Six-Figure Hotline: Résumé Version Control

Posted By: Dave Opton
Filed Under: executive job search, dave opton, six-figure hotline, executive branding, bob hueglin, resumes

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As part of ExecuNet membership, I conduct a weekly teleconference called Six-Figure Hotline where members call in to ask the questions keeping them up at night, and to gain market and trend insight from the career experts who join me in talking about issues that are important to executives today.

In a recent teleconference where Bob Hueglin an executive career coach and ExecuNet meeting facilitator in Dallas, Texas joined me, a caller asked, "What is the best approach to brand and sell your skills when they are diversified across areas like marketing, business channels and so forth; do I create three different résumés, or do I approach this in a different way?"

Résumé construction and the best ways for executives to brand themselves are areas where ExecuNet has devoted a great deal of resources and has many experts to call upon. Now more than ever before, how one has branded himself is a critical aspect of the job search process and is an area members frequently inquire about. For those who missed the teleconference, available on demand, here's what we suggested to the caller:

Having too many versions of your résumé can get confusing, and you may lose sight of your message — your brand. It's effective to put your accomplishments in an initial paragraph, supported by numbers. Saying you're a "marketing guru" is meaningless, but stating you "increased revenue 36 percent" holds more value for any hiring manager.

In addition, you will be spending more time on your résumé than you should. It's better to work with a professional résumé writer to create a clear look and feel to your marketing materials that represents who you are and what have to offer.

When applying to online job posts you need to adjust your résumé as best you can based on the listing to give yourself a chance of being called in for an interview, but it's a much better use of your time to build and utilize your network to discover where the opportunities are. Your chances are significantly better when you have done your research and targeted specific companies. Once you have your target list, make sure you understand the challenges your target companies face and have ideas for how you can help them. At this point, you use your network to get in front of the decision-makers.

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Dave Opton's avatar Dave Opton
Dave Opton founded ExecuNet in 1988 to provide a trusted environment where senior-level executives could build career opportunities by facilitating connections to other executives, experts and key market insights. Dave has drawn upon his 35 years of experience in human resources to develop and grow what has become the leading business and career membership network for executives and senior managers. A widely recognized executive career management expert, Dave is regularly quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Business Week, Fortune, Fast Company, and other leading business publications. Mr. Opton received his BA from Indiana University. Dave blogs at Six Figure Learnings