5 Executive Resume Mistakes That Attract Soul-Crushing Employers

5 Executive Resume Mistakes That Attract Soul-Crushing Employers 5 Executive Resume Mistakes That Attract Soul-Crushing Employers I want to tell you about a client of mine. Well call him Greg. Greg recently took a new job. The company is a successful, mature business, but it is currently having trouble allocating resurces tothe offshoot division it hiredGreg to lead.This wasnt supposed to be a problem - not according to the discussions Greg had with his potential employer during the interview process. However, the lack of resourcesis causing all sorts ofissues with delivery, execution, and financial reporting for Greg and his team.On top of that, Greg is concerned about his relationship dynamic with the CEO, a 68-year-old micromanager who refers to himself as His Majesty. This is the complete opposite of what Greg had expected based on the spirited exchanges of ideas that took distribution policy in his interviews with the company.The CEO is inflexible, refusing to adopt new busin ess approaches since his company has been successful thus far. As a result,the team often makes business decisions without the CEO being fully aware of them otherwise, he might quash those decisions. (Gregs peers initially framed this as delegating during the hiring process.) The mature business itself is still profitable but declining, which is why Gregs offshoot was started in the first place.Greg is growing exhausted with the CEO and his restrictive company culture - so he is going to start looking again. He realizes he cant do the job search the saatkorn way he did last time or he might end up in the same kind of company.Working with Greg, I was able to help him identify some of the resume mistakes he made that helped lead him to such a soul-crushing job. Hopefully, youll avoid these mistakes during your next job hunt as wellMistake No. 1 Avoid Passive, Task-Oriented LanguageBelieve it or not,some companiesactively seek people-pleasing types. When your resume is written in a ta sk-driven manner with a tone of deference, you can attracttheseauthoritarian employers.The key is to create a resume that showcases your achievements and positionsyou as a business partner, not a submissive yes-man. This shift in positioning will attract more progressive organizations that seek leaders of equal footing.Incorrect Responsible for creating marketing strategy, staff hiring, and collateral creationCorrect Repositioned marketing strategy and expanded main product reach into 17 new markets established 14 new evangelist relationships that led to 160,000 new opt-ins at event launch and developed targeted communications that resulted in a combined $2.7 million revenue increase (21%) over prior yearMistake No. 2 Using a Dated Resume FormatThis will send the message that you are not a top-tier candidate, have limited options, and could be attracted toanopportunity at a less-than-ideal organization. If you are coming from a mature company, take the extra steps to come across as progressive and innovative. Use a modern, clean, crisp resume format.Mistake No.3 Using Bloated Corporate Jargon to Describe Your ExperienceRecruiters recognize an inflated vocabulary as a possible sign of a lack of confidence. Straight-talking vernacular comes across as more self-assured. Replace empty resume-speak with streamlined, clear writing.Incorrect Empowered information technology team to work cohesively through redefined best practices, core values, and creative outside-the-box thinkingCorrect Mentored 7-person IT leadership team to lead company-wide system migration which resulted in the project finishing $3.2 million under budget and 16 days earlier than the deadline the project received 98% end-user approval due to making customer fulfillment easier to accomplish.Mistake No. 4 Focusing on Tasks Instead of AccomplishmentsRecruiters and hiring managers prefer to read about results. Resumes that incorporate results go straight to the top of the pile at innovative firms. St agnant firms are intimidated by flourishing achievement. They are unsure if you will stay for the long term.Incorrect Managed financial operations through improved profit margins, increased revenues, and new revenue streamsCorrect Streamlined financial operations to increase profit margin from 12% to 18%, discovered 4 new revenue streams, and grew revenues by $6.7 million (8%) through strategic value-add pricing kampagneMistake No. 5 Targeting the Wrong CompaniesGreg showedme the list of target companies that led him to the job with His Majesty. It was a list of the stodgier Fortune 500 firms and other established, possibly declining, organizations. Greg was attracted to the idea of helping these companies turn around, but he was setting himself upto stagnate along with a stagnating firm.For his next job search,Greg did more research. After googling the top 50 startups in Austin, we came up with a great list of companies.Greg now knows he wants to work for a flat organization where all voices are heard, where he can be mentored by upstart leaders, and where he can be a mentor to otherswithin the business.- Resume blunders can really cost you. Position yourself like the business partner youare to find a fantastic companywhere you can flourish.Lisa Rangel is founder and managing director ofChameleonResumes.com.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.