Your resume should tell a story about why you are the best fit for a particular role. Like all captivating narratives, it should begin with a hook.
Underneath your name and title, include a resume summary. A brief statement about who you are, what you have to offer, and why they should hire you. It should also include some of your key skills and strengths.
Here are some tips on what makes an executive’s resume summary compelling.
Succinct and specific
Less than 10 seconds! That’s how much time a recruiter will spend scanning your CV according to an eye-tracking study done in 2018. Therefore, make it relevant, punchy and sweet.
Avoid lengthy descriptions and clichés in your resume. Instead, craft a compelling elevator pitch to capture the mind of the reader. It will make him/her want to spend a little more time on your CV. The executive summary is like your elevator pitch. You have to show why you, not the other candidates, are the right person for the job.
Spend another five minutes reading through the job description. Try to spot repeated and emphasis words. Then work with a CV writer to subtly include these words in the summary.
Well-thought-out content
Before you begin writing, you should take some time to think about what you would like to put across. Are you having too many thoughts crossing your mind? Use these thought-provoking questions to get you warmed up on what to write and in the right direction.
- What are the top three things about yourself that you could tell a recruiting panel?
- What are your proudest career moments?
- What intangible trait is most evident in your career? (are you entrepreneurial, pragmatic)?
- What’s your next career goal?
- What distinctive appeal do you bring to the table?
Now to the writing. First, reach out to a CV writer to help you make the summary brief and to the point.
Measurable achievements
Executives love numbers. Adding a brief touch of your measurable achievements to your executive resume summary boosts your credibility. It also gives the reviewer a reason to go back and scan your resume once again.
Reflect on your recent and relevant achievements. Which ones make you proud?
Have you received any awards or recognition due to these achievements?
Make sure you point one out.
A clear value proposition
At the executive level, you can say that recruitment is more about investing rather than employing. And you must see yourself as an investment. The employer anticipates that you will deliver returns.
What is your value proposition?
Is there a clear prospect for a good Return On Investment?
Answering these questions when you are by yourself, or with the help of a CV writer, will help you address the question, “why should we appoint you?”
In conclusion, it helps to look backwards and evaluate your measurable accomplishments vis-a-vis your unique blend of skills, personality, and expertise. Then work with a CV writer to help you craft a punchy summary that captures these aspects.
A compelling summary will get the recruiter to look and invite you for an interview.
