By Linda Matias

There is a major difference between conventional resumes and
executive resumes. Accomplishments are usually the center
point of a conventional resume (i.e., indicating how much
money was saved, how sales increased, what processes were
proposed, planned, initiated, implemented, or streamlined).
The executive resume, on the other hand, has more than one
focus. It alludes to the executive's ability to drive
profits (accomplishments) and the capacity to lead (that is,
to blend various "soft" skills) an organization.

Successes are easier to hone in on. The result is clear,
often quantifiable. After all, either you penetrated a
market or you didn't, or either you were a top-performer or
you weren't. It is harder to capture emotional competencies
on paper, to indicate who you are, what you stand for, how
you relate to others, how you affect change within an
organization.

On an executive resume, a list of Accomplishments does not
suffice. Employers expect more, and since your resume is an
introduction to your full qualifications, you must
incorporate what you have done as well as provide a notion
of how you influence others. This information must be
presented in a concise and compelling manner given that your
resume is your most important marketing tool.

Moving beyond accomplishments

Coupled with a track record of financial success, good
leadership is the single most important factor in the
survival of an organization. Because of this, executives who
point out the following "soft" needed skills on their resume
are usually the ones invited to an interview. They show
that they have the intangible qualities that promote the
growth of the organization. These are the elements in
question:

*Visionary - An "idea person" that challenges traditional
ways of conducting business, and is willing to take on
calculated risks. Demonstrated ability to think
strategically, act tactically and have the strength of
character to motivate others to buy into his or her ideas,
concepts and values.

*Professional Integrity - A person who understands the
value of honesty, accountability and trust in a business
environment.

*Charisma - Knack for captivating an audience, having a
presence that commands respect and has a natural ability to
hold the interest of the listener.

*Emotional self-control - Someone who anticipates
challenges and overcomes those that are unanticipated.

*Emotional Intelligence - Awareness of one's own feelings
while having empathy and understanding for those of other
people - and the relationship between the two.

*Effective use of inner resources - A person that trusts
his or her gut instincts and takes the initiative to drive
change.

*Flexible Communication Style - The ability to assess a
situation, and react to it appropriately.

Since there isn't much room at the top, opportunities at the
executive-level stage are limited, your resume should move
beyond the entry-level approach, and focus on who you are
professionally and personally. This is why it is crucial
that as an executive you present yourself as a complete
package - a product a company will want to acquire.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth
of experience to the career services field. She is President of CareerStrides and The
National Resume Writers' Association. Visit her website at
www.careerstrides.com or email her at
careerstrides@bigfoot.com.

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