How do executive resumes differ from those of non-executives?

Jill asks: What makes an executive's resume stand out and how are executives' resumes differ from the resumes of non-executives? I'm writing an article for a national publication on executive resumes. My article will provide some practical tips for creating a stellar resume and will offer advice about collaborating successfully with a professional writer to write the perfect resume.

In answer:
An executive CV or Resume is about focus, layers and preparation which show the reader the resultant delivery; as opposed to pages.

Simply, most executives are older or will at least have progressed through more positions. This should relate to a greater volume and hence more pages. However, the same old CV/Resume rules of focusing on the position being applied for and the last five years of work means that many early career positions can be cut down through focused summary. This enables the resume to focus most of the words on the what was the problem and how you approached it to gain the eventual result of delivery.

Most jobs are defined around the hole in which the employee fits - there is some creativity, development and management opportunity; but the main focus is around skills/competencies of the applicant and social fit within the wider company/customer team. Executive positions are defined around either problem solving or business growth, and all include team leadership and financial control. Some executive positions also encompass public reputation and management in the case of plc and national/global corporates.

It is hence important to show in the CV/Resume those softer skills and the associated hard results, through an almost project like manner: defining the problem/target required; strategic choice and selection; getting the team built and working together; the financial control; and the successful outcome in business measured terms.

With an executive, my normal approach is to create two outputs:

- A portfolio which addresses wider issues around the CV/Resume, giving greater details on key accomplishments and projects, includes personal and professional references, an elongated CV/Resume and a personal statement
- A 2page CV/Resume, which focuses on that job application. When you take into account all applications must have a Cover Letter, by adding more pages you look less focused and hence less like an executive

If you think about the differentiation in the skills/requirements of a job hunter, as opposed to the problem solving soft and hard skills of an executive; then the main differences come down to skills breadth and combination to create assured delivery. With that in mind when writing, those are the main differences that should be seen in any executive resume when it is read.

Good Luck!