For such people, there is a resume writing service for executives. We are confused about the so-called structural rules. We feel we should use the "right" words, but we don't know how to choose them. Who decides on the "correct" and "incorrect" formulations?
If you are in a leadership position (or aspire to be), this task becomes much more difficult. Your resume should look presentable so that the reader understands that you can really manage other people.
Here are some tips to help you present yourself in the best possible way.
1. Write a short summary
A career goal means almost nothing, especially if you belong to a management team.
Yes, yes, we know. You are a responsible and enterprising employee with an exemplary track record. You are looking for new opportunities and want to work for a company that values its staff. Any applicant strives for the same thing, right? Remove general phrases from the header of your resume and replace them with a brief but informative summary that will let the reader know that you are the ideal candidate for the desired position.
For our clients, we compile a list of four or five key value propositions that reflect the specifics of his professional activity. For example, if you are applying for a position as an executive director in the manufacturing sector, indicate that you have an agile methodology and experience in managing a department that has achieved significant results or increased the company's profit several times over. If you know that the company you want to work for is experiencing some difficulties, please indicate how you can help them.
This section is the most important part of the resume. With it, you will make it clear that you are the undisputed leader and are able to fit into this role. Make the most of your summary. Below are some tips on how to do this.
2. Indicate the financial and other results of your activities
Numbers are good, because they give the reader the most complete picture of the applicant. However, when looking for a new leader, the employer first of all pays attention to the impact that he has on his subordinates and the company as a whole. A talented leader is not just a good person. He must be able to earn money, stimulate the development of the department, reduce costs, optimize the work of personnel and fulfill plans.
How to show that you can do all this? Show results. Specify numbers. Just add a Key Achievements section for every position you've ever held. Indicate quantitative and qualitative characteristics so that the reader can easily find this information.
3. Include a section in your resume that describes the main professional skills of the manager
These are the keywords that should be on any resume. If you're applying for a managerial position, don't blindly apply for every job you find through online services. Instead, a network of professional contacts should be used. But even if your resume is designed for people and not for search engines, you still need to include words that describe your professional skills and indicate that you can hold a leadership position.
The ability to self-control and the ability to work in Excel are certainly very important skills, but they in no way characterize you as a leader. Instead, mention your ability to create individual development plans for employees and income statements, manage change, organize mergers and acquisitions, reorganize processes, follow a common strategy, etc. Put this information in a separate section (such as "Area of Competence" or "Key Skills") located at the beginning of the resume, right below the summary. If you consider it necessary to indicate technical skills, put them in a separate section with the appropriate name.
4. Highlight important career events relevant to the target position
As a leader, you certainly have an extensive track record that you can rightfully be proud of. Surely you have achievements that you can share with a potential employer. Feel free to talk about them, but do not overload your resume with unnecessary details. This is not an autobiography, but a selling document, designed for a specific reader. Describe events relevant to the position you are applying for, omitting all non-essential details.
If you want to play big, try to make a good first impression.