The Executive Resume - Moving Beyond Accomplishments

Opportunities at the executive-level stage are limited, this is why it is crucial that executives present themselves on a resume as a complete package - a product a company will want to acquire.

Long Island, New York -- Accomplishments are usually the center point of a conventional resume (i.e., indicating how much money was saved, how sales increased, what processes were proposed, planned, initiated, implemented, or streamlined). The executive resume, on the other hand, has more than one focus. It alludes to the executive's ability to drive profits (accomplishments) and the capacity to lead (that is, to blend various "soft" skills) an organization.

"Successes are easier to hone in on. The result is clear, often quantifiable. After all, either you penetrated a market or you didn't, or either you were a top-performer or you weren't," says Linda Matias, The President of The National Resume Writers' Association. "It is harder to capture emotional competencies on paper, to indicate who you are, what you stand for, how you relate to others, how you affect change within an organization."

According to Ms. Matias, a list of accomplishments on an executives resume does not suffice. "Employers expect more, and since a resume is an introduction to the executive's full qualifications, he or she must incorporate what they have done as well as provide a notion of how they influence others," Matias said recently. "This information must be presented in a concise and compelling manner given that a resume is an executives most important marketing tool."

Coupled with a track record of financial success, good leadership is the single most important factor in the survival of an organization. Matias, a professional resume writer and Owner of CareerStrides suggests that the executives who point out the following "soft" skills on their resume are usually the ones invited to an interview.

**Visionary - An "idea person" that challenges traditional ways of conducting business, and is willing to take on calculated risks. Demonstrated ability to think strategically, act tactically and have the strength of character to motivate others to buy into his or her ideas,
concepts and values.

**Professional Integrity - An executive who understands the value of honesty, accountability and trust in a business environment.

**Charisma - Knack for captivating an audience, having a presence that commands respect and has a natural ability to hold the interest of the listener.

**Emotional self-control - Someone who anticipates challenges and overcomes those that are unanticipated.

**Effective use of inner resources - An executive that trusts his or her gut instincts and takes the initiative to drive change.

**Flexible Communication Style - The ability to assess a situation, and react to it appropriately.

These intangible qualities promote the growth of the organization and when placed strategically on a resume, positions an executive as a complete package - a product a company will want to acquire.

For more information contact: Linda Matias (President of The National Resume Writers' Association and Owner of CareerStrides) 631.382.2425 or careerstrides@bigfoot.com
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