www.sharongraham.ca

If you are an executive in career transition, you probably have never had to write a resume – until now. While you were busy working hard, attaining business objectives, and being promoted, you hardly had time or reason to put together such a document.

Resume writing trends sure have come a long way since the 90’s. Rigorous competition in today’s market makes it impossible to just slap together a synopsis of your background and responsibilities. It is becoming increasingly clear that an outdated resume will definitely stand out, but in the wrong way. So, how can you write a resume that represents you well?

Differentiating yourself from your competition in our increasingly virtual world is key; you have a chance of being found and getting an interview for an appropriate leadership position. Here are some tips to help you start to think outside of the norm:

1. Rather than using copycat content, define your value proposition in terms that others cannot replicate. Drive this unique message as the central point throughout your resume and cover letter.
2. Create a highly personalized tagline and branding statement, which you can consistently disseminate. By propagating this statement in all your self-marketing documents, presentations, and social media, you will create a memorable presence.
3. Discuss your broad leadership undertakings and the bottom-line results you produced, rather than the smaller, mundane accomplishments. The more insignificant details you give, the less you look like the person who belongs at the top of the organization.
4. Use fewer words, sharper statements, and tighter language to encourage people to read your resume. Large paragraphs and overly “meaty” statements are boring and difficult for the reader to retain. You can always provide the “meat” in your collateral documents such as your executive profile and leadership initiatives outline.
5. Instead of using a resume template, create an upscale design and unique brand identity. A striking look can effectively give you the edge when there are many similar resumes being reviewed. This brand identity should be duplicated in other self-marketing material such as your networking letter and marketing presentation.
6. Ensure that you address the needs of all readers – those that glance at your resume, and those who scrutinize it. Use charts, graphs, diagrams, and bullet points only if they help to bring your message to light.
7. List all your pertinent contact information including the URL’s to your LinkedIn profile and VisualCV. You will be able to subtly direct recruiters to the right place where they can validate your information and perform a background check.
8. If you cannot write a resume that represents you truthfully and effectively, then invest in a professional resume writer. Rather than presenting a “less than par” homemade document, represent yourself at the calibre that you truly are.

It is one thing to “jump on the bandwagon” and “follow the pack;” but, if you want to attract people who are looking for the best, you need to reach past conventional wisdom and templates. Get cracking on your new resume now. By standing above your competition, you will produce the positive attention you deserve.

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

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