Executive Transition – Resume Overview & Checklist

Top 10 Mistakes Executives Make When Searching for a Job

#2 Having a weak resume.

Overview

A well-crafted resume opens the door to great opportunities. It’s the most significant and influential document job seekers require. Assuming that the prospective employer doesn’t know you, they will make an initial assessment about your candidacy based on your resume. It will live throughout the hiring process and will likely be seen by many eyes. Despite the importance of strong resume, most people don’t put enough time and effort into developing it. Creating and nailing the content isn’t something that can be done in a single sitting. Organization, editing and constant revision are required to make your resume relevant and presentable.

Coaching

Everything you say in your resume should be 100% true. Make sure you report your credentials accurately and that you can verify them if necessary. If you have any gaps in your resume, you'll have the opportunity to address them in your interviews. Your resume will live on in your file during your employment and may be referred to or checked against for any number of reasons, so ensure the content is factual. If you’re currently employed, don't wait for a job change to update your resume! Regularly refreshing your resume will ensure that you have the most current and accurate details on hand. A good rule of thumb is to revisit your resume at least every time you have a performance review. This exercise of regularly updating your experience as well as your accomplishments on your resume might well give you motivation and a fresh perspective on your career aspirations.

Dos & Don’ts

• Customize your resume for every job to which you’re applying and ensure your contact information is current and accurate.

• Don’t submit a resume without having it proofread (by yourself and someone else) for spelling, grammar, clarity and formatting.

Executive Transition

Resume Checklist

DOCUMENTS

Resumes & cover lettersI’ve collected my previous resumes and cover letters, which will help me when I create new ones.

Degrees & diplomas I’ve collected copies of any degrees and diplomas I’ve earned.

CertificatesI’ve collected copies of certificates for any special courses, programs or training I’ve completed.

TranscriptsI have copies of my academic transcripts, or know how to obtain them if necessary. I have a list of my academic coursework and my grades.

Reference lettersI have copies of any previous reference letters written on my behalf.

Awards & acknowledgements I have copies of any academic or job related awards or acknowledgements I received.

Flash drive I have a flash drive or other media device for storing and organizing my electronic documents.

RESUME CONSIDERATIONS

Resume formatI have reviewed the various resume formats and have determined which one works best for me.

Online resumeI have determined whether I will post my resume online and have prepared a separate, key word-based resume for this purpose.

Contact informationI have decided which contact information is most appropriate to use on my resume for correspondence.

Resume sectionsI have created the outline for my resume under the appropriate sections and headings.

Experience & accomplishmentsI have listed my relevant experience and related accomplishments to be considered for my resume.

Extra-curricular activitiesI have decided whether to include relevant extra-curricular activities on my resume.

Quantify & qualifyI’ve quantified (with numbers) and qualified (with adjectives and descriptions) my experience and accomplishments.

Action wordsI’ve used an action word to introduce each point of experience on my resume.

Key words/ nounsIf I’m posting a resume on a job board, I’ve created a separate resume using key words and nouns.

GapsI have reviewed my resume for gaps in time, and can address them appropriately if probed.

Critical reviewI have critically reviewed the claims made in my resume, and can support them with examples if probed.

FormattingI have formatted my resume using a simple, consistent and easy-to-read style (font, spacing, margins, emphasis, etc.)

ProofreadingI have proofread my resume for correct spelling and grammar – and I have had someone else proofread it, too.

© 2011 Bill Holland All Rights Reserved.