Simply Hired Blog

6 Tips For Creating an Executive Summary

In 2012 PowerCandidate surveyed hiring managers across multiple industries and career levels to gain insight regarding the optimal resume design. The sample group ranged from HR representatives to CEOs, providing us with great confidence in the feedback we gathered. According to the results nearly 80% of hiring managers prefer to see something other than an objective statement at the top of your resume. They feel that objective statements are generic and become repetitive as they scan hundreds of resumes searching for the optimal candidate. Here are some actual quotes from hiring managers that participated in our survey.

• “Objectives are often hollow statements that say nothing of a person’s qualifications. I prefer a career summary.”

• “An objective at the top is old school and not as relevant to employers. Hiring managers want to quickly understand an applicant’s experience and accomplishments.”

• “Objectives are unnecessary. Focus on highlighting your accomplishments and experience over submitting a generic statement you hope is written creatively enough to stand out. It won’t.”

• “Objective statement should be called obvious statements. We know you want to work for the company. You submitted your resume.”

So, what do they prefer to see in place of the objective statement?

Start your resume with an executive summary. The executive summary highlights your experience, unique value and accomplishments. This allows hiring managers to learn about you within seconds to determine if you offer talents that align with their objectives. It’s amazing what you can say about yourself in a four to six sentence paragraph. Why limit the first section on your resume to a single sentence no one wants to read when you have the flexibility to write an entire paragraph that peaks curiosity?   

6 Tips When Creating Your Executive Summary 

1. Know what is important to the employer and the requirements of the position. Your summary must align with the company’s objectives.
2. Know yourself. Make sure your executive summary describes you. Let’s clarify. We see information in executive summaries that candidates cannot back up with proof.
3. Talk to yourself. Yes, it can help you develop material for the executive summary. Act as if someone just asked you to tell a story about your experience and unique value. 
4. Start writing. You can document step three or just skip it and start writing. Write a five to ten sentence description of yourself. Revise it and condense it until the summary can be read effortlessly, leaving any reader with a concise understanding of your value.
5. Gather feedback from friends, family and peers. Ask them to describe your value and experience as they see it.
6. As a general rule, keep the summary limited to four to six sentences.

So what should your executive summary look like when you are done? Well, that will depend on your unique style, the industry in which you work and experience level. The key is that your executive summary should be compelling to the reader. It should convince her that you are more capable of helping the company achieve its goals than competitive applicants. Here is an example from one of my past resumes.

Executive Summary Example

Business development professional with twelve years of progressive responsibility in sales, client services and leadership. Verifiable track record of maximizing revenue and expanding market share. Effective in developing relationships at VP and CXO levels, having partnered with leaders at mid-size and Fortune 50 companies. Previous eight years have been spent in the BPO industry, overseeing the acquisition and management of multi-million dollar and multi-year contracts. Respected by clients, peers and senior leaders for my commitment to driving results and transforming concepts into reality.   

As mentioned in tip number two above, make sure the executive summary reflects your unique experience and strengths. When crafted thoughtfully, your executive summary can mean the difference between having your resume pitched or passed along for a second review. 

Bio

Cole Proper is the founder of PowerCandidate, LLC, a career advisory company focused on helping job seekers accelerate the success of their job search. PowerCandidate provides job search coaching services and publishes self-development eBooks.

Sell Yourself with a Resume Objective

First impressions are highly important in everything, especially when it comes to the application and job hiring process. Your resume objective is the first thing that your would-be employer sets his or her eyes on;  therefore, you should make sure to write a solid and captivating statement.

What is a resume objective?

Well, a resume objective statement is a short and simple statement that is meant to list your aspiration and goals in relation to working at the company you’re applying to. Basically, it is the bait that attracts attention to your resume and determines whether an employer will continue to read your resume or toss it in the trash. This statement is placed right under the spot where you write your personal information such as: name, address and contact information; however, writing a resume objective is optional.

Nevertheless, writing a good resume objective is very important if you want to increase your chances of getting hired, but commonly used statements such as: “Seeking an administrative or assistant position where I can use my fourteen years of office experience”, have become outdated and out of fashion because they are being automatically discarded by special computer systems that look for particular keywords. Relatively speaking, your resume objective should not be focused on your particular needs, but rather, it should be primarily focused on the needs of the company itself. 

Instead of writing an objective statement that sounds self-centered such as: “Seeking job as receptionist”. Try to write something that sounds like you are easy to work with and make a great addition to any working environment such as: “Flexible and confident manager with years of expertise supplying guidance and management in consumer electronic companies”. The reason why you should focus on the needs of the company instead of your own is because employers are looking for easygoing people who are willing to perform a variety of tasks. 

This article will give you tips on how to write a great resume objective.

Pay attention to adjectives

There is a high probability that you have made a mistake with your adjectives at some point in your life. When writing your resume objective, make sure to leave out adjectives such as: successful, progressive, fun, exciting and so forth because it can make a huge difference. For example: “Looking for a successful company to work at”. The issue with this statement is that it makes a possible employer think: “Successful” opposed to what? Obviously, everyone wants to work at a successful company; therefore, making the term “successful” unnecessary.

Think of the company’s needs instead of your own

Your goal when writing a resume objective is to demonstrate what you can offer to the company. Instead of focusing on yourself, focus on the needs of the corporation. For example: “Seeking job where I can bring my marketing skills to better improve the business”. In this sentence, you explained what you can bring to the company and what your future goals are. Also, instead of saying something like “my career” or “my advancement,” think about the company instead, for example: “The company’s improvement”. 

Stay away from overused phrases

Nothing ruins your chances of landing a job more than using cliché phrases such as: “I want to better improve the company”, or, “I am looking to utilize my skills”, in your resume objective. A good rule of thumb is that if the statement has been used before it's better to leave it out of your statement. Instead, try to come up with something original and cutting edge. 

Be specific

Vague writing is an absolute no-no when writing a resume objective. If you are answering to a detailed job description, make sure to include details in your statement such as what position you are interested in. For example: “Seeking position as a retail manager at a computer goods company”. 

Your resume objective is very important, and although it is not necessary, you should definitely add it to your resume because paying attention to the details makes a big difference to employers.

Jose Sanchez has been a Resume Writer and Career Advicer since 1999. He writes and shares content related to Resume Writing, Job Interview Questions and Cover Letters. 

7 Best Employment Sectors for Career Flexibility

The traditional college student, or even the adult college student, may begin his or her educational path without a distinct plan of what to do afterwards. The truth is that plenty of people have a strong sense of what they don't enjoy or what they find boring, but aren't sure what they are passionate enough about to pursue for a lifelong career. Fortunately, there are several options that allow some "wiggle room" after college graduation.

Office Management

This covers a pretty wide range of possibilities. Check the wanted ads in your local newspaper and you'll notice that a lot of companies, large and small, are constantly looking for entry-level players such as receptionists, office managers and assistants. These positions are often a great way to get your foot into the door of an industry that you find appealing. For example, if you decided a career in publishing might be right for you, but your degree is in Literature, it might be wise to get a job at the front desk of a publishing firm and work your way up.

Sales

Are you an outgoing person with a natural talent for convincing others to eat out of your hand? A career in sales makes a challenging and interesting life path for many people. One of the key benefits of a job in sales is that each day is different, so if you are the type of person who thrives on constant change, then sales may be the right choice. And if you have exceptional time-management skills, creating your own schedule can be rewarding.

Marketing/Advertising

Did you major in a program such as Creative Writing or Studio Art only to have people constantly ask you what you are going to do with it? Well, be sure to inform those people that marketing and advertising is a fast-growing industry (especially online) with plenty of opportunity for creative individuals. If you can write copy or if you can create eye-catching art, you will probably find a place in this industry.

Retail

Retail also covers a wide range of topics, from cookbooks to hardware. If you dread the idea of cubical-land after graduation, retail can offer a fun and diverse career path with plenty of movement (forget being stuck behind a desk) and interpersonal communication. And retail isn't all big-box stores; plenty of small businesses offer good environments for gaining product knowledge, communication skills and management skills--all of which stand out on a resume.

Media

Another option for creative and technical personalities alike is the enormous world of media. Television, film, radio, web and print are all sectors of media that require more than one skill set, from building web sites to budgeting and editing. It's important to remember how much work goes into making a blockbuster film or running a television station; your talents just might find a niche.

Education/Child Care

Education is a mainstay in every city, and both private and public schools are constantly looking for college graduates who can teach, run after-school enrichment programs, work as office administrators and excel as team players.

Hospitality

Another wise choice for those who love to work with others is the hospitality industry, which can mean anything from catering a wedding to supervising a bed and breakfast. The opportunity to make people feel happy and relaxed is rewarding, and if your career takes you to a sunny place, well, that's even better.

After reading over this list you may have noticed something important: practically any career can be yours as long as you are persistent and open-minded. So instead of worrying that you won't have enough options upon finishing your degree, consider that choosing one might be the hardest part!

LIzzie Wann, the author of this post is the Content Director for Bridgepoint Education. She oversees all website content and works closely with New Media, Career Services, and Student Services for Ashford University.

How to Close the Interview Deal and Beat the Competition

You’ve tirelessly searched for a job. You’ve made contacts. You’ve sent emails. You’ve gone through the interview experience. 

Now you can just sit back and wait for the golden phone call, right? If only it were that easy.

For some job seekers, landing an interview can seem like a one-way ticket to getting hired.  However, this is not always the case. There are probably dozens of people applying for the same job. These candidates could be saying the same exact things you did. They may even have better articulation or know the CEO in some way. In other words, they may be at an advantage. So, how are you going to stand out?

One of the things many job candidates fail to do correctly is taking those next steps after the interview. This means more than waiting for a phone call. It means closing the interview properly so that phone call happens.

Here’s how to tactfully close an interview and beat the competition:

Ask about next steps

When your interview comes to a close, you need to do more than shake the interviewer’s hand and leave. Always ask about the next steps in the interview process. For instance, the organization may require a second interview. They may need samples of your work. They may not anticipate actually filling the position for another month. You don’t want to be waiting for a response. You want to be completely aware of every step you can take to ensure a positive end-result.

How to do this better than the competition: It’s all about taking charge of the situation. If the company suggests sending a list of references, do so. If they want to connect on LinkedIn, don’t wait. If they’d like a second meeting, respond promptly. Always see that your plan extends beyond the first meeting.

Send a thank you note

One of the token ways to reach out after a job interview is to send a thank you note. Some suggest going the traditional route and sending a handwritten note through snail mail, while others recommend email. Some even advise doing both. The method through which you send a thank you note is obviously situational. For example, more formal organizations may appreciate something traditional, while laid-back offices would prefer an email. However, thank you notes are more important than ever because the pool is so saturated with candidates.

How to do this better than the competition: Regardless of your method of choice, remember a few things: Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Additionally, note a few conversation points which particularly spoke to you. For example, if you and the interviewer connected on long-term organizational goals, be sure to mention it in the thank you note. If you both found a portion of the interview amusing -- and the situation is casual enough -- bring it up.  This solidifies any sort of relationship that was made during the interview, which will hopefully translate into a job opportunity in the future.

Reach out on social networks

Social networking is the modern way to facilitate a conversation. So, why not do so with the organization you’re trying to work in? You could tweet at the interviewer and say thanks for the meeting as a great way to keep in touch. Reaching out on LinkedIn is another good step to take. You can even recommend the organization’s products or services to your network through Facebook.

Connecting on social networks after your interview illustrates your continued passion for the organization. This sort of effort is on your own accord, which shows that you care enough about the job to keep the conversation going after the fact.

How to do this better than the competition: Anyone can say hello on Google+. How about being memorable? As with a thank you note, connect the conversation you had with the interviewer with your appreciation for the opportunity.

An example Tweet could be the following: “Great meeting you. Especially loved connecting about the state of the engineering industry. Hope to discuss it again sometime soon.” This shows your interest, while leaving the conversation open for the future.

Follow-up

As I noted before, there may be lots of candidates vying for the job. Although you may have had a stellar interview, this does not guarantee anything. So, it’s important to remind the interviewer about your desire for the position. This is more than a thank you note. This is a follow-up reminder asking if they need anything else in order to make a decision.

How to do this better than the competition:  Don’t go overboard. An email or phone call a week after the interview is plenty if you haven’t heard back. Simply relay your interest in the position and emphasize why you’re the candidate who deserves the job. For instance, you may want to reiterate the specific strategies you’d bring to the table. You could also mention the latest company news which makes you excited for the industry. When you follow-up after the interview in this respect, you make sure your desire for the position is known.

Closing the interview may be the most impactful tactic in your job search if you follow through correctly. Asking about the next steps, sending a thank you note, reaching out on social networks, and following up are all ways to ensure you’re at the top at the candidate list -- and hopefully the one who takes the prize at the end.

What do you think? What are some other ways to close the interview deal?

Alan Carniol is the Founder of Interview Success Formula, a program that helps job seekers to deliver powerful answers that prove why they are the right person for the job. 

5 Ways to Show You are a Leader in a Job Interview

Leadership is a major buzzword these days among employers. When applying for entry-level and manager-level positions with top companies and organizations, one of the most important things you can do as a candidate is show the interviewer that you can lead a group of people to success.

 

Here are the five most important things to keep in mind to show your interviewer you are a leader.

•  Discuss Past Leadership Accomplishments

The best way to convince your interviewer that you have the capacity to lead others is to tell him directly about a time that you did just that. It sounds obvious, but people often neglect to do this. When talking about your accomplishments, make sure to highlight times when you actually led people in some way. Maybe you were a mediator between two people who were having trouble communicating. Maybe you took the active lead on a project with classmates or coworkers. While the fact that you took on the leadership role might not seem so important to you, the interviewer’s ears will perk up when he hears this. If you can talk about why and how your leadership led to a positive outcome, all the better.

• State Everything Quantitatively

I find that most people are very good at using numbers and details to explain accomplishments on their resumes, but fail to do so in the interview itself. When preparing for an interview, make sure you know the numbers behind your achievements. Let’s say that, as an intern at a company, you led a team project that was ultimately presented to a Partner at the firm. Instead of discussing what the project was about, tell the interviewer how many people you led and how much money was at stake. If you can tell him that you led a team of 8 other interns to complete a 25-page analysis of a potential $2 million acquisition by your company, you’ve impressed him. He could care less about the details of the company to be acquired.

• Act Decisively

It is common for an interviewer to ask you to talk about a challenge you faced and how you overcame that challenge. In addition to talking about the goal itself and explaining it quantitatively, as mentioned above, you need to explain how you took initiative and acted decisively. The best leaders are able to evaluate situations effectively and act quickly. If you were part of a team at a job and a coworker got fired, did you step up and present to your manager a short-term solution to her absence? How quickly were you able to put that into place and what was the result? The best leaders have boatloads of these kinds of stories. Make sure you have one for your interview.

• Speak Calmly and Confidently

It’s one thing to tell your interviewer that you are a leader, it’s quite another to display leadership through your interaction with her. Part of your goal is to get the interviewer to want to hire you. She doesn’t have to like you, per se, but she has to believe in you so much that she knows you would be an asset if you were put on her team at the company. Staying calm and confident throughout the conversation will help convince her to get behind your candidacy. Practicing anticipated interview questions and conducting research on the company and industry allow you to communicate most effectively. The more you practice, the calmer you will be and the more you will smile. The more research you do about the company and the industry, the more confident you will be and the more knowledgeable you will appear.

• Show Passion

“Why do you want to work for this company?” This is one of the toughest questions to answer, especially if you’ve been on the job hunt for months and have applied to dozens of companies already. Know exactly why that company would be a good fit for you, even if you have to BS it just a bit to sound believable. Why is this important? Because you’ll have to do it when you have the job. The best leaders are able to bring people onto their side because those people want to be there, not because the leader tells them to be there. Showing passion for the company and the position will make the interviewer attracted to you as a candidate, and may make him put his neck out there for you when final hiring decisions are being made. He believes in his company, and wants to hire people who can portray the company in a positive light.

 

Jake Whitman is the author of Destination: Teach For America, a book designed to help candidates navigate the notoriously difficult application and interview process. Over the past several years, he has helped dozens of applicants get accepted to Teach For America. Check site for more information.