Cambridge Business Association
Top Secret Executive Resumes
Book

Top Secret Executive Resumes

What It Takes to Create the Perfect Resume for the Best Top-Level Positions

Steven Provenzano
Cengage Learning, 2000
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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Well Structured
  • For Beginners
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

This brief but detailed survey of résumé-writing techniques provides dozens of examples of successful executive résumés. Author Steven Provenzano provides concrete, practical advice for assembling a résumé for both personal review and electronic scanning. His ideas are simple and easy to implement, and are presented in plain, direct language. Interestingly, some of these concepts, especially about the length and layout of a résumé, go against the conventional wisdom of résumé writing and so are especially valuable. getAbstract recommends this solid primer on résumé preparation, which is also a useful reference for experienced job hunters who may find ideas and inspiration from other people’s résumés. Executive job seekers from the mid-level manager on up should find this book useful in their quest for a better use of their talents and time.

Summary

Looking for Better Work

Even with current low unemployment levels, plenty of executives are looking for better work. But employers want more for their money, too; they want leaders with well-rounded skills, including communications, finance, marketing and team-training. As you enter this job market, start with "the question," which is, "What do you really want to do in your next position?" Write your résumé to market the skills and abilities you want to use. Customize it, because each job is different.

An effective résumé is more than a list of your old jobs, which shows what you did, but not what you can do for your next employer. An effective résumé tells other executives why they should want to interview you. Start by interviewing yourself honestly and objectively.

Use a personal inventory to take stock of your knowledge and accomplishments. Decide what you want to emphasize on paper and what you want to downplay. Your inventory includes your desired industry and position, employment history with accomplishments for each job, education, professional memberships, community services and volunteer activities, and references. Also include a skills assessment, ...

About the Author

Steven Provenzano, CPRW/CEIP, is a professional résumé writer and career coach. He provides a free résumé analysis, and has more than 20 years of experience in corporate HR. He is the author of six career books including Top Secret Resumes & Cover Letters. He conducts seminars on expert résumé writing and career search techniques for corporations and nonprofit groups. He and his staff have worked with thousands of clients worldwide through the Chicagoland office of his company, ECS: Executive Career Services & DTP, Inc., and his Web site: www.Execareers.com.

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