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At http://www.GrahamManagement.com, you can find many examples of management and executive resumes. These samples are so popular, that visitors to the site often copy them.

It is understandable that if you are in a management or executive job search, you’ll want to look at resumes online. The first temptation, of course, is to copy the content. After all, some resumes might look very impressive and it is easy enough to “cut and paste” some words here and there. The problem is that when you copy content from another manager or executive’s resume you are copying things about that person — not you.

Resume templates may be suitable for entry-level job seekers. Most of the positions that they apply for are widely available in the market. Advanced skills are rarely required. And, so they can get away with using a sample to get ideas and create an appropriate resume that works for someone beginning their career.

If you are seeking an executive or management position, that’s another story. You are a unique professional with a very specific skill set to offer. Your talents have been honed over a career of successes. Certainly, nobody else can copy your background. So, why would you want to copy theirs?

Your resume is your sales pitch and it has to be unique. You are selling yourself, not some other person. The last thing you want on an executive resume is copied information.  Never copy content from another resume — even if it is your best friend’s resume and you have permission. And, of course copying anything verbatim off the internet or from a book is plagiarism. You are worthy of your title, you have integrity, you offer something very special – and you should have a resume that reflects this.

Copying from a job description presents another set of problems. Certainly, you have more to offer than a static list of tasks, duties, and responsibilities. Plus, your executive resume will not stand out to the rest who have also copied the list of requirements. Instead of looking special, your document will be stuck in a pile of resumes that look identical to yours because most of the other applicants have designed their resume around the very same requirements.

A strategic resume distinguishes you from the rest. It is well thought out. Not only does the resume effectively represent you and your background, but it also meets your potential employer’s needs. Here are some things that you can do to write an effective management or executive resume:

• Rather than using a standard formula, start by performing a personal inventory.
• Identify your most valuable qualifications – even if they are not on the job description.
• Dig deep within yourself to identify your specific talents and accomplishments.
• Put on your prospective employer’s hat and think of what you offer that the company needs.
• Put together a powerful brand identity, value proposition, and professional profile that distinguishes you.
• Emphasise your abilities with powerful language and create statements with impact.
• Make it easy for the reader to get through your document by writing concisely .
• Design a professional and upscale “look and feel” only after you have determined the content.

If you are not able to write a management or executive resume yourself, hire an executive resume writer to do it for you. Make sure to check out their resume samples to ensure that they are capable of representing you well. If you use an experienced resume writer that you trust, your investment will be well spent.

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