Are you a seasoned expert in your field, seeking new opportunities yet not receiving responses from executive recruiters? This could likely be due to your inability to effectively illustrate your career progression. So, how do we take these accomplishments and make them not only noticeable but impactful? Let’s orchestrate this harmony of accomplishments together.
Why Presenting Achievements is Important for Your CV
It’s simple. The world is competitive. Every executive career seeker is striving to stand out in a sea of equally accomplished peers. Numbers and achievements matter. They give volume to your career melody. But the challenge lies in showcasing those numbers effectively on your CV. By doing so, you’re not just stating what you’ve accomplished, but you’re telling a story of how you’ve made an impact. It’s about turning the volume up on your accomplishments by giving them the recognition they deserve.
Utilizing Measurable Results: The Power of Numbers
Listen to the rhythm of numbers. They are powerful. The tempo they set can turn a simple CV into an intriguing narrative. As an executive, you have numbers on your side: revenue generated, projects managed, acquisitions handled, and more. Use them wisely.
Consider this: “As the CFO of Arrow ECS, successfully grew the business from $1.5 billion to $4 billion through organic growth and successful acquisitions.” Can you feel the power in those numbers? They create an impact, a crescendo that can’t be ignored. You’re not just stating that you’ve grown a business but providing quantifiable evidence of your success.
Using Action Verbs: Making Your Achievements Stand Out
Just like a symphony needs different instruments, your CV needs a mix of verbs to create a compelling narrative.
- Created: This verb can show your ability to innovate and bring something new to the table.
Example: “Created a new strategy that increased revenue by 20%.” - Designed: This indicates a careful, thoughtful approach to a project or initiative.
Example: “Designed a risk management system that reduced company losses by 15%.” - Implemented: This verb shows your ability to put plans into action successfully.
Example: “Implemented process improvements that increased efficiency by 25%.”
The use of action verbs gives your CV a dynamic tone. It’s like the rhythm section of a band: steady, driving, and forceful. It propels your narrative forward, keeping the reader engaged.
Relevance to the Job Description: Tailoring Your Achievements to the Role
Understand the Job Requirements
Make sure you understand what the employer is looking for. If they need someone with experience in setting up Shared Services Centres, your achievements should reflect this.
Example: “Successfully conceptualised and established Shared Service Centres in the UK and Israel.”
Remember, relevance is key. Irrelevant achievements will just distract from your main melody.
Tips for Effective Presentation: Conciseness and Proofreading
Now, to ensure your composition stands out, consider these steps: Be concise. Make every word count. Remember, you’re writing a CV, not a novel. Keep your sentences short and pointed. Use bullet points for clarity.
- Proofread. This is crucial. A single mistake can disrupt the entire rhythm of your CV. It’s like hitting a wrong note during a performance. Use spell-check. Read it aloud. Get a second pair of eyes. A personalised career coach can help.
- Repetition. Avoid it. Your CV should be like a song with varied verses and a catchy chorus. Repetition can make it monotonous. Use synonyms. Change sentence structures. Keep the flow.
- Layout. A well-structured CV is a pleasure to read. It guides the reader’s eyes smoothly from one section to the next. Use headers. Maintain uniformity in fonts and styles.
And finally, remember, your CV is unique. It should reflect you. It’s your career symphony. Make it sing.
And remember, personalised career coaching and career advice can always guide you through the process. At Mentor EU we offer fully personalised career coaching services to professionals across the globe. Check our Personal Branding Kit for Senior Executives and let your achievements sing your praises. It’s your symphony. Make it resonate.
