Tips for creating an eye-catching executive resume

Executives searching for jobs in the digital age may find themselves wondering if a resume is still important – after all, sites like LinkedIn can now show potential employers a detailed summary of previous work experience in a convenient, online platform. However, candidates who are seeking management roles still need to be sure that their resumes are pristine, well-organized and clearly show previous leadership experience while helping the applicants stand out from hundreds of others. Here are several ways that high-level executives can ensure their resumes impress executive recruiting firms.

Pay attention to formatting While the content of your resume is what demonstrates your abilities and experience, the first thing an executive recruiter is going to notice when your resume comes across his or her desk is the way the document is formatted. Many executive search firms use digital applicant tracking systems to store and organize information about numerous candidates, so your resume needs to look good and be cut-and-paste friendly to ensure that the firm can put it in the system with ease. Try to avoid using PowerPoint or other unusual formatting in the document, as this will only make things more complicated for the recruiter and could hinder your search.
Focus on your successes According to Executive Resume Branding, the best resumes are the ones that tell career success stories about how you were able to make an impact and get things done with the firms at which you were previously employed. Include tangible, profitable results that you were able to achieve with these organizations, and the search firm will get a sense of the steps you’ll be able to take in the position that needs to be filled.
Put personal information up front Make it as easy as possible for the executive search firm to get in touch with any questions or potential leads. The upper right-hand corner of the document is a great place to put all of your personal information, as most resumes are bound and stapled on the left-hand side. Include your name, email address, phone number and mailing address – while it’s unlikely that the recruiting firm would try to reach you via mail, your ZIP code could be used in a regional search.
Include your leadership roles Early in your resume, include a summary of your skill set and leadership abilities. Discuss your management style, as well as the most significant accomplishments you’ve made in previous management positions. Address any challenges you faced, and include the ways in which you were able to overcome those difficulties effectively.
Remember that your resume is a talking point A resume shouldn’t be a detailed autobiography about your work experience up to this point. Instead, it should include brief summaries of your skills that demonstrate your capabilities and can act as talking points during a future interview. A good resume showcases your talents as well as the results you’ve achieved in previously held positions, and should reflect your values and the things you’re most proud of accomplishing in your career thus far.

About Caldwell Partners

Caldwell Partners is a technology-powered talent acquisition firm specializing in recruitment at all levels. Through two distinct brands – Caldwell and IQTalent Partners – the firm leverages the latest innovations in AI to offer an integrated spectrum of services delivered by teams with deep knowledge in their respective areas. Services include candidate research and sourcing through to full recruitment at the professional, executive and board levels, as well as a suite of talent strategy and assessment tools that can help clients hire the right people, then manage and inspire them to achieve maximum business results. Please visit our website at www.caldwell.com for further information.

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