We recently had the chance to connect with Laura Fontenot and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Laura, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I like to think I’m walking a path, though it’s one I discovered along the way! I went to The University of Texas at Dallas for economics, and it wasn’t until I was hired by the career center that I even realized resume writing was a profession. I’ve been at it ever since, and that was almost 20 years ago! I love getting to know people and helping them figure out their next steps in their careers.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Laura Fontenot, an award-winning resume writer based right here in Dallas! For nearly 20 years, I’ve been helping professionals at all levels, from C-suite and senior leaders to those just starting out, build resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and other career documents that beat ATS and AI.
I personally work with every client, taking the time to understand their career journey and where they want to go, then shaping their story so it stands out and positions them for their next opportunity.
The job search has entered a whole new arena with the exponential rise of AI, and I make sure I’m one step ahead while helping my clients stay there too!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and needed to be released was my tendency to be a people pleaser. I love helping everyone, but I had to learn to set and maintain boundaries, especially as a business owner. Now I focus my energy where it truly matters, so I can serve my clients more effectively without spreading myself too thin.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could speak to my younger self, I’d simply say, “This too shall pass.” I’ve lost many family and friends over the years, faced health challenges, and built a business from scratch as a solopreneur. There were moments that felt unbearable, but each one eventually passed. Those struggles quietly shaped the person I am today.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I’m confident, outgoing, and genuinely care about my clients. I don’t have the time or energy to put on a mask! Part of my process is making sure I’m on the same wavelength as my clients, not just aligning with their background and career goals, but with their personalities as well. I’m not a one-and-done person OR business.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I’m in a unique position to talk with thousands of people from all walks of life, across every industry, and at every point in their careers. And yet, they all share remarkably similar struggles. They’re trying to balance work with personal goals, find their place in the world, and figure out what the future holds. It’s given me an understanding that we all have quite a bit in common, and one of those things is that we often feel like no one else could understand our journey. At the end of the day, it’s a very human job.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://masterworkresumes.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-fontenot-acrw-cprw/
- Other: Want to chat? I offer complimentary resume critiques! Email me here: laura@masterworkresumes.com
