Question: Can you tell me where I may find an example of an excellent executive profile, or refer me to someone who might be able to prepare one for me?
J.J., Lake Stevens
Answer: In a recent column, I wrote about one of the most essential job search tools for senior managers, the executive profile. Entrepreneurs and managers use these dynamic and results-oriented documents to show their professionalism and ability to succeed at the upper executive level.
The best profiles are made up of several different components — a powerhouse resume or work history, a biography, and supplementary materials such as a list of clients, patents or awards. The entire package totals between five and 10 pages and makes a great visual impact in a presentation binder or folder.
For obvious reasons, I can’t print a sample here. But to help you move forward, your profile will contain:
The resume (two to three pages). Your resume or work history will set the tone for your entire package. It should prompt readers to respond in one of two ways — either with a “WOW” or a confident yet knowing nod.
A strong, professional format will trigger this reaction, especially if you take advantage of the top-third of the page with a bold introduction. In large letters, just below your contact information, write “Senior Executive Officer,” “Global Business Strategist” or simply, “Executive Profile.”
Underscore your title with a few eye-grabbing phrases, like this: “Boosting Sales and Profitability / Increasing Shareholder Value,” or “Visionary Leadership / Strategic Planning / Financial Management.”
Now that you have the reader’s attention, write a short paragraph that highlights your qualifications, and then list some of your key strengths in a bulleted list, such as Team Building, Strategic Decision Making, Marketing and Sales, Human Resources and Budget Development. Utilize strong, quality writing and achievement-heavy text to outline your career progression, education and credentials.
The biography (one page). By adding a biography to your profile, you immediately step up your presentation, allowing you to compete at a higher level.
Think of your biography as an overview your career, written in paragraph form. Start with your current position and work your way backwards, including entrepreneurial and professional experience. Don’t be afraid to show off a bit by integrating marketing language into your prose.
The supplementary materials (two to seven pages). Your career specialty will dictate which information to include in your extra pages.
For example, advertising executives might prepare a prestigious client or project list. Academic leaders may itemize grant awards, research efforts or publications. Just make sure that the “look and feel” of each page matches the rest of your profile.
Looking for a professional writer?
Keep in mind that executive profiles have a lot of different names, and some writers will prepare only the resume and biography portion for you. That’s OK, because once you have a work history written for you, it’s easy to create the additional materials yourself.
Get online to find a local writer or ask colleagues for referrals. Review samples of their executive projects, monitoring your response carefully. Remember, your first impression should be “WOW” or a favorable nod. If you have a great first response, look a little deeper, evaluating the writing for clarity, impact and a focus on results. Good luck!
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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