Meet Joana Donovan

We were lucky to catch up with Joana Donovan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joana , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

Growing up with humble beginnings has taught me to view every experience as a blessing. Life is too short to spend it wrapped in negativity, worry, or doubt—doing so only closes our eyes to the incredible opportunities waiting in our personal and professional lives.

I believe in finding a silver lining in everything. Even when the reason behind certain events isn’t immediately clear, I trust it will reveal itself in time. While I don’t claim to have all the answers,

I know one thing for sure: my positivity is my greatest strength. It’s not just for me—it’s for my family and job seekers who rely on me. They deserve an advocate who approaches every challenge with optimism and hope.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a Certified Résumé Writer and Career Coach through PARWCC.com, and I founded Propel Résumé and Career Services, LLC to fill a critical advocacy gap for job seekers. Years ago, I faced challenging job searches with no one to guide or support me. That experience inspired me to become the resource I once needed.

Today, thanks to conferencing technology, I connect with individuals across the U.S., helping them craft compelling career documents, elevate their professional brand online, and overcome imposter syndrome to showcase their strengths in interviews confidently.

My services continue evolving, and I’m developing a self-service program to empower entry-level professionals as they navigate their career journeys. It’s my mission to ensure every job seeker feels seen, supported, and ready to succeed.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

When I reflect on my journey, I see that three qualities have had a particularly impactful impact: resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Resilience has helped me navigate setbacks and challenges, reminding me to stay focused on my goals even when things didn’t go as planned. Adaptability has allowed me to embrace change and pivot when necessary, ensuring I could seize new opportunities and learn from unexpected situations. Lifelong learning has been the foundation of my growth, keeping me curious, open-minded, and equipped with the tools to keep evolving.

For those early in their journey, I’d advise cultivating these qualities. Build resilience by reframing failures as learning experiences and not being afraid to start over. Hone your adaptability by stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing challenges as opportunities to grow. Lastly, prioritize learning in all its forms—through formal education, mentorship, or simply exploring your passions. These skills will shape your career and enrich your personal growth.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’m always open to collaborating with independent recruiters and talent agents and am passionate about connecting the right talent with the right opportunities. As a career advocate, I work closely with job seekers to refine their career documents and professional branding. I’m often asked for recommendations on where to turn for hiring support. Partnering with recruiters and talent agents allows me to provide my clients with a seamless transition from career preparation to job placement.

I’d love to connect with you if you’re an independent recruiter or talent agent interested in partnering to help job seekers and companies find their perfect matches. Let’s collaborate to create meaningful opportunities together. You can contact me via my website or LinkedIn -let’s start the conversation!

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