Is your resume selling you effectively? Chances are, the answer is no. While most executives are good at promoting other people’s products and services, they often fall short when it comes to marketing their own careers. There are definite, smart resume strategies to help you get better paying jobs. Here are two key tips that will put your resume ahead of the rest.
Most executives spend too much time reiterating past accomplishments. That’s 20th century thinking in the 21st century business climate. Yes, your track record is important, but focusing more on what you are bringing to the table offers immediate and noticeable value (remember, employers want to know “what’s in it for me?”).
Tip: Translate your past achievements into potential future benefits and advantages. Promote yourself as a solution-oriented leader who will have a positive impact on the bottom line. Your resume should read like a proposal, not old news. Recruiting Firms are also looking for this future-focused approach when assessing candidates for top positions.
Your salary is usually determined by the value you are bringing to the organization. The higher the value, the more money you can ask for. If your experience includes unique knowledge or a strong network of industry contacts, use this as leverage. One of our resume-writing clients has access to a wealthy niche community. Sharing this information with a prospective employer in the investment industry got him a VP position quickly, with a starting salary of nearly $140,000 more than his previous job.
Tip: Properly promoting your unique skills, knowledge or sphere of influence can increase your starting salary. Let your resume convey that you have something others don’t.
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