Should Executives Write Their Own Resumes?

"I've heard that executives should write their own resumes. You know the old axiom, when you want a job done right... ?" --Carol A.

Trying to justify why you're sweating that executive resume? Maybe you've heard that no paid professional writer can write an executive resume as good as the executive. A former recruiter answers the question...
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"I expect to be retained by a recruitment firm, and they prepare resumes for their clients. So why should I do the work for them by writing my own?"

"I've read you should always keep your resume to a single page. How is that possible when you've got 30 years of experience?"

"Which is the best format for an executive resume: the chronological or the functional format?"

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Should Executives Write Their Own Resumes?

Carol, there's an element of truth in that old axiom. But there are also limits to its usefulness. For example, in keeping with that axiom, the executives in question should be writing the advertising copy for their companies' products and services. Should be writing the press releases that introduce corporate changes to the world. Should be writing shareholder annual reports and on and on. But the truth is, skilled, professional writers typically handle those jobs often from outside contract agencies.

Why? Because there is a real talent involved in crafting marketing copy that moves a reader to act. Not every executive is equipped with that talent; most understand their limitations and don't hesitate to outsource such work. The gravity of the outcome of such writing (i.e. market share, stock price, favorable press) demands the best talent, executive egos be damned. Similarly, the gravity of the outcome of a seemingly simple resume (i.e. an invitation to an interview, a job offer) demands the best talent you can find. Know your limitations.

If you're not up-to-date on contemporary resume techniques, or if your job qualifications are difficult for you to express in a promotion and unbiased manner, then tapping a professional writer for your executive resume makes sense.
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Sidebar: My advice? If you do explore the services of outside talent, make sure the executive resume writer you choose is knowledgeable not only in crafting a must-read traditional resume, but skilled in the intricacies of social media. Look for a writer who offers online branding. For example, the development and placement of online identities and profiles at sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Google Profile, etc.
( Read my review of one such writer, Erin Kennedy.)

David Alan Carter is a former technical recruiter (i.e. headhunter) and founder of Resume One of Cincinnati. For more than ten years, he personally crafted thousands of resumes for satisfied clients from all occupational walks of life, from entry-level to senior executive.

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