Your executive resume is one of the single most important documents in your job search. Yet, so often, resumes fall short to definitively demonstrate one’s experience and expertise. Your professional resume is your chance to make a stellar first impression and set yourself apart as a viable candidate in your field.
This fact alone makes it imperative that you invest time to make your resume stand out from the others.
Four Tips to Ensure Your Resume Captures the Attention of Decision Makers:
1. Keep it Succinct
Your executive resume will be sent to decision-makers in a highly competitive field. To stand out, your resume must be brief. They do not have time to waste; therefore, you do not have time to take up space on your resume with unnecessary information. Create your resume to illustrate your value and expertise in a concise, logical way that does not leave your reader guessing.
2. Key in on Your Success
How have you created value in your previous positions? Use your resume as a platform in which to showcase your successes. In fact, make the impact you have had to benefit your prior organizations the focus of your resume. Have you increased revenue or saved the company money? Emphasize the roles you had by communicating the value you generated in those roles.
3. Highlight What Makes You Unique
Consider the fact that your resume will be found in a pool of other candidates who have impressive educations and worked in top-notch companies. Because the competition is fierce, it is vital you set yourself up to stand out. What makes you unique? What experiences do you have that makes you unique? Do you have skills or intangibles that will set you apart as a must-meet candidate?
4. Be Sure It Evolves with You
Keep your resume open as a working document. Communicate your personal brand through your resume so future employers can get to know you via your resume. As you achieve success, be sure to add it to your resume. Not only is it important to keep your resume up to date so you do not run the risk of forgetting your achievements but also because you never know when a new opportunity may present itself.
Furthermore, always allow another set of eyes—preferably those with industry knowledge—to look over your resume to confirm it makes the impression you desire.
Leave a Reply