In this post we uncover some of the most common questions about hiring an executive resume writer, including:
An executive resume writer can be a major asset to professionals looking to move up in their career. As you aim
for higher level roles, the job search landscape grows more competitive – making your resume an increasingly
valuable tool in setting you apart.
Research shows that hiring managers spend about six seconds looking at your resume – a lot less time than it took you to make it. This means that irrelevant information should be avoided at all costs in order to quickly capture a hiring manager's attention. However, it can be difficult to discern what's irrelevant and what should be front and center. An executive resume writer understands these constraints and works to make sure the right information is where it needs to be to get you noticed.
The inexperienced resume writer will attempt to overcome a lack of quality descriptions with sheer quantity. However, every bullet point on your resume serves a distinct purpose. In order to convey your past skills and experiences with the most impact, your bullets must be written strategically. Executive resume writers understand what makes for well-structured bullet descriptions, and know how to utilize the right grammar and verbiage to effectively communicate your experience.
A strong resume requires more than well-crafted bullet points. The sum of your resume should reflect a clear career narrative that frames your professional history seamlessly. Executive resume writers are experts at shaping your various experiences into a cohesive story that aligns your skills and qualifications with the job opportunity.
Almost as important as the content inside your resume is how you format it. There are various formats a resume can take, but it's important to use one that's been vetted by hiring managers. Instead of wondering which format your resume should take – and potentially using the wrong one – an executive resume writer can skillfully format it according to what hiring managers want to see.
75% of job applications are rejected before they're ever seen by human eyes. This is because it must pass through an Applicant Tracking System – a type of software used by employers during the hiring process to collect, sort, and scan the hundreds of job applications they receive. Executive resume writers are skilled with the nuances required to create a resume that will pass through an ATS while still appealing to the humans who will eventually read it.
Searching for a new job can feel like a full-time job in itself – and if you're currently unemployed, expediting the process of landing a new role is paramount. Hiring an executive resume writer can save you countless hours spent trying to craft the perfect resume, and fast tracks the time it takes to get you through the hiring manager's door.
No matter what kind of career move you're making, having the objective input of an expert can help you articulate your career history in a powerful way that catches the attention of hiring managers. Hiring an executive resume writer is an investment that can pay dividends in the long run by shortening the time it takes to land that next role.
If you’re embarking on a career transition or going after a new role as an executive, how much work does your
resume really need? Can you tweak it yourself to include your most recent experience, or is a more involved
rewrite in order? If you fall into one of the categories below, you will likely benefit from the help of an executive
resume writer.
f you're looking to transition to a more senior level role, writing your resume will require a different level of strategy and skill than writing a standard professional resume. Executives resumes should reflect the depth and unique strengths of one's experience. As such, an executive resume writer offers more than just great writing and editing skills – they understand the strategy behind what separates a junior level resume from an executive level resume, and can help turn yours into a strategic marketing document that positions you for more competitive roles.
A generic resume might land you an interview for a lower-level position, but that strategy is unlikely to work for managers or executives. If your job search isn't yielding interviews, it may be because your resume lacks focus and a true demonstration of relevant achievements. Senior level executives are often hired for a specific reason, whether it's to help a company enter a new market, create a new product, build a successful team, or embark on high-stakes initiative. An expert executive resume writer can sharpen your resume's focus to effectively align it with the specific roles you're targeting, subsequently increasing your odds of landing an interview.
f you haven't sought a new employment opportunity for five, 10 or even 20 years, chances are you haven't updated your resume in a while. In an ever-evolving marketplace, trends and professional standards continue to change, and the job search process is no different. Utilizing outdated resume formats and techniques can be viewed as a red flag by hiring managers.
Finding an executive resume writer who fits your specific situation is critical to getting the best return on your
investment. There are a seemingly limitless number of resume writers available – knowing what to look for will
help you identify a strong match.
Begin by examining a potential resume writer’s background and experience. Investigate the following questions to qualify their capabilities:
There are numerous professional organizations that review, evaluate, and test executive resume writers to become certified. Resume writers don’t need to have multiple certifications, but they should hold one of the following:
Get clear on the resume development process for the writers you consider. Some will have you fill out a questionnaire and create your resume from that document. Others hold one-on-one phone calls to gather information and develop your resume verbally. Some will meet with you in person. Decide what method aligns best with your learning style and how collaborative you want it to be.
Viewing a resume writer’s past work samples is a straightforward way to gauge their skills. If you can’t find any on their website, simply ask for them. Are you impressed with what you see? If so, that’s a good indication that you’ll be satisfied with their work.