When you’re in the big leagues, you need a resume to go along with your senior-level position. Writing an executive resume, however, can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know the right approach to take. That’s where ResumeSpice, a leading executive resume writing service, comes in. We’re experts in director-level resumes and offer these eight ways for improving yours.
1. Lead with your executive summary.
If you haven’t searched for a new job in a while, you might include an “Objective” statement at the top of your resume. But these are not only dated, they waste valuable space. Instead, use an “Executive Summary” at the top, discussing your key qualifications and accomplishments that are most relevant. Whatever you include, it should make you the obvious choice for the job.
2. Cover core proficiencies.
Core proficiencies include those skills you specialize in or that you’ve had in-depth experience in. It’s one feature that sets an executive resume apart from a junior-level one. Within this area, demonstrate what you’re capable of in key, executive-level areas, such as change management, M&A, or employee development and training. This section should be listed under your “Executive Summary” with your “Work Experience” to follow.
3. Show your impact.
On every resume, but especially executive ones, hiring managers want to see the impact. This includes sales numbers, profits earned, savings, efficiencies and other ways that you can quantify your achievements.
4. Highlight experience most relevant to the role.
When it comes to your director-level resume, you’ll need to tweak it depending on the role you’re applying for. When you do, edit your “Work Experience” section, so it includes the skills and responsibilities that are most relevant to the position and the employer.
5. Keep it simple.
It’s easy to go overboard when writing an executive resume. You have a lot of experience you want to highlight. However, if your resume gets too long, it can work against you. Instead, approach writing it as a marketing document rather than an autobiography. It should be the highlight reel of your career, not include every job you’ve held or duty you’ve performed.
6. Avoid clichés.
Use straightforward language when you’re writing your resume and avoid clichés like “self-starter,” “strategic thinker,” or “thought leader.” Show the hiring manager why they should hire you through examples and accomplishments; don’t simply tell them.
7. Don’t forget about formatting.
Your resume needs to be reader-friendly, and that means following traditional resume formatting rules. For instance, make sure margins are wide enough, fonts are large enough and you use bolding and bullets points throughout.
8. Ask a friend to proofread it.
When you’re writing your resume, it’s easy to gloss over or not pick up on errors. Even if they’re minor, they can leave a negative impression behind. So ask someone you trust to proofread your resume and provide feedback. This way, you can rest assured it’s error-free.
Interested in hiring an executive resume writing service?
Turn to the experts at ResumeSpice. We can offer you resume writing tips and advice on improving yours, along with senior executive resume examples. Or we can develop yours from scratch. If you’re ready to learn more, call 832.930.7378 or contact us online.
