There are senior management resumes, and then there are C-Level resumes. While they might seem the same, they are not. C-suite executives must stand out from amongst the lot.
One might wonder how a C-level resume should be written. What must one include or exclude?
To get you started, here are five simple tips on how to put down a well-prepared C-Level resume and which creates a positive first impression:
1: Relevant Contact Information
Using an up-to-date email address such as Gmail matter as it suggests that you are in touch with the times. Email addresses such as Yahoo and AOL will draw criticism given how old they are. It will give someone the wrong impression of your competence.
Also, ensure you include your LinkedIn profile’s link to give recruiters and hiring managers visual resume to indicate otherwise.
2: Does It Pass the 10-Second Glance Test?
Recruiters and hiring managers take about 10 seconds to consider whether a candidate is suitable for the position or not.
Make sure your profile stands out compared to others at first. Otherwise, they will pass you over for other candidates.
3: The All-Important Summary Section
The topmost part of your resume is vital to your success in getting noticed immediately. It gives the reader a glance telling them what you’ve done and can do for them. It is that part of your resume that is sheer marketing which needs to clear, compelling, and concise too. For this section, provide a short overview, three accomplishments, keywords related to your current position, and your educational qualifications.
4: More accomplishments, less job descriptions
Job descriptions will do little or nothing for your resume. The real value of a C-level resume lies in expressing your achievement in numbers. This is exactly how you explain your success story to your reader, who has very little time on their hands.
Explain the impact that you’ve had on your position by answering the following questions:
- Have you been responsible for profit increase?
- Did you achieve industry firsts?
- How did you turn an underperforming organisation around?
5: Acceptable File Formats
Think of saving your resume in several file formats. You’ll need them because recruiters, employers, and hiring managers will accept resumes saved in any of the three most common formats: plain text, Word, and PDF.
Another exciting way to present yourself is to have a visual resume that contains supplemental information as well. The easiest way to do this is by setting up a professional-looking LinkedIn
While some of these tips might seem obvious, they are often overlooked, causing unnecessary embarrassment to several professionals. Just starting with these basics can help you focus on the minutiae going forward.
So, are there any other tips that you can think of that relates to writing presentable C-level resumes? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
