Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been a teacher for the past 20 years, and now my wish is for a complete career makeover. I want to become a veterinarian. My plan is to start by working in a vet’s office or pet store. Here is the problem: My advanced degrees are keeping me from finding employment. In fact, I can’t even get interviews. – Sil Dale: A resume can be summed up this way: The past as future. Employers look at resumes in search of someone who already has done whatever it is the employer needs done. So your resume serves as your ticket to keep on doing what you’ve been doing, or to promote you along the same path.

J.T.: However, while a resume doesn’t enable you to convey your career story, e-mails and in-person visits do. If you want to land a job, get out and meet the people already doing it. Visit every viable place in your area, and share the story you shared with us. It will grab people’s attention in a way a resume never could. Did you know 93 percent of communication is nonverbal? Facial expressions, body language and hand gestures convey so much more. When you share your story in-person, you’ll increase your chances of being given a chance.

Dale: The trick is getting in to tell your story. I’d start by calling, e-mailing and visiting every vet and pet store, asking if they have openings. If there’s an opening, they’ll probably ask you to send or leave a resume. But then, you’re right back where you started. So don’t do it. Instead say, “I hate to do that because you’ll think I’m overqualified. Can I tell you my story?” People love a story. In fact, I’d write it out and use that as a backup. Maybe even call it something like the nonresume resume. After all, your situation is different, and if you do what everyone does you’ll never move your story along.