Why do most Executive Resumes resemble each other? Why do they appear to be products that came from a single-source resume factory? Is it because our culture of idea acquisition and execution that guides daily behavior too often adheres to structures in wide use?
Every time I get a potential client inquiry about executive resume writing services I listen to needs, expression of goals and often potential challenges that someone has encountered in job search or career change. I take notes, jot down a few ideas to propose and then spend the rest of the time either via email or on the phone coaching a likely new client on how the storytelling gears fit into a comprehensive career plan. Nearly everyone brings to the table a preconceived idea of what an executive resume should be.
I also outline a career product I created and executed for clients over many years that serves as the secret solution to what most envision is a gold-standard executive resume. My unique, resume portfolio product has been heralded by exclusive, retained headhunters, companies recruiting a new CEO or Boards seeking new talent for a Director position. This tool is responsive to multiple issues that emerge in highly competitive job search at the highest levels.
It isn’t an executive resume that you should take into the marketplace. It’s an executive resume portfolio.
Deeply held, but wrong belief: I can’t seize an attractive business or career opportunity that presents itself without a “classic” one- or two-page “executive resume.”
Nearly all of my clients approach this issue by assuming that any missing chronology on a resume will hold them back from taking action. So, no green light, then, to start testing current market opportunities, implementing a career transition or setting the strategy for a senior leadership position or a seat at the boardroom table. The wrong assumption and wrong solution hold, and this mindset prolongs reaching a very satisfying result.
What is the Framework for a Well-Integrated Executive Career Portfolio?
Frame: Multiple, branded pages that work together, and also stand alone; Customized to each client background and targeted goals; Showcase leadership specific to targeted opportunities; Built on a powerful theme and underlying market value; Structured for minimal edits and wholesale revamping throughout job search and over time.
Design and Content: Let’s consider that instead of a two-pager you should have powerful content that is authentic, rich with stories of interest to all readers and free of self-serving platitudes. The overall design holds the content together, and should be consistent, symmetrical and easy to read. In other words, the design is the necessary strategic glue that gets content read, and makes a strong case for why you should be chosen to lead over your competition. Compelling business stories without spin and deadly jargon get pitched for a modern, future-aligned C-Suite or boardroom value propostion.
Fresh Thinking and Better Results: You can adopt this innovative career concept and have fun in the process. Think of an executive resume portfolio as a career tool that acts in the same way that a smartphone does: there are numerous apps, sources for knowledge, communication and visualization, and purposeful pieces that are clearly organized and linked together.
Summary: My unique, original executive resume portfolios cover a lot of ground: they are elastic, have very long shelf life and support every stage of a career lifecycle.
One More Thought: I’ve designed this product for more than job seekers; it’s useful for entrepreneurs and successful rainmakers, too. Enjoy having the market chase you!