After rewriting and submitting resume after resume, only to ignite interest from ‘step-back’ positions, you are beginning to feel stuck and wondering what you are NOT sharing.
Perhaps you are missing your next-level career mark not because your resume needs more bullets (DON’T)—but because your marketing message needs calibrating.
You see, it is true that most recruiters and hiring managers will peruse your executive resume for only a few seconds (at least on the first round). Therefore, what you must do is PLOT, PRIORITIZE, and POSITION. Show them why you are the type of leader who will deliver maximum and transformational results. No one is looking for the same old same old.
BEGIN HERE TO EVOLVE YOUR EXECUTIVE RESUME AND ATTRACT QUALITY INTERVIEWS
What is in the first third of your current resume? Is it impressive? Quantifiable? Unique? Scan your current resume, find the answers to the following questions and bring that vital information to the front. Positioning elevates your marketing pitch. Turn your executive resume upside down, starting off with meaningful prose that will catalyze a career jump:
- Which major companies in your career history would heighten your profile? We are talking employers and corporate clients, too. Yes, name-dropping is good!
- What market, culture, financial, and operational challenges have you overcome that would be relevant to your target employer? Think strategic and higher level problem-solving; the type that delivers value to shareholders, earns a seat at the C-suite table or, at least, bends the ear of those who sit there already.
- What organizational transformation in your career has been most impressive and why?
- Who would you report to in this new ideal position? Think outside of the job description to the relationship that will most matter in this new role. That leader will weigh in on your hire.
- Is your value offer/promise front and center on page one?
- Does your resume summary begin as another candidate’s would? You need to start with a different and compelling message -- not just a summary of what is to follow.
It could very well be that you are unintentionally calling these positions that don't serve to progress your career. Raise your strategy and you will see the quality of interview offers elevated in equal measure.