We’re willing to go out on a limb and assume it’s been quite a while since you’ve thought about resume writing. You might think, “I’m sure mine just needs a little updating.” And perhaps you’re right, but most resumes we come across need some work. Times have changed, corporate values have changed, and the whole purpose behind writing a resume is different than it once was.
But the good news is there are many tricks and tips for writing a great resume. To help, we’ve streamlined suggestions to focus on those candidates applying for executive-level positions, particularly in the C-Suite. Yes, you can hire someone to do the work for you, but ultimately, you control what is said and how you say it.
Here are our top five tips for writing your best executive resume.
Target Your Audience- A resume is not a “one size fits all” template. Try appealing to multiple fields and you might risk employers finding you too generic (and thus unqualified) for the position.
Before beginning, decide on your target audience. Who you’re writing to matters as much as what you’re writing. Avoid the outdated objective statement by addressing your audience in a brief executive summary. Clearly state the role you’re looking for and why there is no one else better suited for the job. Do not be afraid to sell yourself here. Make a memorable first impression to keep them reading more.
Outline Your Personal Brand- Throughout your career, you’ve likely had great success building other brands, but now is the chance to market yourself. Consider the following:
· What you core values do you stand for?
· Why do these matter to the companies you seek employment with?
· What attributes and skill sets make you unique?
Tell the story of your career with highlights and achievements, but keep the list concise.
Share Successes and Challenges- Adaptable, compassionate, and quick-thinking candidates tend to stand out, so include a challenge or two you’ve encountered in your career, then show how your processes were beneficial to the solution. Whether it was a profitable gain or a team-building issue, your resilience will be noted.
Don’t Forget the Numbers- Numbers don't lie, which is why the hiring team will want to see data. Include these under “Highlights” or “Achievements”, and we recommend putting any note-worthy statistics in bold to draw attention.
Check Twice, Send Once- While obvious, it bears repeating; check, double check, and ask a colleague to triple-check your resume before sending. Everyone thinks they’ve caught all the errors until they hit “send”—don’t let this be you! There is no room for even minor mistakes when applying for a job of this caliber. Take your time and be completely satisfied with the finished product.
When applying for a top position, your resume is the first step through the door. Use it to your advantage and sell yourself well. For more tips and advice, our experienced team is available to help. Send an email to info@thedigitalhealthrecruiter.com to learn more about our extensive list of candidate services.
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