The Executive Resume
There is a major difference between conventional resumes and executive resumes. Accomplishments are usually the center point of a conventional resume (i.e., indicating how much money was saved, how sales increased, what processes were proposed, planned, initiated, implemented, or streamlined). The executive resume, on the other hand, has more than one focus. It alludes to the executive's ability to drive profits (accomplishments) and the capacity to lead (that is, to blend various "soft" skills) an organization.
Successes are easier to hone in on. The result is clear, often quantifiable. After all, either you penetrated a market or you didn't, or either you were a top-performer or you weren't. It is harder to capture emotional competencies on paper, to indicate who you are, what you stand for, how you relate to others, how you affect change within an organization.
On an executive resume, a list of Accomplishments does not suffice. Employers expect more, and since your resume is an introduction to your full qualifications, you must incorporate what you have done as well as provide a notion of how you influence others. This information must be presented in a concise and compelling manner given that your resume is your most important marketing tool.
Moving beyond accomplishments
Coupled with a track record of financial success, good leadership is the single most important factor in the survival of an organization. Because of this, executives who point out the following "soft" needed skills on their resume are usually the ones invited to an interview. They show that they have the intangible qualities that promote the growth of the organization. These are the elements in question:
- Visionary - An "idea person" that challenges traditional ways of conducting business, and is willing to take on calculated risks. Demonstrated ability to think strategically, act tactically and have the strength of character to motivate others to buy into his or her ideas, concepts and values.
- Professional Integrity - A person who understands the value of honesty, accountability and trust in a business environment.
- Charisma - Knack for captivating an audience, having a presence that commands respect and has a natural ability to hold the interest of the listener.
- Emotional self-control - Someone who anticipates challenges and overcomes those that are unanticipated.
- Emotional Intelligence - Awareness of one's own feelings while having empathy and understanding for those of other people - and the relationship between the two.
- Effective use of inner resources - A person that trusts his or her gut instincts and takes the initiative to drive change.
- Flexible Communication Style - The ability to assess a situation, and react to it appropriately. Since there isn't much room at the top, opportunities at the executive-level stage are limited, your resume should move beyond the entry-level approach, and focus on who you are professionally and personally. This is why it is crucial that as an executive you present yourself as a complete package - a product a company will want to acquire.
About The Author
Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is President of CareerStrides and The National Resume Writers' Association. Visit her website at www.careerstrides.com or email her at careerstrides@bigfoot.com
Latest News
Wall Street Warfighters Foundation Selects First Wounded Vets for ... MarketWatch - "During their military careers, Staff Sergeant Jones and Master Sergeant Holmes demonstrated every day that they are disciplined, loyal, responsible leaders ... |
Cagle announces Lanier Charter Career Academy funding Access North Georgia, GA - The academies are unique centers of learning that provide Georgia's high school students with exceptional pathways to rewarding jobs, great careers and an ... |
Staying Power: 5 Careers with Bright Futures KNX1070, CA - Calling projected employment opportunities for nurses "excellent," BLS details that Nursing already makes up the largest healthcare occupation, ... |
Recession-proof your career - Employment expert offers job ... MyWebTimes.com, IL - ... understandable to be concerned about employment, there are steps workers can take to help them be more indispensable and “recession-proof” their career. ... |
Universities key to Michigan’s economic recovery Detroit Free Press, United States - ... but now many universities are in tune with emerging employment trends. Educators can provide invaluable guidance for workers seeking new career paths. ... |
‘Brain drain’ grant supports effort to prepare students for ... University of Indianapolis, United States - A substation of the university’s Office of Career Services will focus on employment opportunities for older students who have returned to higher education ... Butler to Use Grant to Deal With "Brain Drain" |
 Boston Globe | Losing jobs in unequal numbers Boston Globe, United States - (Robert E. Klein for The Boston Globe) By Robert Gavin The careers of Neal Boyle and Scott Hacker couldn't be more different. Boyle, whose education ended ... |
Sara Boyns named director of law firm The Salinas Californian, CA - We welcome information and photos regarding people, events and other aspects of Salinas-area business, including housing, careers and personal finance. ... |
Applied Marketing Science Research Study Instrumental in ... PR Web (press release), WA - Thus far, MIT has graduated two classes from the program, and nearly all have found suitable employment within their field. According to Jenny Stine, ... |
State agency posts personal data online Sun-Sentinel.com, FL - For 19 days in October, the sensitive personal information of at least 250000 Floridians was posted on a state government employment agency Web site, ... |
Resources
-
Sorry there are no resources available at this time