When it comes to drafting your CV, there is a tendency to overexplain without displaying tangible results. As Executive Search Lead David Hammond mentions below, he sees a lot of ‘words’ on CVs that don’t show any value or results behind them. We spoke to David about how you can display measurable results to clearly show that you have made an impact on the business. i.e., X moved to Y because of your input.
A generic CV serves as a foundational document, but to succeed at the executive level, it’s essential to tailor your CV for each particular role. This means adapting your CV to align your achievements, skills, and experience with the specific requirements and responsibilities outlined in the job description.
While David speaks to the executive market where seeing these tangible results as crucial to moving forward in the recruitment process, they still most certainly apply across all levels of employment.
I see a lot of CVs that have a lot of words on them, but many of them don’t have enough measurement of the impact that people had in their jobs. To stand out, make sure to include relevant information that aligns with the job description, and customise your CV for the particular role you are applying for. It’s important to highlight your achievements and responsibilities, focusing on outcomes and leadership impact, rather than just listing duties. I have to say to you that there is a real difference between people who measure the impact they had in their jobs, and those that don't, and my observation is that those CVs do better in the job application process.
So, what things should you measure?
I think there are probably about seven or eight things that you should weave through your CV and show validations and actual measurements for.
Complexity and leadership - the ability to spin a whole lot of plates
At any level, there is almost always an element of juggling more than one thing at once, however, that ability at an executive level and the results you can show off the back of being able to do this effectively, is key in making you stand out from the crowd.
This complexity is heightened by the need to demonstrate strong leadership and effective team management. The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results through your leadership of teams is key in making you stand out from the crowd. Additionally, being able to identify key challenges and opportunities in complex situations is essential for executive success.
Be strategic but prioritise
Showcase your ability to hold a holistic view of the business, while also being able to read the market to strategise effectively. All the while working within the resource limitations that may befall the business.
Highlight how your strategic thinking and relevant industry experience enable you to read the market and make informed decisions, even when working within the resource limitations that may befall the business. Conduct thorough research into the company, its goals, and the specific requirements of the role to ensure your strategic decisions are well-informed and targeted. Use precise language tailored to the job description to clearly communicate your strategic value and expertise.
The ability to have partnerships that are win-win for both parties
Your measurement of how you manage relationships both internally and externally can mean the success or failure of your time at an organisation. Try and display the results of being able to manage difficult situations where a successful outcome was present.
Especially in the context of different company types, such as not-for-profits, government bodies, or subsidiaries, can mean the success or failure of your time at an organisation. When describing partnerships, reference your professional qualifications and relevant experience to demonstrate your credibility and expertise. Try to display the results of being able to manage difficult situations where a successful outcome was present.
The ability to communicate to any audience
Read the room. While IQ can get you to a certain point in your career, EQ will be the difference between sitting on the sideline and coaching the game. Managing your emotions while also being able to articulate the emotions of those around you, is crucial. While numbers may not suffice here, provide examples of a situation where you achieved this and the IMPACT of that.
Demonstrate your skills by providing specific examples that showcase how you have led teams, resolved conflicts, or influenced outcomes through effective communication. For example, describe a situation where you facilitated a high-stakes negotiation or guided a team through a challenging transition, and explain the measurable impact of your actions.
Meaningful partnerships
The ability to form meaningful partnerships to have acumen with your board, and to have cultural acumen as well
Those are the types of things that I am looking for that show high performance, and I'm really looking for the measurement and the validation of that type of impact.
If you can do that, it is so much better than most people I'm seeing coming forward with executive CVs.
With over 20 year's experience in executive recruitment David Hammond, provides more than just recruitment support. Take a look at the additional services that can support you or your business through the next phase.
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