Today we’d like to introduce you to Joana Donovan
Hi Joana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up in an immigrant family in New York, my journey has always been about finding my voice. My parents, who lacked formal education, emphasized the importance of mastering English, and one of the earliest ways we did this was by watching Sesame Street together. Those colorful characters became my first teachers, helping me—and my parents—grasp the language that would open doors for us in this new country.
I remember spending hours reading and writing, treating each word like a step towards building a bridge between my family’s world and the one outside our doorstep. This dedication followed me through high school and college, where I dived into creative writing, explored the Bible as literature, and cultivated my passion for storytelling.
In 2022, I returned to college to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in English, specializing in Technical Writing from the University of Central Florida (UCF). By this time, I’d already been writing resumes for others, and it occurred to me that my love for language and storytelling could be more than just a pastime—it could be a way to help others find their voice, too. So, I incorporated my technical communication principles and creative writing skills to curate resume content that genuinely reflects each individual’s journey. I earned a certification in resume writing through The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC).
I loved the idea of transforming someone’s experience into a professional story that captured their essence—showcasing their strengths in a way that spoke to employers and helped the individual see their worth. Helping others overcome imposter syndrome and giving them the tools to succeed became my mission.
In 2022, I launched Propel Resume and Career Services, LLC. I now specialize in collaboratively refining clients’ career tools, crafting strategic employment plans, and positioning them for rewarding opportunities. I take pride in offering a sanity-saving approach to the often overwhelming job search process, and I am honored to serve as a career advocate, guiding people toward the future they deserve.
Since opening my doors, I’ve written over 1,000 resumes, working with clients from all walks of life—high school students preparing for college admissions, college graduates stepping into the corporate world, stay-at-home parents returning to work, and professionals in their careers. Each client brings a unique challenge, pushing me to be a better writer and creator. I’ve had clients secure job offers within a week, while others took their time to find their forever career home.
Last year, I expanded my expertise by becoming certified in LinkedIn optimization and training and interview preparation coaching. These three services—resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and interview preparation—serve as stepping stones in helping each client build their brand, develop their messaging, and infuse them with the confidence that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
In 2025, I plan to launch a self-paced program of videos and resources. This program will allow lower-salaried job seekers to learn and apply my training at their own pace and within their budget, ensuring that career advancement tools are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This story might sound like a grove of roses, but it has been far from it. I had my share of imposter syndrome to overcome. At the start, I engaged in much pro bono work to hone my skills. It’s one thing to write for family and friends, but it’s a different experience when you have a stranger’s future in your hands. I always feel a deep sense of responsibility for my client’s success, but over time, I’ve learned that I am just one piece of the puzzle. It truly takes a village to land a job these days, and much of my client’s success lies in navigating interviews where there’s no control over the unpredictable.
Adding to these challenges, the introduction of AI and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) has thrown a wrench into a hiring process that mainly remained unchanged for over fifty years. Now, more than ever, my technical communication skills have become critical in crafting final resume products. The structure and design elements I use are practical for ATS software scanning and offer a pleasant experience to the human audience—recruiters, hiring managers, and talent scouts alike.
The market certainly keeps us on our toes. I make it a point to continuously train with The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches to keep up with evolving expectations and practices. The journey has been full of obstacles, but these challenges have pushed me to grow and adapt, allowing me to serve better those who come to me for guidance.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is about being more than just a resume writer—I am my clients’ career partner. Most people can’t turn to their spouse, family, or friends when discussing the challenges of finding and landing a new opportunity. That’s where I come in: I guide, listen, support, and empower my clients to see the best versions of themselves, especially when they can’t see it for themselves.
I take a creative and individualized approach to every project. I use a bit of artistic license when designing resumes and cover letters, tailoring each to reflect my client’s specific industry, role, and personality. It isn’t a cookie-cutter service; each client receives a personalized engagement that helps them feel genuinely seen and heard. I want every person I work with to feel that their experience is valuable and their story is worth telling.
What sets me apart from others in this field is that my clients are never just a number to me. My mission is to form genuine connections, ensuring I’m fully invested in their success. It’s not just about creating career tools—it’s about being a trusted partner through one of their most vulnerable processes. Helping people discover their potential and giving them the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams is the most rewarding part of what I do.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is building trust and genuine connections with my clients. They must know, like, and trust me because, without these elements, there is not a strong bond or working relationship. Resume writing is not a one-sided process—it’s a collaboration between my clients and myself. I want them to feel comfortable sharing their stories, challenges, and aspirations and to trust that I will represent their experiences in the best way possible.
Collaboration is at the heart of what I do. It’s not about imposing my ideas on a client; it’s about working together to create a document demonstrating their unique brand and expertise. This collaborative approach allows me to tailor every resume and cover letter to reflect who they are, ensuring their voice shines through. The more open and comfortable my clients are, the better the final product. This connection and partnership are what ultimately lead to their success—and that is what matters most to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.propelresume.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/propelresume/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PropelResume
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanadonovan/
