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Executive Job Search : Does Your Resume Describe The Real You

By Joe Pelayo

As President of an executive search firm, I see resumes from highly qualified and able candidates every day. And it only takes a glance to see why many of these experienced executives are not getting the interviews that, doubtless, they feel they deserve.

The reason ? Many of these resumes look and feel the same. Same dry format. Same qualifications and similar backgrounds. Same laundry list of previous achievements. Nothing at all to set one resume apart from the next.

To be perceived as a top of the line, A-list candidate, your resume MUST be memorable. It must be impactful. It must sell you to potential employers. A list of what you did last year or the year before just won't cut it. Employers want to know what you are going to do in the future - for them. Here's some tips to ensure that your resume doesn't end up in the 'also-rans' pile.

i) Be Unique

You must show employers why they should be interested in YOU over equally able and competent competing executives. Ensure that your resume highlights the factors that differentiate you from the pack and focus closely on your unique skills.

ii) Be Specific

You are, no doubt, rightfully proud of your achievements as an executive and want to let potential employers know that they are getting an experienced, successful candidate. However, you need to be specific. Give real results and relate these achievements to the company and position you are applying for now. Show how what you have achieved in the past can benefit the potential employer in the future. If you can do that, yours will be a resume they come back to, for sure.

iii) Be An Expert

Most employers want to recruit executives who are already adept in their chosen field. They want to feel that they are hiring proven expertise. Your resume needs to show your expertise in your field. Focus on those areas of your career that do that instead of providing a laundry list of everything you have ever done. Don't be afraid to show off your specialized knowledge and let potential employers know how this knowledge is going to benefit their bottom line.

Use your resume to give recruiters and potential employers the incentive to want to be interested in hiring you. Setting yourself apart from your competitors is a surefire way of achieving this.

Joe Pelayo is President of Joseph Michaels Inc, a retained executive search firm with over 15 years experience recruiting top financial talent. The company recruits for clients like Sony and Coca Cola. Visit http://www.josephmichaels.com for details.

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