WHEN YOU REALLY MUST TRY TO IMPROVE YOUR EXECUTIVE RESUME YOURSELF…
Let me paint this picture. You are looking for an executive resume writer’s help:
“I need help ASAP for an interview I have coming up on Monday. It is a great opportunity,” you say.
“But, every great executive resume writer is busy,” you continue.
“Awww, really?” I say, sarcastically.
Don’t worry. I do care. While you won’t be able to elevate your resume to a master’s level today, you can improve it quickly. Here is what I would tell my friends to do (and I do) if they need help pronto.
DIY STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR EXECUTIVE RESUME IN A PINCH
Set all margins to no less than 0.7.” Why? Because you should avoid printing issues. Before you write your executive resume, make sure that what you are writing is going to print well. Yes, people still print.
Watch this 2-minute video on how to do EXACTLY that. How to change margins. Please do not set those margins to 1.” While that will add a lot of white space around your writing and make it look as if you have written much, that is not impressing anyone and will unnecessarily spread your resume across more pages than it needs.
Update your contact info. I am not kidding. Job seekers forget to include the new contact information and then wonder why no one has called them. Also, use an email address dedicated to job searching. You can set one up (or another one) via Gmail.
Specify the job title target. Include the title you are targeting at the top and center. Let’s say you are applying for the role of Global Accounts Manager or Chief Financial Officer — ensure that title is inserted at the top of your resume and right before your executive summary (which is the next DIY step). Remember you can change the title if your targets vary, but customize to match the role you are seeking–yes, every time.
Spruce up the executive summary. Now, remember that this is a quick DIY post. In the future, I will write more about how to create a ‘kick-a$$’ executive summary.’ But for now, let’s improve it.
Answer the following questions and include the answers in the executive summary: Why would you be great for this position? What is one of the most relevant accomplishments that prove you are ready for this role? Now edit this down to no more than 4 to 5 sentences, and sparingly throw in some relevant buzzwords/keywords (not so easy, huh?).
Spin your job descriptions. Revisit your resume’s employment section and rewrite your job description from a different angle. Instead of writing your job functions write about the impact you made.
Before you read this post: Led a team of 10 account managers in the service of global Fortune 100 customers.
After you so amazingly rewrote it (wink): Mentored a team of 10 global accounts managers, converting them into business partners to our Fortune 100 customers, which changed the fabric of our culture and outpaced competitors.
Wow! Good job!
Consolidate bullets. Do you really need to list all those bullets? Can’t you speak to some of this? Isn’t some of this obvious? Don’t brag about doing your job. Talk about what you changed, transformed, enhanced, revamped, reinvented, evolved. And, in as few bullets as possible.
Trim, trim, trim. I would recommend a length of no more than 2 or 3 pages. Since this is a quick DIY, I would say, no more than two pages. Play it safer for now. Remember, that your executive resume is supposed to position you to speak to someone — not do all the talking for you.
If you have any questions, email me at writer@careersteering.com to learn more about our executive resume writing services.
Good luck!
