6 Tips on Creating a Compelling Executive Resume That Meets the Current Needs of Senior-Level Job Positions was originally published on Ivy Exec.
Your resume gives recruiters a good idea of who you are, your skills, and your suitability for a role. When eyeing an executive position, you will likely compete against other people with similar or better skills.
Crafting a compelling resume may seem challenging and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Listing your key achievements and making sure that hiring managers get the value you will add to the company can boost your chances of getting a job.
Here are tips to help you create a resume that aligns with the current needs of executive positions.
1️⃣ Avoid Resume Cliches
Many job seekers use common buzzwords that make their resume sound insincere and outdated. While you may be hardworking and creative, you are less likely to stand out if you use such words to describe yourself.
Recruiters don’t like inflated descriptions that hardly define your capability. Instead, they prefer evidence and examples of your accomplishments so that they can then assess if you are a suitable candidate.
Some buzzwords to avoid when writing your resume include:
- Good communication skills
- Fast learner
- Go-getter
- Innovative
- Top performer
- Passionate
- Proactive
Create a compelling executive resume by avoiding cliches and using more specific descriptions. For example, instead of writing you are hardworking, use numbers to show your achievements. Besides, describe situations where your self-drive led to great results instead of saying you.
Being creative with your resume will make it sound sincere and grasp the attention of recruiters. It helps you avoid missing out on great senior roles just because a recruiter couldn’t capture what you have to offer.
2️⃣ Highlight Your Impact in Past Job Positions
Senior-level job positions involve a lot of decision-making and team management. They require people who can assess risks and make the best move for a business, both financially and in the eyes of the public.
Recruiters looking for executives need candidates with a proven track record. When writing your resume, include a sub-section of your greatest accomplishments and ensure it stands out from the rest of the content. You can do this by making it bold or using a different font size and color.
Highlight how you have helped previous employers make more money by expanding or securing long-term clients. You can also mention the problems you’ve solved, preventing other firms from making significant losses.
Listing all your accomplishments in your resume is tempting, but you shouldn’t go overboard. If you are trying out for different executive roles, ensure your resume aligns with the current needs. Review job descriptions to determine which achievements will capture the recruiters’ attention. You may then tailor your resume and edit the accomplishments section each time you apply for another position.
3️⃣ Capture Your Leadership Skills
Lower-level job positions often require technical and tactical skills. On the other hand, senior roles need someone who can lead and manage other employees. They call for unique leadership skills like conflict resolution, diplomacy, and decisiveness.
Create an excellent executive resume by capturing aspects that make you a good leader. For example, explain cases where you headed projects and delivered beyond expectations. List skills that motivate other employees to utilize their potential and perform better.
Another way to capture your leadership skills and experience is by listing relevant training and courses. Such may include change management, project planning, and coaching employees. Including these in your executive resume shows you’ve put effort into being a better leader.
Different executive roles require unique leadership skills. For example, a CEO must be a visionary thinker and strategic planner. They also need emotional intelligence and good communication skills. On the other hand, a chief marketer has to be great at mobilizing and motivating their team.
Highlight why you are a good fit for senior job positions using words that reflect good leadership. Tailor your resume to include specific terms like empower, mobilize, engage, mentor, and delegate.
4️⃣ Have an Executive Summary Section
A compelling executive summary can impress a recruiter even before they read the rest of your resume. Instead of writing a paragraph, use around six bullet points to showcase how your career has progressed.
A good executive summary should briefly tell why you uniquely qualify for a particular role. Write this section at the top immediately after your contact details so recruiters don’t miss it when skimming your resume.
If you aren’t sure how to write an executive summary, you can look at examples online. Ensure that the section professionally describes you in a few words. It must also emphasize the relevant skills and highlight anything unique about you.
5️⃣ Include Keywords
Many companies use recruitment software to find candidates for senior-level job positions. These systems scan resumes for specific words to determine if an applicant is a good fit. Using keywords in your resume will get you closer to shortlisting and securing an interview.
Keywords aren’t just for improving your chances with recruitment software or online job boards. They show you understand industry terms and aren’t new to a particular field. They also make your resume more appealing to employers looking for executives on sites like LinkedIn.
Other ways including keywords can improve your resume include
- They highlight your certifications
- They improve your visibility to recruiters hiring candidates from specific institutions
- They highlight job titles that you’ve held in the past
6️⃣ Keep It Short
You may have extensive job experience, but writing all of it will make it harder for recruiters to spot important details.
Keep your executive resume as short as possible to make your job search much easier. A good rule of thumb is only to highlight your career path for the past 15 years. Squeeze the details into two to three pages by omitting fluff to ensure every section is brief and concise.
Create a Killer Executive Resume to Bag Your Dream Job
How you present yourself on your resume can make a big difference when applying for senior-level positions. A compelling CV will make a good impression of your brand, professionalism, and leadership. It allows recruiters to recognize your value, bringing you closer to the big career moves you’ve always desired.
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