Competition is fierce at the top, and competition for marketing executive jobs is even tougher. According to a recent Deloitte CMO study, the number of available marketing jobs has decreased, and you need to be prepared for more people searching for fewer jobs. A well-crafted resume can be the difference between attracting the attention of hiring managers and recruiters or slipping through the cracks.
So, how do you make yourself stand out from the crowd?
The truth is, most people are not prepared to provide a concise answer that sets them apart from the competition and really showcases the value they can bring to an organization. An expertly crafted executive summary–displayed at the top of your resume–provides a prospective employer with an important first impression and offers a glance into your achievements and abilities. Think of it as a super-summary because you have to sum up your career in a way that shows recruiters and hiring managers how you will elevate the marketing department with your talents. Your goal should be to prove to your potential employer that not only do you have great marketing and management skills but that you are ready to put those skills to work for them.
Creating Your Unique Success Proposition™ (USP)
Consolidating your career into just a few sentences may sound like a daunting task, but preparing a compelling summary is manageable when you follow some simple career success strategies. At Executive Resume Writers, we leverage the client’s Unique Success Proposition™ (USP) to prepare an executive summary that sets our clients apart. Not only is the USP used to craft the critical first paragraph that appears at the top of the resume, but it also serves as the foundation for building a professional brand that distinguishes you from the competition.
Scope, Strengths, Specificity.
You can define your USP by taking the time to consider the scope of your expertise, the key strengths that set you apart, and the specifics of your jobs of interest. In what areas do you have industry or functional expertise? Where have you achieved the most success, and what are the quantifiable results of your achievements? What positions are you most interested in targeting?
For example: “I am a highly accomplished chief marketing officer working in Fortune 500 environments where I have introduced sales strategies that have allowed companies to realize $12M in additional sales. My documented success is in revolutionizing healthcare companies through a consumer-focused approach and digital transformation.”
In that short text, the reader knows exactly what this candidate is interested in, functional and industry expertise, and areas of success. Once the Unique Success Proposition (USP) is nailed down, it becomes the foundation of your professional brand. It will be used to develop the executive summary paragraph at the top of your resume and the top of your LI profile. It’s also easy to share when you are speaking to people during your job search.
Learn more about resume writing strategies for marketing executives through our comprehensive Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Resume Guide.
