Building the Right Resume for an Executive
…….”Success comes if you make it happen, not just let it happen.”
Resumes are a lot like a house, an office building or a superhighway. Each is built using carefully prepared plans and each is intended for a distinctive purpose. Likewise, each resume should be based on a sound plan and be tailored to a specific purpose.
Let’s assume that you are preparing a resume for an executive. While the main parts of a resume for an executive may be similar to every other resume, special building techniques may be required.
First, here are the three standard parts found in almost every resume:
- A contact information and career objective section
- A career achievements section
- An education and personal development section
Here are some tips for each section when writing a resume for an executive:
Contact Information and Career Objective:
Your friends may call you Bubba, but if your name is Henry, put that on your resume. Resumes for executives are successful only when they present a thoughtful, experienced individual. Email addresses that include inside jokes or not so subtle attempts at humor should also be avoided. Open a free Gmail or Hotmail account with a professional sounding name. Then be sure to check it regularly.
Career objectives are no longer about you. Successful executive resumes state career objectives that focus on meeting a potential employer’s needs, not the employee’s.
Career Achievements
The “Career Achievements” section is where any resume for an executive will succeed or fail. Plan to spend 80% of your efforts here to deliver the most potent, quantified personal sales pitch you can.
In the past, the career achievements section of a resume for an executive described tasks and assignments. The modern resume requires that you demonstrate successes and achievements. How will an employer benefit by hiring you? Don’t forget how your actions saved money through streamlining, scheduling or some other process. Likewise, consider how your actions brought in a new customer or kept a disgruntled customer from going elsewhere.
Perhaps the most important aspect of a great resume for an executive is the quantification of past achievements. Use quantities and percentages to tell your story. However, beware of claims that seem too good to be true and be prepared to defend your claims, if necessary.
Education, Certificates and Personal Development
Generally speaking, college degrees earned decades ago may not get you an interview, but they should be included on your resume. Certifications, such as CPA, or licenses, however, can be the item that puts you over the top. Include them.
As an executive, you will be expected to lead. Your resume should tell a story of someone who is not just committed to doing the job, but someone involved in their community or industry trade organization.
Like building a custom home, building the right resume for an executive takes solid plans and impressive materials. Hopefully these resume ideas will help you turn your excellent work history into a successful executive resume.
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