How To Show Momentum On Your Executive Resume
Unfortunately, most resumes, including executive resumes, show change not momentum. Many of the resumes I see indicate that the client has moved from one position to another, but doesn’t emphasize the underlying factors.
One of the reasons employers prefer reverse-chronological resumes is because they show a candidate’s career progression. But, when you want to convey value it’s not enough to just indicate that you moved from one position to another. Even if that move has been to a higher position.
Some people are moved up the ladder because they’ve been with a company the requisite time. Others are promoted because of their achievements.
Consider that when putting together your executive resume.
Let’s say you were recruited by your current employer right out of college. Over the last 10 years you’ve changed positions 3 times. Maybe each time you were even promoted.
That’s great.
But, depending on your particular situation, it might be even better.
3 Reasons Recruiters Aren’t Calling You
As a businessperson, I go to a lot of networking events. Some, like SHRM, provide professional development. Often, I’m speaking at job seeker groups. Wherever the event, I always meet people who are looking for a new job.
Their most common complaint is not getting interviews.
Before becoming a resume writer, I worked as a recruiter. That means I reviewed countless resumes and spent hours on LinkedIn looking for candidates. That experience gives me some insight into why recruiters call some candidates but not others. Here are 3 reasons.
6 Point Executive Resume Checklist
You may have heard of Marshall Goldsmith’s bestselling book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful.
The truth is, it’s the same with resumes. The resume that generated interviews early in your career, won’t get you noticed once you reach the executive level.
The resume that listed your duties and responsibilities won’t impress recruiters and employers who are filling executive roles. Here is a 6 Point Checklist for developing an interview-generating, executive resume.
Employment History vs. Modern Executive Resume
If you want to get an employer’s attention, don’t send them an employment history. Send them a results-driven, easy-to-scan executive resume.
While many people think they are one and the same.
They’re not.
The reaction they get from employers isn’t the same either.
Here are a few reasons why.
Old-School Executive Resume (Employment History)
4 Things You Must Include On Your Executive Resume
In many respects your executive resume is your calling card. While having supplements like an Infographic resume and online portfolio, an executive resume is often what gets you in the door. To help make that happen make sure that it’s searchable and doesn’t raise any red flags.
There are a lot of candidates competing for each role. Getting the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager isn’t easy. When you do you don’t want to blow your chances.
While on a content is king, there are many other things to consider as well.
4 Essential Executive Resume Components
Skills Summary
Today keywords are essential. Having a keyword-rich executive resume will help your resume pass the ATS evaluation. It will help you engage a recruiter as he or she quickly scans your resume as well.