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Career Advice for Job Seekers

Sensational Executive Resumes: How to Improve the Top Third of Your Resume

William Frierson AvatarWilliam Frierson
April 26, 2012


Jessica Holbrook Hernandez of Great Resumes Fast

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez of Great Resumes Fast

One thing most executive job seekers don’t consider when writing their resumes is the importance of the top one-third portion of the document.  This is the section that should communicate at a quick glance the skills you bring to the table.  This is undoubtedly the most important portion of your resume, so what are some steps you can take to ensure it makes a huge impact?

Perfect Your Branding Statement

The first step to improving the top third of your resume is by perfecting your branding statement.  This piece of information is usually located directly below your name and contact information and gives a mix of the following information:

–      Title(s)

–      How many years you’ve held your position

–      What contributions you’ve made to previous companies and your field as a whole

–      Brand attributes (Which adjectives best describe you in your role?)

Here’s an example of a branding statement:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Chief executive engaged in managing and performing all tasks necessary to achieve company initiatives.
Develops business strategies and identifies new funding opportunities.
Executes staff succession and growth plans.

How can you perfect your branding statement?  Think about your overall contribution to all of the companies for which you’ve held a similar position.  If you need help with descriptions, locate your previous company’s annual reviews to help you recall what was expected of you during that time.

Create an Executive Profile

Another great piece of information that can make the top-third portion of your resume stand out is the executive profile or executive career summary.  This section, listed directly below your branding statement, summarizes the value you bring to the table.

Typically this section takes the form of a list.  It informs readers of your standout expertise (certifications, leadership expertise, alliances, etc.) while highlighting strengths that encompass your core value.

Hiring managers are always plagued by stacks of resumes, and typically glance at each one for an average of only 4 seconds.  This makes the top third of your resume more critical than ever.  You don’t have much time to make a lasting impression, so it’s up to this section to do the work for you.

By Jessica Hernandez

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

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