|
CEO Résumé believes that in today's market, you must have a complete career portfolio. This includes: A traditional and an electronic resume, cover letter, salary history, reference page, and strategic well-thought out follow-up letters.
By having a complete career portfolio, you will always be prepared and won't be caught off guard. Another important tool is a job proposal. These are used for top executive positions where the candidate wants to demonstrate what he can do for a specific company and are used very effectively. They make the candidate stand out from the rest because he has taken the time to find out how the company can best utilize his services.
Traditional Resumes
Just because you hear so much about "electronic resumes" does not mean the traditional resume is dead. CEO Résumé suggests you have several copies with you at all times, one to hand to the interviewer and one for each person that does a follow up or co-interview with you. Sometimes you may be asked to lunch or dinner with a decision-maker or an associate in the company. Be sure to hand him your resume too. You never know if he's on the brink of making general partner or will be your supervisor at some future date. Also, he may know of another opening that you are not aware of.
As you check out the various web sites you will find that many companies suggest that you send in both types of resumes, the electronic and the traditional resume. Some even suggest that you be creative with the traditional resume. With numerous resumes arriving daily, the hiring authorities probably get bored after a while. You don't want to offend them with anything gaudy, but you do want your resume to be interesting.
Interesting means a nice clean format and interesting words. Not just action words but words that reflect what the company is looking for. It is important that you stay tuned at all times to the company's needs.
The format may be chronological or functional. CEO Résumé selects the format based on what the company is looking for and what presentation will better reflect your skills and experience.
Keywords are extremely important in both the traditional and electronic resume. Equally important are the action words that reflect your personality and style of doing things. Do they show enthusiasm and creativity or do they show practicality and attention to detail? Words tell the story. Your resume must be concise and to the point. Resumes are written specifically for the applicant and do not reflect anyone else. This is why resume templates and resume software do not always work. Your overall strengths and abilities, personality and style should be reflected by your resume.
Electronic Resumes
Most companies now scan in your resume or else have you send your resume over the Internet. Before you send your resume, be sure to read the company's specifications. They will often tell you what the margins are, typeface and any other required information. Some basic guidelines to follow are:
§ One-inch margins all around.
§ Your name, address, and telephone numbers should be on separate lines.
§ Make sure your name appears on every page. If you are sending a blind resume, you will be assigned a number.
§ Use a normal typeface such as Helvetica, Arial, Universe, or Times Roman.
§ Do not use italics or underlines, subscripts, superscripts.
§ No graphics, bullets or lines, vertically or horizontally.
§ Some companies suggest you use bold. Use it with moderation.
§ Do not compress your letters or the spacing between lines as it causes misreads.
§ Avoid complex layouts and brochure style formats.
§ Shorten line lengths to 60 characters
§ Find out if the company accepts PDF, HTML format or ASCII format resumes.
When hiring managers do their searches, they will search by keyword. CEO Résumé makes certain that your resume contains these keywords. Otherwise, your resume may not be selected. If there is jargon that is specific to your industry, it will be included in your resume. Make yourself fully marketable by having both a traditional and an electronic resume.
Curriculum Vitae
These are much lengthier than a resume and emphasize your credentials and education. They usually follow very narrow guidelines and are very detailed. Published works are cited and seminars presented are also included. Employers are particularly interested in education, associations and societies, innovations, product launches, published papers, business development, globalization, presentations, research and development, software skills. Educators, doctors, health care professionals, presenters, scientists and people abroad would use a curriculum vita. International Vitae will vary slightly.
Biography
Recruiters will sometimes request a biography from an upper level executive. These are also used on a company web site, public relations, speaking engagements. They highlight important achievements, contributions to the company, your field, and/or the community. You should consider making this important piece of paper a part of your portfolio.
Cover Letter
A good cover letter should accompany every resume you send out. If at all possible, find out who the hiring authority is or what department is hiring. A profile should be put together for each company you are sending your resume to. What are the company’s products? Who is their competition? What marketplace do they serve? What does the position entail? What are the current problems? Can you bring solutions to the table? What is the corporate structure like? How do you fit in? By answering these questions you will not only be able to design a strategically focused letter but it will help you in targeting your resume. An awareness of the company will make you stand out among the other candidates.
As you prepare your cover letter be aware of the main components.
§ How did you hear about the company and why do you want to work there?
§ What can you bring to the company? Expertise, Experience, Problem Solver.
§ Ask for the interview. This is one of the most important components.
Let the company know how you heard about the position; i.e., newspaper ad, recruiter, someone in the company (ask permission to mention their name) or someone in the same field.
Why would you want to work there? Perhaps you saw an article in the paper or a magazine about the products they are selling, their corporate structure, know their history, or challenged by issues they are confronting. Whatever it is that entice you to look at this company, make them aware of it.
This next one is very important. After you have researched the company, you should have a good idea of how you can fit in. But what do you bring to the company? Can you contribute growth? Will you solve their problems? Can you pull teams together? Can you excite the company again and venture into new markets? What can you contribute to the organization?
You’re almost there. In closing be sure and ask for the interview. The last paragraph should contain the telephone number and a request for an appointment. You can also state that you are following up the letter with a telephone call to the person to whom you have addressed the letter.
Salary History
Many times when someone puts together a salary history, the only thing they consider is the salary. It is necessary to also consider your benefits package, retirement package, bonuses, and special perks including company car, club memberships. It should reflect your total compensation package.
References
Before you ever put down even one name, make sure you have the party’s permission. Get a feel for his or her reaction. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises. It should be someone familiar with your level of expertise, experience, contributions, and most important character. If you have any doubts, leave them out.
Job Proposal
Job Proposals are presented to give you that extra edge. They stir the imagination and show the employer that you have insight into the company, its culture, growth, products, competition, and future goals. They can be used to present a scenario where you take a problem and demonstrate solutions. These are very effective because you stand out from the rest. A job proposal may be in the form of a letter, a brief outline or a report style.
|