Cambridge Business Association
Top Notch Executive Resumes
Book

Top Notch Executive Resumes

Creating Flawless Resumes for Managers, Executives, and CEOs

Katharine Hansen
Career Press, 2008
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8

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The most essential component of any job search is, and has always been, the résumé. In this book, résumé specialist Katharine Hansen covers the basics and intricacies of résumé writing for candidates seeking executive positions. She explains, with thoroughness and an up-to-date sensibility, if not originality, that today’s executive résumé must be more than a listing of positions and responsibilities. It must detail the candidate’s challenges and accomplishments while defining his or her “unique value proposition” and creating a personal brand. Hansen explains how to do this and offers numerous examples, samples and case studies. She describes how to create a portfolio of marketing tools in addition to your résumé. getAbstract recommends this thorough, comprehensive reference as a valuable resource for anyone seeking an executive position, right up to the C-level.

Summary

The New Résumé

A traditional résumé just doesn’t stand out in today’s competitive environment, particularly at the executive level. An evolved, technology-driven résumé emphasizes accomplishments, includes keywords for easy electronic sorting and defines the job candidate’s brand. A management-level résumé must:

  • Introduce you as an appropriate candidate for the status and rank of an executive.
  • Instantly demonstrate your superiority over your competition.
  • Define your brand by offering your “unique value proposition” and estimating your potential employer’s return on investment (ROI).
  • Explain how your abilities align with the company’s mission and satisfy its “specific, compelling business need.”
  • Present your achievements in a way that explains your “strategic vision,” “industry insights” and potential future contribution to the employer’s organization.

When crafting your résumé, follow the acronym “FABUKA,” which stands for: “focus, accomplishments, branding, uniqueness, keywords and appearance.”

  • Focus – Hiring managers often glance briefly at a résumé to ascertain quickly what the job seeker wants ...

About the Author

Katharine Hansen, Ph.D., is the creative director at the job-search site, “Quintessential Careers.” She worked as a professional résumé writer for five years.

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