What Makes You a Great Executive Catch?

When hiring managers are searching for their next executive candidate, they’re not looking for someone mediocre.  They want someone who is incredibly talented, knowledgeable, and skillful—and with an inordinate amount of drive and passion for what he or she does.  This is what they consider to be a great catch.

Do you fit into this category?  Can you go above and beyond the call of duty to meet the demands of the company at such an important level?  If you can, your job is to prove it through your resume.  Here are some tips to help you show the company that you are indeed a great catch.

Prove You’re Results-Driven

Getting results, whatever they may be for the company and the position in which you’re interested, is one of the most important factors in determining whether you are the right candidate over another very qualified executive.  This means, not only is it important that you show that you fully understand what they company needs but also that you are the person who can deliver results.

One great way to prove you’re results-driven is to show that you’ve achieved the desired results for previous employers.  Be specific about your accomplishments.  Tell the prospective employer how much you’ve earned for a company, how many new clients you pulled in, and the initiatives you started that changed the direction of a company.  In other words, give them everything they need to make them think when they first glance your resume: “This person is too good to pass up.”

Show How Unique You Are

Now that you’ve found some ways to show you’re a great catch, you’ve managed to accomplish what probably every other candidate has too.  Next, your job is to prove that, even though the other candidates have results as well, something makes you unique—you are able to stand out from the pack.

Be sure to create a winning job target/headline at the top of your resume that markets your skills and accomplishments in one brief statement.  Also, create a career summary that highlights key moments in your career that make you truly unique.

Have you won awards for your leadership, been published in major publications, or given presentations in your field?  Be sure to list them in their own section somewhere not far from the top of your resume.  And don’t be shy about raking in some testimonials from influential people who are willing to vouch for your candidacy.

All of these small inclusions make a huge difference in showing how unique you are as a candidate.  So put a lot of effort into doing all you can to stand out.  The more time you give to lining yourself up with the job, company, and industry, the more likely an employer is to think you’re a great catch.

For additional tips and advice on resumes and cover letters, follow us on Twitter @GreatResume or visit our blog.