by Lesley Hunter/Fiorillo
Lesley Hunter (Lesley Fiorillo) is the current reigning Mrs. Pasadena and 1st runner up to Mrs. California United States 2018. Outside of pageantry, Lesley is very involved in the arts and entertainment, business and philanthropy. She is a classically-trained pianist, trained in music since age 4. At age 18, Lesley qualified and competed in the World Piano Competition. Shortly after, Lesley accepted a music scholarship to Illinois-Wesleyan University where she studied music before graduating with a degree in Economics.
After college, she had competed in pageants in the Midwest, where she won her first title of Miss US Missouri in 2009. Exposure as a titleholder presented her an opportunity to host her own webcast entertainment show called ‘Lesley On the Town,’ which she wrote and produced herself. On the show, she interviewed dynamic entertainers and business owners from around the Midwest and often times showcased guest talent from LA. Today, she has a blog that is featured on Lesleyonthetown.com (named after her former show) where she posts her piano performances and blog about her life, travels and inspirational topics for women.
After spending several years in Chicago, Lesley moved to Los Angeles, started her own business and obtained her certification as a CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer) while continuing her talent activities through voiceover, acting, and writing. Her business, Resume Makeover, serves to help individuals and businesses with their copywriting, resume and career-related needs. She has been resume writing for over 5 years and, this year, she wedded the union of her business and on-camera / talent skills through producing ‘Resume Tip Videos,’—short 1-2 minute video clips where she regularly provides tips to job seekers on how to properly structure various parts of their resumes, the ‘dos and don’ts’ of resume writing and provides career-related sessions.
When Mrs. Fiorillo is not writing resumes, playing piano, blogging or engaging with her 20K+ Instagram followers, she is usually keeping up her French (fluent in since age 16), traveling or involved with promoting and volunteering towards causes she is passionate about. In 2018, Lesley coordinated a photo shoot and did a PSA for the #MeToo Movement and she continues her primary involvement with two non-profit organizations, 826LA and CASA—the former helping children with their educational and writing/expository skills; the latter providing advocates for foster children to find them stable and permanent homes. Lesley has hosted resume workshops with groups such as the Chicago Urban League to help youth and the socio-economically disadvantaged improve their writing/communication skills and succeed in the job market, and she looks forward to hosting more workshops with 826LA and other non-profit organizations in the near future.
With all of her creative and philanthropic passions, Lesley ultimately believes in connecting with others and that one of her highest duties in this life is helping others. She looks forward to continuing serving her communities as Mrs. Pasadena United States and is looking forward to competing again in the Miss California United State pageant (Mrs. Division) on March 31st!
I got a chance to interview Mrs. Fiorillo and was able to ask her a few questions that pique my curiosity to dig a little deeper to know this beautiful, extraordinary person.
IPM: I am curious to ask you what road led you to where you are today regarding your resume writing business and competing in a beauty pageant?
Lesley: In terms of how I got into pageantry, I never competed in or got into the idea of pageants as a kid like some girls do. I was 18 when I did my first pageant and was encouraged to try pageantry from a friend’s parent. My friend competed in pageants and her mother told me that I should try as she thought I was pretty and well-spoken and, as I played classical piano, she suggested that piano could be my talent (some pageant systems have talent portions for their contestants and that particularly pageant did). So, I gave it a shot and, years after my first pageant, won a Missouri title, but that was how I got started.
For resume writing, I kind of stumbled into it, believe it or not. I always had an interest in writing and enjoyed the type of writing I did with my show (creating interview questions for guests, etc.). So, one day I started looking up job postings for copywriting and writing jobs in general, and an ad came up looking for resume writers. I never previously considered it, but I thought, “why not try and apply.” So, I did! and after diligently working through a rewrite of a resume sample (part of the application process for this job), they approved my work and accepted me for the job. I learned a lot from that first position and a couple of years later, tested for and obtained my Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) credential and then started my own business, Resume Makeover.
IPM: What is the most common error when people write their resume?
Lesley: There are of course many different errors people make when writing their own resume; the craft of resume writing is not an easy one (sometimes even for us resume writers!). However, one common thing I see a lot when people submit me their resumes to work on is that many lists their tasks that they complete for each job but fail to list the accomplishments they achieve in each position. Listing achievements are so important as accomplishments help the applicant to stand out from his or her competition.
IPM: What do you feel is the biggest challenge when writing or reconstructing a resume?
Lesley: I would say the biggest challenge for me has nothing to do with grammar or the technicalities of writing, but more so to do with delving in deep to understand each individual client I’m working with, his/her career history and what the client’s short term and long terms goals are of getting his/her resume and materials overhauled or constructed. Every client is different, and it is essential to spend the necessary time and patience to know not only the client’s backgrounds but what matters to them (short term and long term) so that I can help them achieve their goals the best way possible.
IPM: With so many resume-writing businesses on the market, what makes your business different?
Lesley: I have a successful record of providing excellent one-on-one customer service, through in-depth consultations with my clients, providing quick responses and delivering that personal touch. I don’t just provide the products of resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, etc.; I truly aim to deliver an experience, and my clients overall seem to be satisfied with the impression they take away from working with me and Resume Makeover (I see some of this through my client reviews and referrals that come from existing business).
IPM: With all your accolades, what do you feel is the secret to your success?
Lesley: The secret: sounds basic, but persistence! I have always been a fairly good writer but had to build my skills in the very technical area of resume writing (it is a skill that many don’t just nail straight out of the gate). Same with my training in classical piano and other areas of my life…yes, some of us have natural abilities in certain areas, but whether we do or not, it is necessary to practice each day / regularly to become proficient or an expert at anything we are working on. It can be easy to give up or get frustrated when things don’t seem to be coming to us instantaneously, but I assure you, things will get better with dedication and a will to improve. As they say, practice makes perfect!
IPM: With all the milestones you have reached—piano, pageant titleholder, hosting a webcast show, owning a business and volunteering your time for non-profit organizations—I am curious to know what you consider as your proudest moment?
Lesley: I have done a lot, so that is a tough question, but something that sticks out to me is that when I was 18 years old, I qualified for and competed in The World Piano Competition. This was one of my proudest moments/accomplishments.
IPM: As a host on your former webcast entertainment show, “Lesley On the Town,” you have interviewed dynamic entertainers, guest talent from LA and business owners from around the Midwest, sharing many revealing topics. I was curious to know, which was your favorite segment?
Lesley: Woo, another tough question! All of my guests were amazing individuals and making great efforts in their communities and in life (and this is the reason I featured them on the show). However, there was a phenomenal young man I interview named Rian-Alexander “2.0” Martin-Jones. Rian is an incredible dancer, has been featured on many television and media segments, including ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’ What I find most notable about him, even outside of his awesome dance skills, is his ability to inspire others, particularly the youth. He makes it his mission not only to teach young people how to be great dancers but to be great in life. He has spoken with many elementary schools and youth groups around the Midwest, specifically St. Louis, on achieving their dreams and staying positive. He Is such a positive, hard-working individual and I admire his work! I would suggest keeping up with all the great things he has going on through connecting with Rian on Facebook or his IG (Instagram) page (@Rmj2.0).
IPM: With so many resume-writing myths, what is the biggest misconception when it comes to resume writing?
Lesley: A common myth about writing your resume is that you must keep your resume to one page. This is not true in all cases and very much depends on how much experience the client has. For those in non-managerial positions with less than 10 years of work experience, I would recommend the resume to be about a page. However, for clients with more years of experience, especially executives and upper-level management, it is not uncommon for resume length to be two to three pages. I would, however, not recommend a resume extending more than three pages for any level of experience, as you do not want to lose the attention of the hiring manager by providing a resume that is too with too much detail.
IPM: What can a person do to make their resume stand out from others?
Lesley: I mentioned briefly before that most people fail to highlight their accomplishments on their resume and simply stick to task-based responsibilities. I truly believe discussing and emphasizing achievements in each position held allows the applicant to stand out based on their
individual accomplishments (not just common tasks of anyone holding the position) and highly increases the applicant’s chance of him or her being called in for an interview. I also recommend listing accomplishments to be as quantitative as possible (i.e. “Increased book of business by 50% from March 2018 – March 2019).
IPM: Can you tell me what made you decide to get involved with the two non-profit organizations, 826LA and CASA, and what do you do with these groups?”
Lesley: I got involved with 826LA and CASA mainly because they are great causes! 826LA makes concentrated efforts to help youth with the development of their writing and expository skills which is so important to have both for educational development as well as their future career success in the job market. I am a volunteer with 826LA, on their Host Committee (which means I help contribute ideas and resources for their annual gala each year) and also a contributor.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a crucial organization as there are many foster children who need to find a safe and permanent home and a loving family to be nurtured by, and CASA assists in this, which makes a huge impact on these children’s lives. With CASA, I am a contributor/donor and attend their annual gala each year.
I am so blessed to be involved with both of these organizations.
IPM: Why do you feel that pageants are good for women/young women?
Lesley: One common misconception about pageants is that they are focused just on beauty. Beauty is a part of a pageant, but there is so much that pageants encompass. Pageants help women with poise, speaking ability/communication skills and overall confidence and self-esteem; all of these are important not only in the workplace but in life.
All of the pageant systems I have competed in have interview portions that are a large percentage of the contestant’s overall score and a lot of pageants have talent portions where the contestant is required to master and perform a talent/skill in front of a large audience. Pageants are not for the weak!
They also promote great charities. For example, the pageant I am in this year (Miss California United States) is partnering with the YMCA and other non-profit organizations to assist with some amazing causes. I love the Miss California United States pageant and I am really excited to compete at the end of the month! (Wish me luck!)
IPM: How can people support you towards your pageant efforts as you compete in Miss California United States at the end of the month?
Lesley: Prior to the actual pageant on March 31st, you can vote for me in the People’s Choice voting which is now live for the Miss California United States pageant. People’s Choice is used as a tool to bring awareness to the Miss California United States Pageant, promote the contestants vying for the California titles (like myself) and to fundraise for the YMCA and other non-profit organizations that the pageant has worked with, like No Kids Hungry. 100% of proceeds are donated to these causes/non-profits.
You can vote by going to this link: http://idreamofroyalty.com/2019-peoples-choice-voting/, scrolling down to my photo (near the bottom of the page under my name “Lesley Fiorillo” and title, “Mrs. Pasadna”) and clicking the purple “Vote” button below my photo (beautifully done by Jose Burrola of Intuition Design Photography).
Voting ends March 31st, 2019 at 12:00 pm, every $5 = 1 vote (i.e. $20 = 4 votes) and you can vote as many times as you would like.
I would love to have your vote(s)! The People’s Choice winner receives an award, crown, and title to advance to the National Pageant! You would not only be supporting me but also great charities. Thanks so much in advance for your support <3.
IPM: With all the work-related activities you juggle, I wondered if there is anything you do for fun?
Lesley: Yes, it is important to make time for fun and relaxation (and crucial to stay sane, haha). In my free time I have, I enjoy cooking, hiking/staying in shape, traveling and spending quality time with my husband, friends, and family.
IPM: How can people get in touch with you if they are interested in getting a resume makeover or getting their bio or Linkedin Profile done?
Lesley: The best way to get in touch with me regarding a resume makeover or for any other copywriting needs is by emailing me at Lesley@ResumeMakeover.com. If you have an existing resume, please send it and indicate what type of jobs you’re interested in applying to. I will respond with a quote and more information. Also, as a courtesy to the readers of Influential People Magazine, if you mentioned you read this article / know of my business from Influential People Magazine, I will give you a discount .
IPM: How can individuals also stay up to date with all the other great things you have going on?
Lesley: I’m very active on social media and updating my profiles! So here are the links and networks I most frequently post on:
To Keep Up with My Blog: www.lesleyonthetown.com
My Primary IG Page: @LesleyOnTheTown1
My Pageant-Related IG: @MrsPasadena
My Business IG Page: @Resume.Makeover
LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/lesleyfiorillo/
My Facebook Business Page: www.facebook.com/ResumeMakeover2015/
Resume Makeover’s Website: www.ResumeMakeover.com
Definitely keep in touch and check me out / shoot me a message and say hello. I’d love to hear from you!
Lesley Hunter/Fiorillo is a resume makeover expert and beauty queen. She is able to combine her passion for writing and helping people by consulting with clients and using her technical writing skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities to craft their resume and career materials into a final product that leaves the most favorable impression on their prospective employer
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