Don’t simply send a cover letter that’s not grammatically correct, boring, or just “average” to standards. Would you go to an interview in faded jeans, a ratty T-shirt, and tennis shoes? Why not? Answer that question, and you know why your cover letter needs to be flawless as it’s your “first impression,” the one you present to the prospective employer.

Why should your letter be different?

For one thing, you’re not just applying for any old job. Many more people will be reading your letter than usual They’re going to be screening out poor candidates before choosing the best ones for the interviews. This means that several people in the company, from HR to the VP or maybe even the big boss is going to read your cover letter (and your resume), as well.

Because higher caliber people in the company are going to be reading your executive resume and cover letter, it has to stand out and be much better than the standard cover letter. Your cover letter has to be much more refined than the average cover letter.

However, it doesn’t mean using overblown, tortuous, extravagant, “show off” language that will just make you look unconfident and downright foolish. Instead, easy, brief language that gets to the point and then finishes quickly and cleanly is best. Remember that this is going to be the first impression you make, so you want it to show the best of you.

You need to show that you are willing to take charge, that you are efficient, bright, that you work well with people, and that you’re easy to get along with. Also, you want to show that you are a problem solver, because that’s why companies hire executives. You have to solve some kind of business issue that the company is facing, and you have to prove them that you can fix it. You do this by showing how you fixed other similar situations.

Lastly, be sure the employers who are going to be reading your letter understand that you have a “can-do” attitude and that you really like the type of work you are applying for. After all, executives spend a lot of time on the job, so you have to show that you’re up to it.

One last thing. End your cover letter telling the reader what he or she should do to facilitate the hiring process. Something like “I look forward to hearing from you so that we can discuss this position further. Please call me at [number] at your convenience, to set up a time to do so.” Then, sign off with “Sincerely,” and your name. Voila. That’s a cover letter that should certainly get you interviews, and show that you’re ready for the job.

Much like commercials, resumes need to grab the attention of the recruiter right from the beginning. When writers are planning commercials for print, television, or the wavers, they focus on finding a ‘hook’ or a ‘catch’ that will get inside your head, and stick with you for a while.

Your resume writing should do the same thing. You should be able to write a resume that grabs the attention of the employer within the first couple of paragraphs, otherwise your resume will be forgotten. Resume writing opens a huge door to creative freedom that many people do not bother using when they create resumes for their job search. Even though you cannot go totally crazy with your resume, unless you are in an entertainment or artistic field, you still can maintain your professional image while preparing a resume that is as catchy as this new commercial on the radio.

First, you need to assemble all of your information and have a copy of the job ad. Then, you need to take the time to prepare a different resume for every position you apply for as no one likes a generic resume. The copy of the job ad will help you with this. You can read over it for keywords or see where the employer places the emphasis on, so that you know what aspects of your skills and abilities to emphasize.

Your resume does not have to give your life story, it simply has to appeal to the hiring manager enough that you are invited for an interview. Now this does not mean to leave them hanging. On the contrary, you need to be sure you give all of the requested information, as well as a comprehensive list of your career history and educational background, because once you have caught their attention, they will want to hear it in details.

There is a balance between making a professional resume and preparing a creative resume that will get you the job that you want. By keeping that professionalism in the back of your mind, you can take the creativity to whatever extent possible, while still maintaining integrity in your resume writing. Resume writing should not be complicated, and does not have to be boring. Although many people feel like they are simply recording a documented history of their experience, you are really creating history in your resume.

This does not mean that you should lie. You should never lie on a resume; this might come back to haunt you. But you can be creative to catch the attention of the employer. For example, instead of saying Assistant Manager, you could say something along the lines of Assistant Manager of HR. This gives a much clearer idea of what you actually did at your job than the first example.

In summary, resume writing can be fun; you need to exercise your creativity to make your resume stand out. Do not believe that resume writing is rigid. While there are certain do’s and don’ts, the way you grab the attention of the employer is up to you. As long as it lands you an interview, you are doing something right in your resume writing.

Military to civilian conversion resume writing can be difficult, but here are some tips to help you:

In translating your experience to civilian language, here are some examples of what terms you can use in your military to civilian resume.

·    ”Soldiers” should be called “staff”, “employees” and/or “co-workers”
·    ”Uniforms” and “Weapons”, etc. become “supplies”
·    ”Barracks” and other buildings are simply “facilities”

It is also essential to translate your training, medals and accomplishments into civilian language, provided that they are related to the position you seek. For example, you would not use your shooting skills or your battle experience on a civilian resume, so do not worry about this. Also, achievements such as Special Operations Captain can be turned into a simple statement like Extensive management experience in critical situations.

To explain the classes you have taken and the training you have completed, you can use general statements that are understandable to public sector employers. If you took classes in management, there is no conversion needed, because everyone understands this word. Conversely, if you took classes for officer ranking or for artillery, you would need to convert this. For example, you could say Leadership classes and training instead of officer training. However, once again, cavalry training is irrelevant to civilian positions, unless you are looking into a law enforcement career.

All in all, converting the military jargon into terms that are understandable to civilian employers will be one of the most essential aspects of your military to civilian resume writing. Although you need to make sure that your resume is focused and stands out, you cannot do these things without first making sure that it is comprehensible. It is not important if your resume is the most unique an employer reads; if they cannot get your military language, they will not even give it a second look.

If you have concerns when you are preparing your military conversion resume, there are resources that you can use. The military has special classes and offices to help veterans in their conversion. In addition, many public sector companies and schools specialize in introducing veterans to public society. As long as you are willing to invest the time, making the military to civilian transition can be pretty easy. The most essential thing is to ensure that your resume is  unique and comprehensible to civilian hiring managers who have no military knowledge.

What Do Executive Recruiters Accomplish?
A company will retain a recruiter to conduct an exclusive searchfor a top executive manager. These recruiters usually get a 33 percent commission as compensation for their work. Some recruiting agencies specialize in industry specific placement. Others just fill executive management positions. Some companies might also focus on top level positions such as chief financial officers or corporate lawyers.

Establish Multiple Contacts
it is better to diversify your sources. Therefore, you should contact as many executive recruiters that you believe will be looking for someone with your qualifications. Always be frank upfront when discussing how you were going about looking for your next position. If a particular recruiter comments that they only work on an exclusive arrangements, you must do a thorough examination of their performance levels before committing to such an contract. It is essential for you to find out how effective this recruiter may be at finding a position for someone qualified as you are. If this recruiter seeking an exclusive contract has little or no experience with your particular job attributes, then making such an arrangement is not a good idea.

Developing a Relationship
If you’re an experienced professional in your mid-30s to early 40s, it is a good idea to seek and locate a reputable executive recruiter with whom you can build a long-term relationship. If you have a proven track record in your field, a relationship with an executive recruiter will produce further opportunity to advance your career.

Be Aware of Recruitment Practices
Most executive recruiters are usually hired by companies looking to fill a particular position. As a result, most of their consulting time with you will be focused on placing you in a position rather than finding a position in which to place you. Keep in mind it is much like going to a real estate agent to find a new home. The agent is working on behalf of the owner, not for the buyer. Also, some recruiters will shop you throughout their corral of employers as opposed to concentrating on looking for the best job for you. Regrettably, just like with salespeople, the ultimate goal can be that commission check rather than satisfying your career goals.

However, getting a good executive recruiter is like using a great agent who gets to know you professionally and personally and will represent you throughout your entire career. Last but not least, make sure your executive resume writing is a strong representation of your achievements - at such a career level, it is recommended to use an executive resume service.

Whether it’s because the government is too busy for conjecturing, or just not sharp enough to assume what you’re trying to say, they want you to show them everything. For example, if the job announcement calls for management abilities, you need to explicitly state that you have supervising experience due to…. Don’t just say you were a supervisor. Also, if the job announcement asks for Office experience, don’t just mention spreadsheets in your resume. Talk about Excel. Use these keywords to bring the focus and attention of the reader to your resume.

In the end, you should treat your Federal resume writing like a more detailed description of your regular resume. It’s very much similar to the interview that you have in the private sector, in that they want to know everything. While there is a page limit, you need to list the experience the job announcement calls for as well as a clear picture of what you can do for the reader. Using the words from the job announcement will show the hiring manager that you are capable of doing the job.

Jobs at the federal level are more rigorous, and so is the application process. When writing a federal resume you must prove to the reader that you have what it takes.

Unlike most civilian companies, Uncle Sam does not have the time to interview people to weed out the less qualified applicants. They need to focus only on the right candidates and will only interview the most qualified. You can help them make the right decision by giving lots of details and showcasing you are the best candidate for the position.

Another reason that so much detail is required in federal resume writing is that many government hiring managers don’t conduct interviews. Consequently, if you gibe them what they want to read, you could land a job simply by submitting a resume.

Obviously, preparing a Federal resume takes more time than a traditional private sector resume. After all, you’re going to be working for the government, so you should prove you’re dedicated to giving 110% by providing a thorough resume and meeting all requirements listed in the job announcement.

To summarize, government resume writing may seem complicated, but it does not have to be. Just keep this in mind, and you should be fine. Remember the following elements:

• Details, details, details —be concise and provide a thorough explanation of your past experience
• Use keywords — use the buzzwords listed in the job ad in your federal resume to show exactly what you are capable of
• Attention — make sure that you write your federal resume in a way that catches the attention of the reader and showcases that you are the best candidate for the position.
• Too much is always better than not enough when it comes to providing information on a federal resume.

Executive Resume Myth #1: The most experience, the better
This concept is not correct for a number of reasons. First of all, depending on how many years you’ve been in the profession, if you have too much experience your steadiness and commitment abilities might be questioned. Secondly, a few very good experiences are much better than a lot of good experience. When it comes to the skills you have, quality is always more important than quantity.

Executive Resume Myth #2: Experience should only go as far as ten years
First of all, a chronological format might not be the best choice for your executive resume. Then, you need to strategically select which careers and experiences provide you with the necessary skills to get the specific job you’re applying for, whatever is the timeline involved. The purpose of sending a resume is to prove you are the best candidate for the position, so you need to show your best skills and experiences to the employers.

Executive Resume Myth #3: Describe your duties in detail
Details are always a plus in an executive resume. Explaining your duties isn’t necessarily going to make you look qualified. Responsibilities are limited to the things you are supposed to do in your job. That doesn’t necessarily mean you did them. Instead, provide examples of successes, duties and goals met at that particular job. This will provide better proof of what you’re capable of in the eyes of the employer.

Executive Resume Myth #4: Resumes at this level should be limited to two pages
While length shouldn’t be automatically the first thing to worry about, you do need to capture the reader’s attention within the first few lines of your resume to keep them reading. It can often be impossible for applicants at this level to condense their lengthy experience into a couple pages, so don’t limit yourself. Instead, simply prepare your executive resume while focusing on the previous jobs and diplomas that will be most likely to land you the job. Then go back,  revise and add or remove things if necessary. You shouldn’t end up with a 5 page resume, but you also shouldn’t provide an incomplete picture of yourself by limiting yourself to a set number of pages. Focus instead on making yourself stand out and proving that you’re the best choice for the job.

Executive Resume Myth #5: I need to focus on what I did for other employers
While demonstrating past accomplishments helps to prove your abilities, you shouldn’t focus on this. Executive employers only want to know what you can do for them. They could care less about what you did for other employers. You need to find the balance between listing your experience and showing what you can do in order to have an effective executive resume.

Executive resume writing can get very tricky but, hopefully, this article will help you to decipher executive resumes and prepare one that gets you the job you want. If, after reading this article, you’re still not sure about executive resume writing, you can consult with a service that offers professional executive resume writing services.

Some people can create a great executive resume on their own, while others might be better off to outsource their resume to a professional writer. Either way, this article should shed some light on the executive resume process and help you to understand what to look for in executive resume writing.

The 1978 Civil Service Reform Act  created the Senior Executive Service (SES) that became effective on July 13th in 1979. The goal was to “ensure that the executive management of the government of the United States is responsive to the needs, policies, and goals of the nation and otherwise is of the highest quality.”

Why the  Senior Executive Service
The Senior Executive Service is made up of men and women charged with the responsibility for leading activity in more than seventy-five government agencies. These executives share common philosophy of a commitment to public service that is established in the US constitution. SES members serve key positions that are just below the top presidential appointees. These are positions that are generally above the General Schedule (GS) 15 ranking.

Positions not included
Senior Executive Service positions do not include the following:
·    Any jobs appointed by the president needing approval by the senate
·    Any legislative or judicial positions
·    Any intelligence or law enforcement job
·    Any administrative law judges, any members of boards of appeal, or any jobs in independent Government corporations, for example, the California Authority.

Types of Positions
Generally, there are two types of SES positions and 4 types of appointments:

1.       A career reserved position is defined by law to “ensure impartiality, or public’s confidence of impartiality of government.” The slots are filled by career appointments.

2.       A General position can be filled by any type of Senior Executive Service appointee through a career, non-career, limited term or a Limited emergency appointment.

Career appointments can either be general or reserved. Candidates are selected by agency performance evaluations and must have qualifications approved by the OPM oversight board.

Non-career appointments that are approved by the OPM are done so on a case by case basis and these positions are not allowed to exceed more than 25 percent of any agency and SES allocation. Throughout government staffing only 10 percent of all Senior Executive Service positions can be filled by non-career appointees.

Limited term appointments are up to 3 years and non-renewable. These must be SES General Positions and they expire when the job or project has ended.

Limited emergency appointments usually last eighteen months and they must also be SES General Positions that are created for an existing or unanticipated need.

What it Has Done

Once the CSRA was enacted, the Senior Executive Service became a “third” service. It operates apart from other personnel systems that feature competitive or appointed postings. Instead of the government having more than 60 separate executive personnel authorities, the Senior Executive Service rolled these into a single service that fills several thousand jobs. Prior to the CSRA and the formation of the Senior Executive Service, top government management positions fell subject to disparate regulations and oversight requirements. The Senior Executive Service has established a unified and distinct executive personnel management and selection system that provides for uniform application throughout government posting.

All vacancies for SES positions are available online at www.usajobs.gov where job vacancies may be downloaded. Regarding the application process, a SES resume, which is a more complex form of Federal resume, and ECQ’s essays are usually required.

Well not in all cases. Many graduates face the same obstacle in their post-graduate job search: finding that first job. Most companies want too much from applicants, while other companies aren’t specific enough with their requirements for the job. As a result graduates turn to internships or referrals from friends to find a job, but many graduates end up working for less money than they could make working full time at McDonald’s. While this can be annoying, the job search after college can be a success.

Take Sarah, for example. She went to college for four years. She has two degrees in Business and Accounting. She has some experience from internships, but not much. She graduated last January, and has sent her resume out to dozens of companies in the past few months. She has taken classes on job interviews and resume preparation. She has even talked to the career counselors at her college to make sure she will be prepared to enter the real world when the time comes. Still, she hasn’t gotten any response yet.

This is frustrating for her because she studied hard to be prepared for a career and be successful in the real world. It’s also stressing to her because her uncle works in the Electronics Department at a big box retailer and makes almost $50,000 a year, with no college education. She can’t even find an entry level office job for $20,000 where she can work her way up. What is she doing that is so wrong?

For starters, She is sending the same resume to every employer. In addition, she has a generic cover letter that she sends with her resume. She speaks to everything that a position would require in her resume and cover letter, but she isn’t customizing her words to each employer.

Employers want to know what you can do for them and every job listing is different. That’s why it is essential that you customize your graduate resume and cover letter to reflect each job opening that you apply for. She needs to look at keywords that are in the job ads and include them in her resume. She also needs to look specifically for beginner jobs, because she only has that one internship under her belt.

Another thing she can do is using her inexperience to her advantage. By this, we simply mean she can take the time to emphasize her lack of experience, and give it a positive spin. For example, because of this lack of experience, she can fully be trained to a company’s specific needs. She’s not set in her ways, and has no routine that has to be broken. That sounds much better than “I’ve never worked on this before.”

College Resume writing can be challenging, as much as looking for a job. However, as long as you provide a polished resume that makes you stand out, you shouldn’t have too much trouble landing a job.

The first step will be finding available jobs. Executive level jobs can’t be found as easily as the jobs you can find employment listings. There are many ways to find executive job listings, including:

·    Specialized papers such as the Wall Street Journal
·    Executive recruiting services
·    Networking
·    Online executive job sites

The next step is to find the jobs that are right for you. Because executive jobs are very detailed, it is much easier to see if you have the right qualifications and experience. And if you do not find an exact listing that meets all of your qualifications, do not worry as you can still apply as long as you are qualified. For example, if you have minimal experience in an area that a  position asks for, as long as you have other related skills and abilities that show your capabilities, you should still be able to apply to the position.

Finally, make sure you convince the employer you are the righ candidate for the job. Indeed, papers like the Wall Street Journal generally get between 100 and 600 responses per ad, so your resume needs to stand out and prove that you are the most qualified person for the job. Also, employers and recruiters are pretty busy and, as a result, they may only spend a few seconds looking at each resume, so it is essential that you have a flawless and unique resume. An Executive resume should not be longer than two pages should catch the attention of the reader within the first half of the first page, otherwise chances are they will get tossed or put aside with the hundreds of others that didn’t make the cut.