With her talent for writing, Tymeka Tooala realised she could use her skills to help out her community. Recognising the difference between a good resume and a great resume, she was inspired to help give people the kickstart they needed when applying for jobs. Parents, and particularly mums, often lack confidence when thinking about returning to the workforce, and Tymeka is passionate about taking some of the hard work out of that process. At Success Résumés, she offers a writing service that helps jobseekers stand out, with custom resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles. Here, she talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about launching her business and her ongoing passion for helping others.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I have always had a knack for writing. I studied Media Law and Journalism during school. I loved how words can portray a story, reflect feelings and how I could articulate absolutely anything using the correct language. I only realised that my knack could do the community good when I saw how many people needed help with resumes, cover letters and selection criteria. I noticed the differences in CVs when I began hiring for my ‘day job’ and saw the difference between a good resume and a great resume. I thought to myself – “Everyone deserves a running chance at work, it shouldn’t depend on how they lay out their resumes or if they even know how to create a great resume”. This is what inspired me to help people and offer my skill to those who want to work but just need a good kickstart.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I started off working on Airtasker, offering my services to those who specifically needed that help. I had a lot of university students and immigrants new to Australia and the Australian workforce. I would always be helping my family with their resumes as well. I started Success Résumés with my iPhone and Facebook.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
I think the biggest breakthrough was completing a client’s resume and cover letter and being told she was almost in tears with how happy she was with it. She said, “I want to hire myself”. She is a mother who wanted to broaden her horizons and it made me feel like this little idea, that has turned into a business, is doing my community good and giving people the best chance possible of securing work no matter where they come from, what responsibilities they have and what they have done. I want to show employers that hiring is more than just a piece of paper.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Having the ability to work from home or from my mobile allows me to spend so much more time with my 4-month-old daughter Amaya-Kerri (Yes, like Mariah Carey – and why not?).
