Putting together an executive bio can be tough work, especially if it’s been a long while since you’ve hunted for a new position. The job market and its requirements are constantly shifting, so much so that what would have been fine to include on a resume years back is considered far less passable today. Regardless of how long it’s been since you’ve been on the hunt for a job, there’s a variety of things you need to watch out for when crafting your executive resume that often go unnoticed. Below we’ve gathered a list of items you should exclude the next time you update your resume.
Subpar Formatting
This is one of the primary elements that can make or break your resume. Potential employers have so many candidates to sort through they only have a few seconds to spare per resume. Make yours count by keeping it as readable as possible. If your resume is too difficult to decipher, it will automatically be passed over in favor of someone else. This is the absolute last thing you want to happen during your job hunt. Luckily, this problem can be easily fixed.
We first recommend saving your resume as a file type that can be easily opened by any computer. PDF files are often the safest bet because every computer comes with a PDF reader and your document is sure to remain uniform across all of them.
Make sure your information is listed in a way that’s easy to read. Bullets are a great option. Additionally, it’s okay to go over one page. Executive resumes can include as many as three pages of relevant information with no detriments.
Unprofessionalism
While there have been some well-received unorthodox resumes, such as those put together by talented graphic design employees, it’s generally not a good idea to add extra touches to your resume unless you’re in a field where skillful design is appreciated. If you have to include a graphic, such as a picture of yourself, we suggest providing a link to your profile on LinkedIn, where your information will still be presented in a professional format.
Go Into Detail
Being vague does you no favors, especially when it comes to listing your skills. If you’re going to talk about particular talents or industries you have major experience with, be sure to go into the specifics of them. For instance, if you’re part of the graphic design industry, you could say you’re proficient with Adobe Illustrator or InDesign as opposed to phrasing it as “graphic design programs.” At the same time, you don’t want to load your resume with buzzwords. Balance is key.
In addition to these three pointers, there are other, more subtle nuances to crafting a great resume. If you find you need more help, there’s no shame in looking up the best executive resume writing services near you to request professional advice. They can assist you with far more than just your resume. Many executive resume businesses also offer assistance with cover letters for resumes and much more.
By Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, BS/HR, a Certified Professional & Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, Inc. She has achieved international recognition following nominations and wins of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award. Find Erin at http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com.