Securing a top job (executive, senior manager, senior professional) at any time is not easy, and with companies cutting jobs on almost a daily basis, it seems as though the job market has never been so competitive.
A recent survey conducted by the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) shows the extent the £7 billion a year world executive recruitment business has been hit by the recession; executive searches fell 35 percent in the first quarter of 2009 against the same period a year ago.
Here's a tip for executives who want to differentiate themselves from the pack - prove that you are a leader. In a period of overwhelming uncertainty, executives need to make themselves stand out over the other applicants. In short, they have to sell themselves.
More than ever before, companies need leaders, and your CV is a good place to start.
Selling yourself According to Deborah Wile Dib, President of The Executive Power Group of Career Companies: "The job hunt is all about marketing an important product - you. You have to build your personal brand, identify your value proposition, and leverage your unique selling points." And the one quality every company is looking for is leadership , and your rÈsumÈ needs to reflect that. Proven examples of leadership is typically the first item that a potential employer considers. However, writing an executive rÈsumÈ focusing on leadership abilities isn't always easy. Here are some of the top tips from some of the Global Leaders in Executive Search, and will separate you from the pack. Are you a team player? What strategies do you use to delegate? Do you facilitate action? Do you motivate others? Are you collaborative? What do you want a future employer to know about you as a leader? Source: Wheaton College
The golden rules of CV writing There are a variety of ways to build your CV. The three most common are: Time-based CV - The traditional, and for most people, preferred layout. Arrange your career history with your current/most recent job and work back Skills-based CV - Organised around your skills Combination CV - A great approach for candidates with a rich skill. The resume begins with the candidate's objective and is followed by a skills summary that overviews specific software, industry and business expertise. After the skill summary, the resume will then tackle experience with a career history
ALWAYS: Keep it concise Give them what they want Break your skills down Choose the best format Stick to the facts Be honest Save hobbies & interests for the personals Stay within your rights - While you want to give a clear picture of you as a potential employee in your resume, you don't have to share everything with an employer
PLUS: Information you do not need divulge on your CV in the United States: Marital status, Number/ages/names/sex of children, Details of elementary and primary education, Any exams/qualifications/certifications you failed or haven't yet achieved, Place of birth, Religion, Race, Age.
Selling yourself According to Deborah Wile Dib, President of The Executive Power Group of Career Companies: "The job hunt is all about marketing an important product - you. You have to build your personal brand, identify your value proposition, and leverage your unique selling points." And the one quality every company is looking for is leadership , and your rÈsumÈ needs to reflect that. Proven examples of leadership is typically the first item that a potential employer considers. However, writing an executive rÈsumÈ focusing on leadership abilities isn't always easy. Here are some of the top tips from some of the Global Leaders in Executive Search, and will separate you from the pack. Are you a team player? What strategies do you use to delegate? Do you facilitate action? Do you motivate others? Are you collaborative? What do you want a future employer to know about you as a leader? Source: Wheaton College
The golden rules of CV writing There are a variety of ways to build your CV. The three most common are: Time-based CV - The traditional, and for most people, preferred layout. Arrange your career history with your current/most recent job and work back Skills-based CV - Organised around your skills Combination CV - A great approach for candidates with a rich skill. The resume begins with the candidate's objective and is followed by a skills summary that overviews specific software, industry and business expertise. After the skill summary, the resume will then tackle experience with a career history
ALWAYS: Keep it concise Give them what they want Break your skills down Choose the best format Stick to the facts Be honest Save hobbies & interests for the personals Stay within your rights - While you want to give a clear picture of you as a potential employee in your resume, you don't have to share everything with an employer
PLUS: Information you do not need divulge on your CV in the United States: Marital status, Number/ages/names/sex of children, Details of elementary and primary education, Any exams/qualifications/certifications you failed or haven't yet achieved, Place of birth, Religion, Race, Age.