Avoid These Mistakes on Your Executive Resume

To impress executive recruiters, create an executive resume that makes you stand out from the crowd. Common resume mistakes can lead to recruiters passing over your application. Use these tips to create an executive resume that increases your chance of success.

Avoid Over-Complicated Language

Executive resumes should not be full of jargon. Stick to simple terms that everyone in the field understands. You should also use short sentences, which are easier to scan and digest.

Include Keywords

If your executive resume does not include the right keywords, it might not get through the first stage of the selection process. Busy recruiters often use software to scan executive resumes for particular keywords. To ensure your resume makes it through, include keywords from the job description in your resume. For example, if the job descriptions states that the candidate must be proficient in a particular software, include the name of that software in your resume.

Tailor Your Resume

It is very important to tailor your resume to every executive position you apply for. Sending out the same resume to multiple companies is an ineffective strategy that typically doesn't yield positive results. Every time you apply for a job, your resume should explain in detail how you can meet the employer's unique needs.

Be Specific About Your Successes

Successful executives include information about their achievements on their resumes. The best way to get the recruiter's attention is to be as specific as possible about your achievements. Instead of saying you worked as a salesperson, say that you were the "top-performing salesperson who increased annual sales by 35 percent in 2018."

Proofread Your Resume

Spelling and grammar mistakes in an executive resume can make you look careless or even suggest that you do not really want the job. Take the time to proofread every resume and cover letter you send out. You should also make sure the formatting is clear and easy to read to avoid recruiters from skipping over your application.

Stay Up to Date

Trends in executive resumes change over time. For example, it is no longer common to include an objective statement at the start of the resume. Instead, executives today open with a Career Summary section. Seasoned executives might be in the habit of including information such as marital status on a resume, but this is no longer the norm. Instead, the header should include your name and email address and contact number. Always check the latest trends in executive resumes before you start applying for executive jobs.

Avoiding common resume mistakes can increase your chance of success when applying for an executive job. Stick to tried-and-tested conventions when preparing your executive resume to ensure your document isn't passed over.

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