Want to distinguish your leadership brand?
Ditch the boring language you’ve seen on other executive resumes.
Just because other resumes (professionally created, AI-generated, or self-written) employ a blend of monotonous, overused words doesn’t mean you have to follow suit.
Shake things up and inject some power into your personal brand message by refusing to add these mundane descriptors to your executive resume:
1 – “Accomplished leader.”
Did you copy this opening line from another resume? If so, you’re in good company.
Why you should reconsider this phrase: it’s a no-brainer and does you a disservice.
You’re better off telling companies what’s different about your accomplishments so you can have a conversation about your unique brand value.
What could you say instead?
Market-Aware CEO & COO Behind Millions in Profits (shown on this sample CEO resume).
CEO and new-market proponent launching XYZ Company’s first scalable growth strategy, with 26% year-over-year revenue results.
Generated #1 Revenue & Customer Churn Metrics for 16 Straight Quarters (from a Chief Revenue & Sales Officer resume).
2. “Over XXX years of experience…”
Continually updated your resume over the years – and can’t think of what else to say?
Why you should reconsider: years of experience are NOT always an asset in the job search, especially as you advance into prime territory for age bias. Earlier in your career, those first 8-10 years under your belt make you a mid-career asset (experienced, but not quite expensive).
Don’t let employers use your 20, 30, or 40 years of history as a reason they can’t afford you!
Longevity doesn’t always mean effectiveness. We’ve all known colleagues who just put in their time, merely surviving during decades of experience. Therefore, you’ll need to focus on ROI, rather than the length of your tenure.
What could you say instead?
Global experience leading business development to an all-time high of 35% annual growth (in spite of economic downturn).
Rapid promotions to VP of IT (exceeding colleague career paths) based on new robotics and AI solutions.
Senior sales operations executive behind competitive benchmarking and an industry-leading 43% rise in revenue.
3 – “Seasoned.”
Trying to make your case as the top senior executive with this descriptor?
Why you should reconsider: no matter how you put it, this description is going to sound as if you’ve got one foot into retirement. See point #2 regarding age bias in the job search.
There’s many other ways to note your lengthy experience and results, without making references to your age or seniority.
What could you say instead?
Energetic executive regarded as innovator and performance driver for teams across Americas, APAC, & Middle East.
Technology Sales Rainmaker & Champion for Top Oracle Products (shown on this Senior Sales Director Resume for a candidate in his early 50’s).
VP Operations credited with shaping manufacturing strategy for expansion into 5 new, profitable international markets.
Break away from these overused phrases – and add some energetic language to your executive resume.
Describing yourself in terms of ROI and leadership scope helps employers see your authentic value and influence – and makes your resume more engaging to read.
Recruiter-Endorsed, Premium Executive Resume & LinkedIn Writing Services
Become the TOP candidate by working one-on-one with a multiple award-winning executive resume writer and former recruiter skilled in positioning 3,600+ leaders for success at Amazon, Eli Lilly, GE, Disney, Google, EY, Kaiser, Oracle, Ericsson, UHC, Intel, Pfizer, and others.
Your new, personally branded Resume and LinkedIn Profile will gain attention from Fortune-ranked, niche, PE, multinational, startup, and boutique companies - even in a competitive job market.
See why my expert resume writing and LinkedIn skills open doors to C-Suite, EVP, Board, VP, and Director roles by viewing interview-winning resumes that show a clear competitive advantage.
- Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, CPBA, TCCS, COPNS, CIC, CTTCC, NCOPE
