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Shorter resumes? Why?

Attention spans are shrinking, time is shrinking, screens are shrinking -- that is why leading edge resumes of 2008 are vastly different from those of twenty years ago or even two years ago.

Resume and job search changes are driven by innovations spurred by employers' and recruiters' needs for specific kinds of information and ways to view that information. For many years, resumes of two-to-three or more pages were the document of choice for most executives, professionals, and technical workers.

Today those resumes seem overwhelmingly wordy to busy multi-tasking executives dealing with e-mail, spam, voice mail, same-time messaging, BlackBerries, iPhones, and even Twitter -- just to get through the day (and evening). Whether on-line, in email, or via BlackBerry/iPhone, people are spending less time on every task and are receiving (and absorbing) information in smaller and smaller chunks. And that goes for resumes, too.

The trend translation for 2008 and beyond? Precision resumes!

2008 resumes are smaller -- in some ways like the one- to two-page resumes of years ago -- yet different because they are strategic personal marketing pieces, not "job graveyards." The content of a 2008 resume is tightly targeted, edited, precise, and packs a powerful punch. The 2008 precision executive resume is based upon a deeply developed value proposition and personal brand, not just career chronology and accomplishments.

Every word strategically supports the resume's mission -- that of attracting the best potential employers and disqualifying the wrong ones. Every accomplishment statement is crafted down to the smallest word, so that the message is exactly right, with a dollarized top- or bottom-line result and big strategic impact.

Here are the top-ten tips and techniques you need to know now for creating a “2008 and beyond precision executive resume” with big impact in a small space:

1. Hit these six areas.
If you truly want to get your resume read, get interviews, and get on the short list, be sure to hit these six areas: Value Proposition / Differentiation / Proof / Brand / Passion / Key Words!

2. Compose a branded value proposition.
One-to-two sentences that are a compelling call to action for the right reader. This statement should precisely combine both the brand and the bottom-line, dollarized value you bring to the target company.

3. Understand and embrace the value of the value prop!
Without a precise branded value proposition you cannot write a great resume, and you are not prepared to interview. In fact, if you’ve done it right, you should be able to place the value proposition on a blank piece of paper and get a targeted decision-maker interested in you.

4. Write your resume profile first, not last.
A precision profile focuses the resume. Without focus, you won't know your strategy and you can’t write the resume. Write the profile like a micro-resume -- as though you had to fit an entire resume into three-to-four inches. It has to be that strong! Use the value proposition as the key driver of the profile and resume message. Infuse the profile with a bit of brand and then slam it home with some brief bullets of best-of-the-best impact accomplishments. (A nice plus is that this kind of profile is powerful when used on LinkedIn and other social networking sites.)

5. Show them the money!
Aim for a big, dollarized impact. It doesn’t matter if you are a CEO, a VP, an analyst, a manager, work in a cost center like HR or IT, or sweep the floor of the pizza joint. Everything you do makes money for the company or supports the way the company makes money or provides services. Figure out how you hit the bottom line and show when / how you have done it! Monetized impact attracts opportunities.

6. Keep job descriptions brief and precise.
Job descriptions don’t get interviews - contributions and accomplishments get interviews. You must use most of a short resume for the ‘glamour shots’ -- the impact performance that will get interviews. Rather than long job descriptions, use a concise explanations and stats -- budget, reports, territories, etc. Say enough to hit the key words, help your reader understand the position’s scope, and be done with it. I like a ratio of at least 6 to 1 accomplishments to job description.

7. Precision edit -- ruthlessly, strategically, courageously.
Edit out anything that doesn’t directly support your candidacy. The resume is your advertisement. Sell ‘em by proving the best fit. This is not a job history – it’s an ad! Go for the gold and dump the junk.

8. Dare to be different!
If everyone else does it, it’s not going to get you a job. Doesn’t every executive create growth and profit? Doesn’t every project manager manger projects? Who cares? But the WAY you create growth and profit, or manage projects, and the circumstances in which these things are done may be very intriguing to your target. Differentiate yourself. Stand out!

9. Generate job-jolt!
JOLT your reader into really READING (not scanning) the resume! Capture interest by delving into each position and discovering the ONE best thing you contributed at that job. Think: “If I had to write just ONE accomplishment under each job, what would it be?” Think about how you impacted the company, division, department, etc., by being there and doing the job. What was your overall value and strategic impact? What got done because you did it? What wasn’t done before? What is now part of the company’s best practices or corporate DNA? What will be there long after you’re gone? That impact statement is your job-jolt.

10. Take the time to write it!
Most decision-makers and recruiters have no time to read a wordy resume. Make every word count. When you know your value proposition, targets, differentiation, and strategy, the process will actually be more intense than writing a longer resume because you need to strategize every word around that core message. It’s harder to write less, yet make it say a lot! Short and precise takes time and it’s worth spending it.

Doing the work needed to craft a precision resume is an investment in your entire job search -- from networking, to interviewing, to salary negotiation, to strategic entry into your new position. Clarity of expression on paper translates to clarity of expression in all your written and verbal career communications. Clarity is a powerful magnet for the right opportunities. So go for it -- shrink that resume and supersize your impact!

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© Copyright, 2008, Deb Dib. Job-Hunt's Executive Job Search Pro, Deb has been a careers-industry professional since 1989. For the last few years, Deb has focused on coaching CEO's and other C-suite executives in finding their next opportunities. Deb is the founder of Executive Power Brand, a contributor to more than 30 career books, featured in The Wall Street Journal, CareerJournal, Newsday, Portfolio.com, and Fox News. She was also a co-founder of the National Resume Writers Association, and serves on the board of the Career Management Alliance.