Résumé-writing tips for managers and executives

2011-12-16

Job seekers often communicate a first impression through their reacutesumeacutes. In the newly updated edition of quotExpert Reacutesumeacutes for Managers and Executives,quot authors Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark stress the importance of a strong reacutesumeacute forall applicants.
quotA vital component of your careermanagementplan is your reacutesumeacute, which must instantly position you as a well-qualified and highly competitive candidate,quot the authors say. quotThe easiest way to accomplish that objective is by developing a powerful, performance-based reacutesumeacute.quot
In their book, Enelow and Kursmark provide numerous reacutesumeacute samples, divided by career field, that are aimed at people at all levels of management, from front-linesupervisorsto top-levelexecutives. They also offer nine strategies for writing effective reacutesumeacutes:
1. Write for the job you want:quotYou cannot write an effective reacutesumeacute without knowing, at least to some degree, what type or types of positions you will be seeking.quot
2. Sell it to me, don’t tell it to me:quotIf you ‘tell it,’ you simply state facts. If you ‘sell it,’ you promote it, advertise it and draw attention to it.quot
3. Use keywords:quotKeywords are … specific to a particular industry or profession. When you use these words and phrases, you are communicating a specific message.quot
4. Use the quotbigquot and save the quotlittlequot:quotTry to focus on the ‘big’ things — revenue and profit growth, new initiatives and ventures, special projects, cost savings … then save the ‘little’ stuff — the details — for the interview.quot
5.Make your reacutesumeacute quotinterviewablequot:After quotyou are contacted for a telephone or in-person interview, your reacutesumeacute becomes all-important in leading and prompting your interviewer during your conversation.quot
6. Eliminate confusion with structure and context:quotBe consistent, make information easy to find and define the context in which you worked.quot
7.Use function to demonstrate achievement:quotA reacutesumeacute that focuses on your job functions can be dry and uninteresting and says little about your unique activities and contributions.quot
8. Remain in the realm of reality:quotDo not push your skills and qualifications outside the bounds of what is truthful.quot
9. Be confident:quotThere is only one individual with the specific combination of employment experience, qualifications, achievements, education and technical skills that you have.quot
quotYour reacutesumeacute can have tremendous power and a phenomenal impact on your job search. So don’t take it lightly,quot Enelow and Kursmark say. quotRather, devote the time, energy and resources that are essential to developing a reacutesumeacute that is well-written,visuallyattractive and effective incommunicatingwho you are and how you want to be perceived.quot

Source From MSN