You’ve finally dusted off your executive resume just in case you need it. Things are moving fast in light of COVID-19 pandemic and so you ask yourself if it might be a good idea to prepare for a possible job search. You know you are valuable to your organization, but, let’s face it, these are uncertain times.
If that sounds like you, you are right. It is never a bad idea to be prepared. Yet, so many executives find themselves unprepared. If you are interested in partnering with an executive resume writer to help you update, modernize, and refresh your executive brand, contact us.
Yet, if you find that you need to makeover your executive resume quickly for an opportunity that came knocking unexpectedly–the resume updating tips below will help you.
How to Help Your Executive Resume Look Better
One of the things you can do is revamp and rejuvenate your executive resume so that it’s attractive and professionally branded. Please know, however, that while I’ll be equipping you with formatting/visual techniques, your resume’s content is the bottom line and it needs to be
1. RELEVANT
2. MARKETING-ORIENTED
3. ACCOMPLISHMENT-DRIVEN
4. SUBSTANTIATED and 5. QUANTIFIED.
The following will immediately improve your executive resume’s visual appeal…
Expert Techniques to Make Your Executive Resume Sparkle
Dynamic Heading – A few things can help your resume’s heading pop. You can bold, change the font size, and create a logo. The point is to ensure it is tastefully done and relevant to the industry. Note: I do not recommend anything other than bolding and changing font size for conservative industries (i.e., engineering, law, accounting, insurance, etc.).
Summary / Profile – Brand yourself a professional. You can begin to do so easily by adding a job title before your Profile/Summary and underlining your new section with a colored border.
White Space –One of the most neglected visual techniques is the inclusion of white space. Including white space makes the reading inviting and easier on the eyes.
Cleanup Sentences –I am a concise kind of gal. For me, conciseness is key. Keep paragraphs short. Personally, I don’t like more than say five to six sentences together. Nice crisp and clean, but power hitting!
Color –I mentioned color above, but allow me to elaborate and emphasize you must use color carefully. If you are using more than one color, keep it coordinated, subtle, and professional. If you have no color theory knowledge, keep to the same color and just mix two shades.
Charts, Tables, and Graphs – If you are in sales, marketing, any numbers-driven field, you can add a visual reference to demonstrate spiraling revenues.
Borders/Dividers – Sectioning off the areas of your executive resume with either borders, dividers, or extra white space is an excellent way to keep things organized and neat. Give each section a strong and bold title. Make it easy for your employer to skip to the areas desired.
Bullets Limited – A sea of bullets is not attractive– no matter how you adorn them. I try to keep bullets to no more than six under each job description. There a few things you can do here like inserting space of .02 to .04 in between bulleted sentences; create a paragraph and then bullet only extraordinary achievements; a bit trickier, but effective, is grouping bullets/achievements based on skill.
The Second Page Matters –When you create a second page, remember to format it also. Many will focus on the first page and the second page looks pretty plain. Use the same techniques I listed above. It is even more difficult to guide your reader’s eyes through the entire second page, as most employers don’t even read that far into your resume. If they have, ensure it is an easy and information-driven read.
Extra Visual and Marketing Power – Adding an endorsement or a quote is an excellent eye-catcher. Just ensure you have followed the white space rule, otherwise, your endorsement will just seem like unnecessary adornment. Lastly, adding a branding statement is an outstanding charmer and an excellent marketing tactic.
LinkedIn––Be sure to add your LinkedIn profile to your resume so that employers can continue to learn more about you.
For some visual assistance, please see our resume designs.
If you need ghostwriting services, please contact us.
As always, if you have any questions, please email me at writer@careersteering.com
Rosa Elizabeth Vargas
Master Resume Writer Credentialed
This is a full and well done list of helpful hints to improve almost any resume. Thanks for taking the time during a busy period.
You’ve mentioned all my favorite elements to use on a resume: graphics, color, borders, dividers, clear,concise writing and most importantly, white space. GREAT information for an eye-catching presentation — truly a present for the eyes.
Rosa,
All wonderful points to spruce up one’s resume or CV. I loved that you mentioned white space….legibility is one of the most important points I feel people often gloss over.
Happy holidays!
Megan
Very complete list for writing a resume. All great pointers. A perfect gift for job seekers.
Rosa,
The metaphor of the resume as an aesthetically pleasing package is engaging!
As well, the techniques to create a sparkling resume provide job seekers tangible action steps.
Creatively executed idea!
Jacqui
Rosa, so nicely packaged! I can visualize the sparkling resume now!
Your advice and crisp recommendations should help any job seeker better package themselves this holiday! Thanks for writing a wonderful piece!
Rosa – The analogy comparing a resume to a pleasing package/gift is perfect! There is nothing worse for a job seeker than having terrific qualifications presented poorly on an ill-designed resume. I am glad that you are careful to caution that not every “design” element works for every job seeker. Terrific list, and thanks for your contributions and help with the Career Collective!
Rosa,
Resume bling rocks! These are great tips. Content may be king but presentation is equally important.
Rosa – I love lists like this because it’s so easy to forget all the things that matter. Yes, content is critical but if it’s unappealing looking,it’s an uphill battle. Great post!
Rosa,
Great list! I like strong formatting in a resume. Sometimes folks are so focused on the content, they forget how it looks. And while I know content is important, you will GRAB THE READER by how it looks (then you can WOW them with the content).
Great tips!!
Erin Kennedy
Fabulous ideas! Perfect for this season, and certainly a great way to stand out from the crowd, particularly in December’s less crowded field.
Happy Holidays!
Susan
Great article. Love the way you’ve built the expectation of a high quality gift. So true!