How to Write an Executive Resume
Think details., Mold your resume to fit the position for which you are applying., Write a paragraph that highlights your skills and expertise., Focus on your achievements more than the work history., Include a work history, using action words to...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Think details.
While brevity is a virtue in many executive communications, it's not uncommon to see two- and three-page executive resumes with details about experience.
Often, executive positions are filled by boards or a group of people who want all the information in front of them.
Depending upon the size of the company, a professional resume may have to go through several levels before it makes it to the hiring group. -
Step 2: Mold your resume to fit the position for which you are applying.
It's not only important to communicate your abilities, but to show how those abilities fit the high-level position.
If the position most likely will include travel to China and you speak fluent Chinese, this is an important attribute. , As the opening paragraph to an executive resume, this paragraph needs to pack a decisive punch so the reader has no doubt you're executive material.
What sets you apart from other people applying for this position? Think of the first paragraph as advertising your abilities and a way to tell the reader that it's worth his or her time to continue reading. , Although achievements most likely will include work experience, there may be other relevant achievements.
Resume writing for achievements takes into account the position for which you're applying.
If you're applying for a Chief Financial Officer position, and you headed a volunteer group in which you increased revenues 200%, then this is an important achievement that needs to be highlighted, regardless of whether it's a paid or volunteer position.
The financial officer will focus on financial experience.
Other positions may be slanted to research or technical achievements. , Will the job titles or the company names be most impressive? Only you know the answer to that, but whichever is most important should be listed first.
Afterwards, emphasize the responsibilities and accomplishments of your positions. , Where skills and experience are most important in some jobs, education tends to be quite important in the executive resume.
List the institution and degree earned.
Don't forget any honors or special achievements earned in college. , Include offices that you've held and any specific outcomes. , You don't want to make it difficult for a potential employer to contact you. , When writing resumes, it's not as important to use complete sentences as it is to be clear.
Action words make the reading more interesting and communicate your active, not passive, accomplishments. , While the contents are important, so is the appearance.
Use quality paper with an easy-to-read font type and size.
In addition to using a spell checker, read through the resume for typos that the spell check function missed. -
Step 3: Write a paragraph that highlights your skills and expertise.
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Step 4: Focus on your achievements more than the work history.
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Step 5: Include a work history
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Step 6: using action words to describe skills and responsibilities.
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Step 7: Describe your educational background.
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Step 8: Mention professional memberships and community service in a professional resume.
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Step 9: Make certain that your contact information
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Step 10: including address
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Step 11: phone numbers and email address
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Step 12: is easy to find on the executive resume.
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Step 13: Use a consistent writing style.
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Step 14: Perfect the appearance of the executive resume.
Detailed Guide
While brevity is a virtue in many executive communications, it's not uncommon to see two- and three-page executive resumes with details about experience.
Often, executive positions are filled by boards or a group of people who want all the information in front of them.
Depending upon the size of the company, a professional resume may have to go through several levels before it makes it to the hiring group.
It's not only important to communicate your abilities, but to show how those abilities fit the high-level position.
If the position most likely will include travel to China and you speak fluent Chinese, this is an important attribute. , As the opening paragraph to an executive resume, this paragraph needs to pack a decisive punch so the reader has no doubt you're executive material.
What sets you apart from other people applying for this position? Think of the first paragraph as advertising your abilities and a way to tell the reader that it's worth his or her time to continue reading. , Although achievements most likely will include work experience, there may be other relevant achievements.
Resume writing for achievements takes into account the position for which you're applying.
If you're applying for a Chief Financial Officer position, and you headed a volunteer group in which you increased revenues 200%, then this is an important achievement that needs to be highlighted, regardless of whether it's a paid or volunteer position.
The financial officer will focus on financial experience.
Other positions may be slanted to research or technical achievements. , Will the job titles or the company names be most impressive? Only you know the answer to that, but whichever is most important should be listed first.
Afterwards, emphasize the responsibilities and accomplishments of your positions. , Where skills and experience are most important in some jobs, education tends to be quite important in the executive resume.
List the institution and degree earned.
Don't forget any honors or special achievements earned in college. , Include offices that you've held and any specific outcomes. , You don't want to make it difficult for a potential employer to contact you. , When writing resumes, it's not as important to use complete sentences as it is to be clear.
Action words make the reading more interesting and communicate your active, not passive, accomplishments. , While the contents are important, so is the appearance.
Use quality paper with an easy-to-read font type and size.
In addition to using a spell checker, read through the resume for typos that the spell check function missed.
About the Author
Lori Murphy
With a background in lifestyle and practical guides, Lori Murphy brings 10 years of hands-on experience to every article. Lori believes in making complex topics accessible to everyone.
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