When looking to make a professional move, your resume may likely be your first introduction to a prospective company or organization. In over 30 years as an executive search consultant and now an executive career advisor, I’ve reviewed thousands of resumes—the good, the bad, and the ugly. You don’t want to be overlooked for your next right position because of a resume that falls flat. Following is the 1st in a 2-part series where I share some Secrets from a Search Consultant™ for ensuring your resume hits the mark.
In Part 1 below, we focus on resume content essentials. In Part 2, we’ll focus on resume formatting tips.
Essential Resume Elements/Content:
1. CONTACT INFO. Do include your phone number, personal email address, and the link to your LinkedIn profile. You can share your city and state if you’d like (though not essential), but no need to include your home address.
2. SHOW BREADTH & DEPTH OF YOUR EXPERIENCE. By the time you’ve reached the senior executive ranks, you have a lot of experience to show for yourself. While a one-page resume may be appropriate for early career jobseekers, it’s too sparse for a C-suite slate. Certainly, don’t embellish or include redundant content, but don’t cut essential details out of concern for length.
3. ONE LINER. When you list an employer follow with a brief description that succinctly explains what they do, their annual revenue/budget, and number of employees. Your resume will be seen by people at many levels; don’t assume every reader will know even the most common companies.
4. ITEMIZE EXPERIENCE. If you have been promoted within a company, be sure to itemize your job titles and experiences to fully showcase your growth as a leader.
5. DON’T SELECTIVELY SHARE. Any search consultant worth their salt will ask for your story from college on and will cross-check that story. Leaving a chapter of your story off your resume will raise red flags. If a chapter represents an especially difficult or regrettable experience, don’t try to hide it; rather, look for ways to accentuate the positive lessons or growth that came from it.
6. PLAY THE NUMBERS. SHOW GROWTH. As a senior leader, you know demonstrated performance matters. As you list out your experiences, remember the adage “show don’t tell.” Phrase your experiences in ways that highlight your growth as a professional and leader. Secret: Please don’t include your GPA! Even though it may still be a proud moment, as a senior executive that’s no longer something you hang your hat on.
7. 24/7 RESUME. Reshape your 9-to-5 resume into a 24/7 resume, helping networking contacts and hiring organizations see you for the well-rounded leader you are and someone with personality and interests beyond the office. Secret: People hire themselves. Typically, they don’t know it.
I will share more on these and other secrets in our consulting sessions. As your strategic advisor my mission is to get you ready for the interviews that will land your first or next C-suite position. Through The Montague Method, I share my Secrets from a Search Consultant™, including techniques for shaping your resume to help you get noticed and invited to the interview. Explore the rest of my website to learn more and schedule a complementary 20-minute exploratory consultation. And, when you’re ready, read my resume formatting tips in Part 2.
