Your C-suite resume is top of mind when you embark on or are in the middle of an executive job transition, but what about after you’ve selected and begun your next opportunity? Does it end up out of sight and out of mind until your next change in employment? It’s easy to forget about your executive resume while you’re happily employed because you don’t need it every day.
There are a few obvious times when you’re likely to think about updating your C-suite resume:
- When you start a new job.
- When you get promoted.
- When you get laid off.
These events all spark the idea that you should update your resume. However, what if your next job transition is 5–10 years down the road? Think of all the things you’ve accomplished in that amount of time! Suddenly you’re challenged with the immense task of identifying and quantifying years’ worth of results.
How to Keep Your C-Suite Resume Ready to Go
Think of maintaining your C-suite resume like you maintain your car. Regular maintenance is key to a well-functioning, useful vehicle. Depending on your climate, you might need to get your tires changed twice a year. Similarly, your C-level resume requires maintenance to be worthwhile. It is a working document and should be revisited regularly, ideally at least twice each year. In the meantime, keep ongoing weekly, biweekly, or monthly lists of the following:
- Your major projects and accomplishments. Add quantifiable data when you have it.
- Classes, seminars, and conferences that you attend.
- Certifications, degrees, and designations you acquire.
- Skills that you develop or gain.
Ultimately, the best time to update your resume is when you don’t need it. Scrambling frantically to update your c-level resume if you suddenly face an unexpected job transition can be too much pressure. Keeping your resume in your mind and regularly updating it can significantly reduce stress during a career transition.
To find out how we can help you bring your C-suite resume up to speed, book a complimentary and confidential call with us here.
Ready to Work with One of the Best CEO Resume Writers in the Industry?
Mary Elizabeth Bradford is a Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM), Internationally Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW), Certified Master Career Director (MCD) and Certified International Advanced Resume Writer (CARW) and a member of Career Directors International, Career Thought Leaders, The Professional Association of Resume Writers and The National Resume Writers Association.
Mary Elizabeth Bradford and her elite team of award-winning, certified, top executive resume writers and former top executive recruiters and global HR executives help many of the world’s premier CEOs and thought leaders secure the transitions and compensation packages they want.
If you’re interested in learning how I can create a powerful executive resume for you, click here to set up a 15-minute introductory call. I offer several executive resume writing services that also include coaching, as well as LinkedIn optimization, resume distribution, and more. Let me help you create a career package and strategy that work.
