Your resume is one of the most important tools in your job search. Whether you’re exploring career change help, transitioning into an executive career change, or targeting CEO job opportunities and management job opportunities, your resume needs to showcase your skills and accomplishments in a way that grabs the attention of hiring managers.
A well-structured resume can land you interviews, while a poorly crafted one may get passed over. To maximize your chances of success, follow these essential dos and don’ts.
The Dos: What You Should Include in Your Resume
1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job
Why it matters: A generic resume won’t make an impact. Employers and recruiters want to see how your skills align with the job description.
Do this: Customize your resume for each position by incorporating keywords related to the role. If you’re applying for CEO job opportunities, highlight leadership, strategic planning, and executive decision-making skills. If you’re searching for management job opportunities, emphasize team leadership, project management, and business growth experience.
2. Use a Strong Resume Summary
Why it matters: Your resume summary is your elevator pitch—it’s the first thing hiring managers read.
Do this: Start with a compelling Value Statement that outlines your key accomplishments, strengths, and career goals. At Job Change Now, our value statement service helps you craft a powerful summary tailored to your industry and experience.
Example:
Results-driven CEO with 15+ years of experience leading business transformations, increasing revenue, and driving operational efficiency. Skilled in strategic planning and leadership development.
3. Highlight Achievements with Data
Why it matters: Employers want to see real results, not just job duties.
Do this: Instead of listing responsibilities, highlight measurable achievements. Use numbers to showcase your impact.
Example:
“Increased annual revenue by 30% in two years by implementing a new sales strategy.”
“Led a team of 50+ employees and improved operational efficiency by 20%.”
4. Format Your Resume for Readability
Why it matters: A cluttered resume can turn off recruiters before they even read it.
Do this:
- Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings.
- Stick to professional fonts like Arial or Calibri.
- Use bullet points to keep content easy to scan.
5. Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Why it matters: Many companies use ATS software to filter resumes. If yours doesn’t contain the right keywords, it may never be seen.
Do this: Include industry-relevant keywords such as career change help, executive career change, value statement service, CEO job opportunities, and management job opportunities throughout your resume naturally.
The Don’ts: Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
1. Don’t Use an Unprofessional Email Address
Avoid: partyguy123@email.com
Fix it: Use a professional email like firstname.lastname@email.com.
2. Don’t List Every Job You’ve Ever Had
Avoid: Including irrelevant or outdated experiences from decades ago.
Fix it: Focus on the last 10-15 years of relevant experience. If you’re making a career change, highlight transferable skills rather than unrelated past roles.
3. Don’t Use Vague or Overused Buzzwords
Avoid: “Hardworking,” “team player,” “detail-oriented.”
Fix it: Be specific. Instead of “strong leadership skills,” say “Led a 20-person team, achieving a 25% productivity increase.”
4. Don’t Include Personal Details
Avoid: Age, marital status, or hobbies unless directly relevant.
Fix it: Keep it professional and job-focused.
5. Don’t Submit a Resume with Typos or Errors
Avoid: Spelling and grammar mistakes can ruin your credibility.
Fix it: Use proofreading tools and consider Job Change Now’s value statement service for a polished, professional value statement.
How Job Change Now Can Help You Create a Standout Resume
Crafting a standout resume requires strategy and expertise. At Job Change Now, we provide:
- Career Change Help: Get expert guidance for transitioning into new industries or leadership roles.
- Value Statement Service: Ensure your resume is formatted correctly, keyword-optimized, and highlights your achievements.
- Executive Career Change Support: Whether you’re pursuing CEO job
- opportunities or moving into a senior leadership role, we help position you as the ideal candidate.
- Management Job Opportunities Preparation: Tailor your resume for leadership and management roles with our professional advice.
Your dream job starts with a great resume. Let’s take your career to the next level! Join Now.
An alternate to a chronological resume is well written focused value statement.
Your value statement should entice employers to learn more about you. Encourage them to review your resume and explore your professional accomplishments.
For a more personalized value statement, join our membership program at Job Change Now. Members access our hiring management staff, access 12-member reports, and receive Member Handbook free of delivery charge. Sign up today and take the first step toward crafting a standout job application!
