So, it’s time to create a unique executive resume that will help you get noticed by your dream company and kick start your career. But where do you start in terms of organizing an executive resume so that it is not only impactful but stands out among the other candidates? Let’s look at three tips for creating a unique executive resume that will help you make a good impression and land the job of your dreams.
Formatting is Key
Recruiters see so many resume applications each day that you really must strive to stand out among the crowd. For instance, adding a catchy title that matches the job posting you are applying to is a smart way to draw attention and get the recruiter to read deeper into your resume and profile. Furthermore, including a notable quote from a business partner or important staff member for the job you’re applying to will make them see you are already aligned with their goals and values. This will make it easier for HR to choose you as the best candidate.
Besides including a catchy title and notable quote, the overall look of an executive resume in terms of formatting and branding is key to standing out from other applicants. For example, you want to make sure your headers match on your cover letter and resume. This means that your name and contact info should be aligned in the same position on each document. The size and type of font used in your header on your resume and cover letter should also match. This looks good for branding purposes and helps HR easily determine which resume and cover letter belongs to each candidate.
Secondly, you want to have a good balance of color versus white space on your resume. Yes, it is fine to use some color on your resume but DO NOT include too many graphs, charts or pictures as this makes it difficult for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to flag your resume. Additionally, make sure everything is properly aligned and your achievements are streamlined so that the recruiter can easily determine how you contributed to the overall success of your past organizations.
Lastly, one of the most important parts of an executive resume is a well-written, concise 'Executive Summary' section. This can be found at the top of your resume and introduces the reader to you as an executive. This section should be a paragraph in length and should highlight your expertise, years of experience and the industries (or sectors) you have worked in. Essentially, the 'Executive Summary' is your chance to demonstrate your unique value proposition to recruiters.
Make the Details Clear
Once you have determined an appropriate format for your resume, you will want to ensure that your career achievement are explicit and as clear as possible. This goes back to having well-written and concise information regarding your areas of expertise. For example, what qualifications, skills, or talents do you possess that make you better suited for the position over other candidates? How does this add value to their company? How do you plan to push your skillset to the next level to deliver specific target metrics based on job criteria?
You must go beyond basic clichés, such as telling the recruiter you are looking to advance your career; they already know that based on your application. By being specific and making the relevant details clear on your resume, you are helping yourself stand out to potential employers.
Another thing to consider is that the person reading your resume may not have existing knowledge of the previous companies you’ve worked for. This means that you may want to include a short sentence or two (under each job) summarizing the company. You can also embed a company link so that the reader can connect with the organization’s website and learn more about their products and services.
Less Can be More
Now that you’ve formatted and added all these relevant details, it is important to consider the length of your executive resume. It is true that executive resumes are generally longer than traditional two-page resumes, however, a resume that exceed 4 pages is likely too long. In this case, less can be more. A tactic to combat this concern is to thoroughly scan the job descriptions you are applying for and pairing down the information on your executive resume based on this. It is more important that a recruiter can easily find your RELEVANT TALENTS and accomplishments then to list tasks and duties that have nothing to do with the new job. Tailoring your executive resume to suit each position will increase your chance of hearing back form recruiters and getting called for an interview.
If you find the process of writing your own resume frustrating and time consuming, you may consider hiring an executive resume writer to help you with this task. Consider reaching out to us at Vanttedge so we can connect you with an executive resume writer that will take the time to understand you unique skills and achievements and design a customized resume for you!
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