Crafting a Topnotch Executive Resume

An executive resume is the lifeline between applicant and recruiter; if it overwhelms or fails to impress, chances are good an invitation will not be extended for an interview. Knowing what to say -- and what not to say -- distin-guishes between a winning resume and one that doesn't capture its intended audience. By the same token, format choice is a critical component; the current economic landscape has fashioned a need for applicants to incorporate creativity with conventionality. As Worthington duly points out:

Sitting at the keyboard and using the template included with the purchase of your personal computer is much like everyone trying to use the same contact lens prescription. While elements of resume content may be similar, dominated by logic and fat-free data, the strongest presentation will be customized.

The Basics
It should go without saying that such resume pet peeves as typos, incorrect grammar, poor spelling and sloppy formatting stop a recruiter dead in his tracks. If a job candidate cannot compose at a grade school level, or at the very least take advantage of technological tracking that fixes some of these infractions, it doesn't bode well for where his resume's final resting place will be. Stellar accomplishments may not be enough to secure that first interview if an applicant lacks the fundamental components of proper written communication.

Similarly, resume length is a sticking point with recruiters who don't want the applicant's life history when a short, concise and interesting synopsis will suffice. Statistics speak to just how important this seemingly insignificant aspect is for those who receive thousands of resumes each year. AccounTemps in Menlo Park, California, who conducted a survey to determine what headhunters consider an appropriate length for executive resumes, found that nearly two-thirds (61%) felt two pages meet the need, while 7% thought it was overkill. 

Develop your executive resume to include a heading with personal contact informa-tion, job objective, work ex-perience and edu-cation. Instead of writing complete sentences, utilize strong action words to paint the right picture. For example, rather than saying "I was in charge of fifty people," change it to "Supervised a workforce of fifty." Likewise, it packs a much more powerful punch to say "Secured three new accounts worth $500,000" instead of "I made a lot of money for the company."

Practice Restraint
Things to omit include salary history (this belongs in the cover letter), photos, unrelated accomplishments, personal information and references, the latter of which can be brought to and discussed at the initial interview. Because recruiters already assume references are available, it's redundant to say so at the end of the resume.

In closing, Calvin Bruce reminds readers that while the most spectacular work history compilation "will help you get your foot in the door for actual employment interviews...how well you sell yourself in person is another story."

Get down to the nuts and bolts of writing a topnotch executive resume with more detailed tips from Business Week's Joseph Daniel McCool.