As a senior level candidate, the skill set you communicate to your reader on your executive resume is going to be a bit different than that of your middle management counterparts. You are speaking two completely different languages to your potential readers. In fact, your readers (and their reading environments) will also be vastly different. If your executive resume has not been performing up to standards, you need to take a step back and ask yourself “Did my resume content and organization strategy change with me when I decided to cross into the executive strata?” It is a question many don’t ask, but should. Here are some of the likely culprits if your executive resume is not up to speed:
Too Much Focus on Duties, Not High Level Accomplishments
While your middle management counterparts are trying to wow hiring managers with a number of duties and project, your goal is a bit different. Your resume should be clearly conveying the more abstract concept of being able to set strategic direction for an organization, as well as getting your team focused on achieving company mission. At this stage of your career, the task master approach won’t get you into the position you want. Be sure your resume speaks to your leadership skills in ensuring others check those tasks off in impressive fashion.
Poor Organization
If you are seeking a more senior level position, then it is likely you have a rich and full career behind you. When you are dealing with a one to two page limit, it becomes a challenge to structure your resume in such a way as to get the right information over to your reader quickly. The average resume has less than 10 seconds to make an impression. So if your diverse and varied background isn’t properly organized, your reader may miss the true value you bring to the position. If the resume is going to get you into the interview door, then it has to give the reader the critical information immediately.
Too Much Fluff Verbiage, Not Enough Meaty Impact
If there is one thing that hiring authorities hate, it is having to review resumes of littered with superlatives that can’t be documented or substantiated. While employers value good personality traits and qualities, they want to ensure you can do the job first. Your resume’s focus should be on core skills and qualities that relate directly to the position for which you are applying. If looking to convince leadership you are their next Director of Payroll, they care more about your ability to implement ADP than they do your being a “team player”.
