Exec Women: Here are The Top 3 Ways to Set Your Resume (and Yourself) Apart from the Competition

Have we progressed as women in the workforce?

Decades ago, women weren’t often considered as critical high-level leaders.

Of course, that mindset is changing. 

Today, women represent almost half of the labor force but with only slightly more than 20% in leadership roles. With the impact of the Great Resignation, this could change even more. 

Despite everyone’s best intentions, women are still underrepresented in executive positions. For this reason, it is important to stand out as a female executive. And I mean, REALLY stand out. 

Here are three top ways to enhance your resume as a woman in leadership.

1. Look towards the future. When working on your resume, it’s important to focus on highlighting where you want to go with your career, not what you’ve done in the past. The resume is a marketing document, not a historical record. You are allowed to decide what makes it on your resume and what doesn’t. For example, there’s no need to add your experience working at McDonald’s when you were in high school unless you are applying to be the manager at a fast food restaurant.

2. Use the right lingo. Next, just like any marketing document, there are buzzwords and critical keywords that people are looking for. Not only are resume readers looking for active verbs and statements, but they are also looking for metric-based accomplishments. Also, if you haven’t had to apply for a job in a while, it’s important to note how language has changed over time.

3. Show Off your “WOW” Factor. Finally, because you may be the only woman applying for an executive position, it is important to have one to two quick hits of information that will thoroughly impress any employers in your field. This could be a specific accomplishment, a personal characteristic, or a certain set of experiences which proves your ability and fortitude. Having a specific “WOW” factor on your resume helps you stand out amongst the inevitable stack of resumes that a hiring manager will have to look through, increasing your chances of an interview and being hired.

While women are the minority in leadership roles, it doesn’t mean they are any less qualified to hold executive or c-level positions. However, developing a resume for these positions is a little different than a resume you would make for an entry-level position. When creating a resume for an executive position, it is important to look toward the future, use the right lingo, and establish a personal brand.

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