Write the best C-suite resume ever and make that corner office yours in the new year!

Did your manager let you know that you are being considered for a C-suite position? Then, it is time to get your resume in shape for the interviews. When you are applying for a C-suite position internally, the hiring manager is already aware of your technical skills and expertise. So, why do you still need to write a resume? You need to convince them that you have everything else that’s needed for the position. This means your soft skills, leadership traits, and management experience.

Aim to stick to three pages

A C-suite resume is a bit longer than the general resume, and fairly so. A C-suite resume must highlight a lot of other things than just work experience. However, if your resume is spilling on its fourth page, you have a problem. Target for two pages when you create your C-suite resume. Keep your hard limit at three pages, and you will do just fine.

Quantify like crazy

The hiring manager already knows how impressive your performance is, but do they know the real numbers behind the stories? Your resume gives you a chance to wow the hiring manager with quantified achievements, so seize it. Pumped up revenue by $2 mil in the last quarter? Share that accomplishment through your resume. Use numbers, percentages, and metrics to back up your achievements with results.

Highlight related challenges

What are the challenges currently faced by your company? Maybe the company is struggling to scale, or maybe they have pressing PR issues following a crisis. When creating your resume, highlight how you have faced challenges similar or bigger. For example, you can mention how you helped scale a business startup within a year.

Talk about board experience

Board experience is very valuable for a C-suite resume. Have you been a member of the director board in a past job? Or are you currently chairing a board position? Let your resume highlight your board experience. It indicates that you are ready to take on the challenges of a C-suite position.

Sell your interpersonal skills hard

A C-suite position involves a lot of persuasion and influence. Your resume should mention how you have influenced and persuaded your teams as a leader. Are you a pro at resolving conflicts within the office? Does everyone come to you when it is time to pitch a new product to management? Then, your resume should definitely highlight your interpersonal skills.

Emphasize previous C-level experience

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you may have been the CEO of your own business. Or, you could have started out your career as a COO for a small business. No matter how small the company was, your contribution as a C-level professional should be highlighted on your resume. Even if you have briefly served as an interim C-suite exec while the person was on leave, it will make a valuable addition to your resume.

Most importantly, write for the human

When applying for a C-suite position internally, you do not have to go through the Applicant Tracking System. You will likely be emailing the hiring manager a copy of your resume, or handing over a printed resume in person. So, instead of focusing on pleasing the bots, you should strive to make your resume an interesting read for the human. Narrate the story of your career in a compelling manner.