Explore the electrifying story of Renu Shenoy, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur redefining resume writing in Dubai with creativity and career coaching.
In today’s world, where the first impression often happens on paper (or PDF!), a CV is more than a document — it’s your professional selfie. And the woman behind hundreds of career makeovers, Renu Shenoy, knows exactly how to make that selfie shine.
A former engineer turned resume expert, Renu helps people get noticed before they even walk into the interview room. Her work blends design, storytelling, and psychology — making her clients’ resumes not just readable, but irresistible.
What started as a small favor for a friend in 2021 has now grown into a thriving profession. Today, Renu has crafted over 500+ resumes across diverse fields — from HR to healthcare, from teachers to pilots, even for an Indian Army officer with 20 years of service!
Here’s a peek into her inspiring (and often amusing) journey from electrical circuits to life’s career circuits.
Meet Renu Shenoy – Engineer, MBA, Mother, and Modern-Day Resume Magician
Born and raised in Kochi, Renu completed her schooling at St. Teresa’s Convent School — a place with the motto “Shine where you are”, which, looking at her journey, she clearly took quite literally.
She graduated in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from MIT Manipal and later earned an MBA in HR & Marketing from ICFAI University. Her father worked in the pharmaceutical field, mother was a tuition teacher, and she grew up with two sisters in a lower-middle-class home that was rich in dreams and discipline.
Renu moved to Dubai in 2009 after marrying Sujith Shenoy, a banker. Together, they have two children — daughter Samvrutha (Grade 10) and son Samridh (Grade 6) — who are as supportive as they are proud of their mother’s entrepreneurial journey.
Let’s have a conversation with the Woman Who Turned Resumes into a Profession.
What inspired you to start your CV-making career independently?
“It all began as a coincidence,” laughs Renu. “A friend named Neethu needed help rewriting her resume in July 2021, and I volunteered. She loved it so much that she insisted on paying me. Two days later, she asked me to make her husband’s CV too and said, ‘You should do this professionally!’ She even posted about it on Facebook — and that was the spark that ignited everything.”
What were your biggest challenges early on?
“Oh, convincing people that resumes don’t need to be autobiographies!” she says, chuckling. “Many believed that the longer the CV, the better. I had to explain that recruiters spend just 6–8 seconds scanning each one. The goal is to make those seconds count — short, sharp, and keyword-rich. It took time and patience, but now most clients understand what an ATS-friendly resume really means.”
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
“Honestly, I’m blessed to have such understanding children,” Renu laughs. “They’ve been my toughest critics and my biggest cheerleaders rolled into one! They’d tell me, ‘Don’t worry, Amma, we’ll manage — you go to work.’ My husband Sujith also deserves a lot of credit; he helped me structure payments and bookkeeping. My mom gave me moral support, and I’m lucky to have friends who motivated me when I doubted myself.”
How do you handle setbacks or moments of doubt?
“There were times when clients took my ideas and never returned — that really hurt. But I decided to treat every setback as a learning opportunity. Over time, with confidence and consistency, things started turning around.”
What personal habits guided your success?
“Patience, definitely! Some clients ask for changes multiple times — but when they finally say, ‘This is perfect!’, it’s pure joy. For me, this isn’t just a job. It’s about helping people rediscover their strengths and guiding them toward the right career path.”
What kind of services do you offer besides resume writing?
The same smile on her face as she says, “Oh, quite a few! Apart from resumes, I also work on cover letters, Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for foreign universities, LinkedIn profile optimization, and personal branding profiles. Each one has its own story to tell, and I love shaping them to reflect the person behind the words. Whether it’s helping a student secure their dream university admission or supporting a professional in taking the next big leap, I enjoy perfecting every little detail until it truly shines.”
How do you balance ambition with personal life?
“Let’s just say multitasking is my superpower,” she jokes. “Between cooking, cleaning, and client calls, it often feels like running a full-fledged corporate office right from home! But I’ve learned to see work as my ‘me-time’. Sure, I get back pain and neck strain, but helping someone land their dream job makes it all worth it.”
What role does learning play in your career?
“Every client teaches me something new. I learn about different professions, responsibilities, and achievements. It keeps my brain sharp and my coffee intake high!”
What makes a woman truly successful, in your opinion?
“When she can make her own decisions, pursue her dreams, and be financially independent — without feeling guilty for it. True success is when you no longer apologize for your ambition.”
What message would you give young women chasing their dreams?
“Don’t let anyone else write your story. Take breaks if you must, but never quit. It’s okay to fall — just make sure you get up stronger. Passion and persistence can rewrite destinies.”
The Rise of a Resume Artist
From helping one friend to transforming hundreds of careers, Renu’s journey is a testament to how a single act of kindness can spark a life-changing profession. What began as “just helping out” evolved into a business earning her nearly ₹40,000 a month, entirely from home — with nothing but skill, patience, and passion as her tools.
Her work proves that a well-crafted CV isn’t just about getting a job — it’s about finding your voice, your value, and your vision.
A Round of Applause for Renu Shenoy
Renu Shenoy stands as a shining example of what happens when passion meets perseverance. Her story lights the way for countless women who once doubted their potential.
She reminds us that success doesn’t always wear heels and a blazer — sometimes it wears an apron, a smile, and a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Here’s to Renu — an inspiration, a creator, and a reminder that no dream is too small when fuelled by courage.
