Writer’s block happens to all of us — even those who list themselves as a certified resume writer and who do this for a living!
As someone who has written resumes and LinkedIn for 20+ years along with copy for just about everything else (newsletters, news articles, websites, magazines and press releases – to name a few), writer’s block comes in all shapes and sizes:
3 Types of Writer’s Block
Here are 3 types of writer’s block I experience:
#1 Complete Brain Blackout
Have you ever just stared at a screen or piece of paper only to have your mind draw a complete blank? This is the WORST kind of writer’s block in my experience.
#2 Brain Fog
I affectionately refer to brain fog as the type of writer’s block that occurs when you discover you can in fact string a few sentences together – but then recognize that the wording is “Meh” at best and tough to follow at worst.
#3 Partial Brain Shutdown
This is the one I’ll admit to struggling with more often than not. It’s when I’ve crafted a strong sentence but that perfect word or 2 that would make it super impactful is on the tip of my tongue – but just out of reach.
A Strategy for Fighting Back Against Writer’s Block
When writing a resume and writer’s block has taken hold, here’s a strategy I use that helps!
I begin by attacking the “low-hanging fruit” first. These are the parts of the resume that require less creativity – like the education, contact information, professional development sections. Once this is complete, I often find that my mind gets back to working order and I can forge ahead.
New Tricks – The Experts Weigh In
I asked several expert colleagues, including several listed as a certified resume writer, who write blogs, posts, resumes and LinkedIn profiles day in and day out to weigh in. I’ve included several of their strategies below. Try a few for yourself next time you feel writer’s block creeping in!
Prep Rituals: I have a pre-writing ritual because just sitting down to write doesn’t work. It includes a writing playlist, a special scent (incense or candle) and a 3-minute grounding meditation when I tune into the sensation of my feet touching the ground and asking myself, “which toe feels the heaviest?” This all helps to set the mood and keeps me open for ideas and super words. – Kerri Twigg, Career-Stories.com
Brain Dump: Brain dump your achievements into bullet points, flip your result to the front of the bullet and edit ruthlessly. When we try to make it perfect at the start that’s when we (and I) get stuck! – Meg Applegate, Hinge Resume
Under Pressure: The pressure of a deadline often sharpens my focus. – Sarah Johnston. Briefcase Coach
Mix it Up: I get up and do something different — even if it’s letting the dog out or unloading the dishwasher. It takes my brain off it for a few minutes and when I sit back down again, I’m like “there it is!! – Erin Kennedy, Professional Resume Services
Walk Away: I find getting away from the desk and computer for a few minutes to do a physical exercise really get me back in the zone. – Claire Davis, Traction Resume
The Power of Music: I’ve found that a great song or a playlist can do wonders to bring my brain back to life when I need it to produce ideas fast. – Ana Lokotkova, CV Labs
Expect the Unexpected: To accommodate delays and avoid stress over a tight deadline, I build slack into my delivery schedule. Adding a cushion to guaranteed deadlines helps to ease the pressure to find the right words – Debra Feldman, Job Whiz
Multitask Moving: I move and talk to myself at the same time. It’s pretty weird, but it works! –Jessica Sweet, Wishingwell Coaching
Old School Writing: Write it out, by hand, on separate piece of paper. Leave it. Have some water. Come back. –Monica Marcelis Fochtman, Sheldrake Consulting
Timing (can be) Everything: We all have a sweet spot in a day when we are most productive, booking that time for our most mind-crunching work is a good strategy! – Stephen Landry, Career Management Consultant for the City of Ottawa
Last but not least, the one that gave me the biggest chuckle also courtesy of Stephen Landry: “If all else fails, shake the keyboard!
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