5 Executive Resume Myths

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By Eric Civi

If you're considering applying to jobs at the executive level, the process can get complicated very quickly. However, as long as you are ready and knowledgeable, you can prepare an executive resume that is sure to get you the job that you want. Unfortunately, there is a plethora of misconceptions and myths about executive resume writing out there. This article will shed light on said myths, and hopefully provide you with a better idea about executive resume writing.

Myth #1: More experience is better than less experience. This ain't correct for several reasons. First of all, depending on how many years you've been in the profession, if you have too much experience your steadiness and commitment abilities might be questioned. Secondly, a couple great experiences are much better than a lot of good experience. When it comes to the skills you have, quality is constantly better than quantity.

Executive Resume Myth #2: Resumes should only go as far as ten years. To begin with, a chronological resume might not be the best choice for your executive resume. Then, you need to strategically pick which careers and experiences provide you with the necessary skills to get the specific job you're applying for, regardless of the timeline involved. The purpose of sending a resume is to showcase you are the best candidate for the position, so you need to highlight your best skills and experiences to the employers.

Executive Resume Myth #3: Describe your duties in details. Details are always good in an executive resume. Explaining your responsibilities isn't necessarily going to make you look qualified. Responsibilities are limited to the things you were supposed to do in your job. That doesn't necessarily mean you performed them. Instead, give examples of successes, duties and goals met at that particular job. This will provide better proof of what you're capable of for the employer.

4. Executive Resumes should be limited to two pages. While length shouldn't be automatically your first concern, you do need to capture the reader's attention within the first few paragraphs of your resume to keep them going. It can often be impossible for candidates at this level to condense their years of experience into a couple pages, so don't limit yourself. Instead, simply prepare your executive resume while emphasizing the experiences and diplomas that will be most likely to land you the job. Then go back, revise and add or remove things as necessary. You shouldn't end up with a 4 page resume, but you also shouldn't provide an incomplete picture of yourself by limiting yourself to a strict number of pages. Focus instead on making yourself stand out and demonstrating that you're the best choice for the job.

Executive Resume Myth #5: Focusing on what I did for other employers. While demonstrating past successes helps to show your abilities, you shouldn't focus on this. Employers just want to know what you can do for them. They could care less about what you did for other employers. You need to find the balance between listing your experience and showing what you can do.

Executive resume writing can get quite difficult but, hopefully, this article will help you understand it better and write one that lands you the job you want. If, after reading this article, you're still not sure about executive resume writing, you can consult with a service that offers professional executive resume writing.

Some people can write a great executive resume on their own, while others might be better off leaving it to a professional writer. Either way, this article should shed some light on executive resumes and help you know what to look for in executive resume writing.

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