Why it’s important for Refugee Professionals to tell their stories 

 A critical piece of the job seeking journey happens behind the scenes—how refugee professionals learn to tell their stories. 

From Doubt to Confidence: A Real Story 

Quratulaine Hamid, a Talent Assistant on the Resume Team at Jumpstart Refugee Talent, has seen firsthand how powerful this process can be. 

Through her work, she discovered that resume building is not just technical, it’s deeply human. 

Creating a resume, she explains, is often an emotional process. It requires patience, empathy, and careful listening. She recalls working with a client from Ukraine who had extensive experience in his home country but was struggling to find stable opportunities in Canada. 

At the start of their session, he seemed disengaged. He mentioned he only had ten minutes and appeared unsure if the conversation would be worth his time. 

But as they began talking, something changed. 

Instead of following a generic approach, Quratulaine tailored the conversation to his background in IT. Together, they reworked his resume—highlighting transferable skills, restructuring his experience, and focusing on clear, results-driven achievements. 

Then came a turning point. 

He paused and said, “I didn’t realize my experience could be presented like this.” 

In that moment, his confidence shifted. 

As the conversation continued, he became more engaged—asking thoughtful questions, showing curiosity, and even expressing interest in roles he had previously felt unqualified for. 

By the end of the session, his perspective had completely changed. 

He admitted he almost didn’t pick up the call—but was now grateful he did. What started as a rushed, uncertain interaction turned into a meaningful exchange filled with insight, encouragement, and even laughter. 

More Than a Resume 

Stories like this highlight an important truth: 

A resume is often the first opportunity someone has to share their story.
If that story isn’t told well, doors may never open. 

But when it is done right, it becomes something more. 

Resume support, like the kind offered at Jumpstart, is not just about editing documents. It’s about: 

• Restoring confidence 
• Recognizing hidden strengths 
• Helping individuals see their own potential 

Because for many refugee professionals, the challenge isn’t a lack of experience—it’s a lack of access, guidance, and opportunity to present that experience effectively. 

Bringing It All Together 

Storytelling helps you be seen and remembered. 

And sometimes, all it takes is one conversation whether at a networking event or during a resume session to remind someone of what they’re truly capable of.