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Most CV's and Resumes Are Terrible.

How to Make Yours Irresistible.

 by Dov Gordon

From time to time people forward me their CV’s (resumes) asking if I know of anyone who might be able to use their skills.

I presume that most readers of “The CEO Thought-Provoker™” are also in positions where you read resumes at least from time to time.  If so, think back to that rare resume that didn’t read like nutritional information on the side of a food package but actually got you excited.  Before you finished you mumbled to yourself “I’ve got to meet this guy!”

Very, very rare. Right?

Most CV’s are terrible because they (1) talk about the applicant’s skills and abilities using trite phrases that can mean anything – and so they mean nothing; and (2) they do NOT create tempting mental images of the real business results the applicant will create for his employer if hired.

Let’s look at two CV’s that recently arrived in my inbox.

One of the applicants notes that he has “Proven leadership and management capabilities, [and is an] excellent communicator and motivator.”  He makes note of his “Expertise in strategic and web marketing, MARCOM and project management,” and refers to how he has “developed concepts and slogans for international advertising campaigns.”

The other job hunter, looking for a COO position, writes “I offer a proven record of achievement in optimizing efficiencies, launching new initiatives, coordinating logistics, developing strategic plans and managing key relationships.  My strengths consist of being highly organized and able to efficiently manage people, projects, and processes under pressure while consistently producing quality results.”

They may be smart, talented and capable.  But their resumes!  Blasé.  Yawn.  Next…

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Watch future emails for details.

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To make your CV stand out, talk about concrete results you can help achieve.  Create images of pleasure for your future employer.

For example, what if instead of “managing key relationships” you wrote:  “I am skilled at surfacing hidden agendas and political interests.  As a result, I can then set up reciprocal interests so that all key executives are genuinely committed to the company’s goals and management time is minimized.”

Instead of “excellent communicator and motivator” you might write “A strong record of turning average teams into model performers without increased pay or bonuses.”  Hmm.  That’s compelling.  I’ve got to meet this guy!

You don’t stand out by saying what you are ‘expected’ to say.  You stand out by making it very clear how you can help.

THE CEO THOUGHT-PROVOKER™ QUESTIONS:

1. Using what you learned from researching the company you are applying to (you did do research, of course), what results is this company likely to require that you can help create?

2. Think back to several of your proudest accomplishments.  For each one, how can you turn the specific value you created into a generalization that could apply to any job you might accept in any company?

3. What are the tangible business results your employer will see once you begin to work?

4. TIP:  Don’t focus on what you can DO.  Focus on the RESULTS the business will experience once you are done.

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 Our “Stop Trying to Motivate… and Do This Instead” white paper is now available in Hebrew as well.   

עכשיו בעברית!  "הפסק לנסות להמריץ... ועשה את מה שמצליח."

 Go to http://www.gordongroupec.com/articles.html and choose your preferred language.

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DOV GORDON helps senior executives make better, wiser decisions and quickly get things done.  He is sought after for his perspective and advice on formulating and implementing strategy, developing an innovation culture and cultivating superior team work.  Dov can be reached via his websites www.GordonGroupEC.com and www.Superior-Strategy.com or via email at dovgordon@gmail.com.

Archives of The CEO Thought-Provoker™ are here:  http://www.gordongroupec.com/articles.html

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Dov Gordon helps senior executives at small and mid-sized companies around the world to earn the respect and admiration of their marketplace.  Clients benefit from clarifying their strategies, sharpening their focus, better decision making, improved teamwork and growing into great leaders.

Management and Strategy Consulting.

Executive Coaching.

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Please email me your thoughts and feedback.

See our recommended reading list at:   www.GordonGroupEC.com/books.html         

Copyright 2007 © by Dov Gordon.  All rights reserved.