (or interviewer) see the best of you—fast.
7. Understand What Growth Looks Like
“Figure out what kind of organization will provide you with the growth you are looking for.”
“A good organization is asking, ‘How can I help this new person grow?’”
Not all growth looks the same. Kim encouraged us to evaluate companies with clarity: Will they help you stretch? Will they support your next step?
8. Consulting Can Be a Game-Changer Early in Your Career
“Don’t be afraid to take on consulting or paid projects.”
Short-term work is real experience. Even if a role doesn’t turn into a full-time job, it can help build your portfolio, expand your network, and deepen your understanding of an industry.
9. Control the Interview—Don’t Just Survive It
“Your goal is to control the interview so you can weave in your stories.”
“Take the narrative that was your resume and show it in real life.”
Kim emphasized that interviews aren’t just about being chosen—they’re also about choosing. Come prepared to share the impact you've made, and steer the conversation in ways that reflect your goals, strengths, and values.
10. Curiosity is Your Power Move
“Curiosity is your power move.”
Show up prepared to ask questions, learn more about the role, and demonstrate that you’re thinking beyond the job description. Curiosity signals confidence, engagement, and growth potential.
Final Word: Lead With Clarity
Kim’s message was loud and clear: you are not just a candidate—you’re a whole person with a story, skills, and ambition. The more you lean into your narrative, the more powerfully you'll show up in every part of your career journey.
Want to hear from more experts like Kim? Join the AdaMarie Professional Network to get updates on future programs, exclusive content, and a community that gets it.
