Executive Resume Tips

If you plan to get a C-suite job in the near future, you need to polish your executive resume to make it stand out from others. Even if you know you're the perfect fit for a particular job, you must convince the hiring committee, board or CEO. Take a look at some top trends for high-level resumes that can help you make an impact.

1. Measure Impactful Achievements

Your top three to five achievements from previous positions likely had a measurable impact on your employer. Your executive resume must demonstrate that your previous companies or current employer greatly benefit because of your work there. List your high-level achievements, such as business transformations, mergers and acquisitions, or strategic growth. Then, list the measurable impacts of your work, such as higher stock prices, better revenue streams, improved cost-savings and/or a better plan for future growth. Start with your most recent measurable achievements and work backwards.

2. Put Your Best Information First

List the most important aspects of your career at the top your executive resume. Consider your advanced degrees, books or papers you authored or media exposure related to your business accomplishments. These top-level aspects show you are a leader in your industry. Put a Career Summary at the top of the page to highlight these top-level achievements.

3. Tell Your Story While Respecting Your Reader

Include your previous job titles, industry and size of the company in each position you list in an executive resume. Keep in mind that not all recruiters will be familiar with each company you list. Therefore, try to include information about the type of organization you worked for. This gives recruiters, board members and CEOs some context for your accomplishments. For example, you can state that you "transformed a mid-cap company with $50 million in revenue and two offices into a juggernaut with $200 million in revenue and 10 offices in just seven years as a vice president within the business consulting industry."

4. Use Multiple Channels

Your executive resume is not the only way to highlight your career achievements. Examine your LinkedIn and social media profiles carefully to make sure they align with what you put in your resume. If your LinkedIn profile is vastly different from your resume, this sends up a red flag to recruiters. Also, consider creating a professional portfolio, and include a link to your career portfolio on your resume. The easiest way to create a portfolio is to design a website that features a comprehensive list of your education, job history and achievements.

5. Remember to Use Keywords

Even though you're applying for an upper-level job, keep in mind that larger companies may still use applicant trackers to vet candidates during the initial stages. Tailor your resume to each position, using keywords and phrases directly from the job listing. Always use the job description as a guide when tweaking your resume.

Use these top trends in your executive resume to demonstrate that you're the perfect fit for a position. What other tips can you think of to capture the attention of a CEO, executive recruiter or board of directors?

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