Career Intelligence Resume Writing And Career Services

144 Rowayton Ave, Suite 324

Norwalk, CT 06853

+1.203.807.4360

Phone
Book Appointment
Career Intelligence Resume Writing And Career Services
  • Resume FAQs
    • Resume FAQs
    • Executive Resume Writing
    • How To Choose The Best Executive Resume Writer
    • Resume Writing Certifications
  • About
    • About Annette Richmond
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Executive Resume, LinkedIn Profile, and Career Document Packages
    • A La Carte – Resumes, LinkedIn Profiles, and more
    • Resume Distribution Service
    • Find A Job Faster – Webinars
    • Workshops and Training
    • Self Guided Career Tools
    • Free Career Tools
  • Resume Samples
  • Speaking
    • Book Annette to Speak
  • Media
    • Smarter Career Moves Podcast
    • Smarter Career Moves LinkedIn Live Shows
    • Media Mentions
  • Blog
  • Home > Blog > Job Search > Do You Have A “Tombstone” Resume?
  • Tombstone Resume
    18 Feb

    Do You Have A “Tombstone” Resume?

    Job Search / Resume Writing

    While most people think of resumes as employment histories, today’s resumes are marketing tools designed to sell you (the product) to a potential employer (the buyer).

    They are not boring lists of responsibilities. They are a place to document everything you do on a day-to-day basis.  They don’t include every job you’ve ever had or every single thing you’ve done during your career.

    That style of resume is sometimes called a “Tombstone” resume because it focuses on the past, not the future.

    To be effective, your resume needs to highlight the skills and achievements that make you valuable to potential employers.

     

    What Future-Focused Means

    The days of getting a job based on your experience or job title alone as long gone. You may think managing a $MM budget or having executives reporting to you is impressive. But, on it’s own, it’s not.

    People in similar positions do similar things. For example, the VP, Marketing for Nike does pretty much the same thing as the VP, Marketing for Adidas. They create marketing campaigns, conduct market resarch, analyze data, manager a team, etc.

    What sets one apart from the other is the impact he or she has made on their employer. That’s why career professionals say to focus achievements, impact, or results.

     

    Crafting Your Marketing Document

    When it comes to writing your resume, don’t rely on X number of years in your position or your job title. Think about the impact you made.

    Put simply, why were things better because you were there?

    Focus on the future rather than the past. This means highlighting the skills and abilities you want to use in your target position.  Going back to the previous example, if you have a variety of marketing experience but your goal is to work in digital marketing, feature achievements that showcase your digital marketing expertise.

    Generally, there’s no need to go back in detail more than 10 to 15 years. Based on the study done by The Ladders, recruiters and employers are most interested in your current or most recent position and possibly the one before that. Think of your resume like a funnel with the space dedicated to each position declining as the years increase.

    Think strategically about your resume content. While job seekers often want to include “everything” they can do, an unfocused resume will not serve you well.

    It’s important to frame your resume content in a way that best sells you to potential employers. That said, you should never lie, misrepresent, or grossly exaggerate. Here’s why lies matter.

     

    Extra Essential Information

    If, like most of my clients, you’ve had a lengthy career, there may be older important details. Older employment can be listed under a Prior or Earlier Career Section that includes titles and company information. But, no dates.

    Earlier speaking events, publications, patents, etc. can be included in an addendum that can be sent as needed. Likewise, with extensive education that includes fellowships or study abroad programs.

    Once you are finished writing your resume read it with “so what?” in mind. You may have established key-performance indicators, but what difference did it make? How did it help your department and/or company? Like all of us, employers are listening to Station WIIFM. Make sure you show them.

     

    GET STARTED TODAY WE WORK WITH SENIOR LEVEL EXECUTIVES AND HIGH-ACHIEVERS PURSUING THOSE ROLES.
    Visit Annette's online calendar to discuss your needs. You can upload your resume for a free evaluation during your discussion.

    Get my BEST updates delivered to your inbox.

    Join my email list and get my favorite content regularly. BONUS: Evaluate the effectiveness of your LinkedIn profile with our LinkedIn Scorecard. Unsubscribe anytime.


    Recent Posts

    How To Create A Resume For An Internal Promotion

    27 January 2023

    Successfully Navigate Your Next Networking Event (Even If You Dread Them)

    12 December 2022

    Three Ways To Boost Your Personal Brand On Linked In

    08 December 2022

    Unlock Thought Leadership: A Guide To Content Creation On LinkedIn

    04 December 2022

    Archives

    Categories

    career intelligence Resume Writing and Career Services serves senior level executives nationwide.

    Read More

    Important Links

    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Shopping Cart
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy

    Our Services

    • Resume FAQs
      • Resume FAQs
      • Executive Resume Writing
      • How To Choose The Best Executive Resume Writer
      • Resume Writing Certifications
    • About
      • About Annette Richmond
      • Testimonials
    • Services
      • Executive Resume, LinkedIn Profile, and Career Document Packages
      • A La Carte – Resumes, LinkedIn Profiles, and more
      • Resume Distribution Service
      • Find A Job Faster – Webinars
      • Workshops and Training
      • Self Guided Career Tools
      • Free Career Tools
    • Resume Samples
    • Speaking
      • Book Annette to Speak
    • Media
      • Smarter Career Moves Podcast
      • Smarter Career Moves LinkedIn Live Shows
      • Media Mentions
    • Blog

    GET IN TOUCH

    Career Intelligence Resume Writing and Career Services

    144 Rowayton Avenue, Suite 324, Norwalk, CT 06853

    +1.203.807.4360
    info@careerintelligenceresumewriting.com

    Copyright © careerintelligence Resume Writing and Career Services 2021. All rights reserved.