Top Notch Executive Resumes: Creating Flawless Resumes for Managers, Executives, and CEO's Paperback – Illustrated, 21 July 2008

The most essential component of any job search is, and has always been, the résumé. In this book, résumé specialist Katharine Hansen covers the basics and intricacies of résumé writing for candidates seeking executive positions. She explains, with thoroughness and an up-to-date sensibility, if not originality, that today's executive résumé must be more than a listing of positions and responsibilities. It must detail the candidate's challenges and accomplishments while defining his or her "unique value proposition" and creating a personal brand. Hansen explains how to do this and offers numerous examples, samples and case studies. She describes how to create a portfolio of marketing tools in addition to your résumé. getAbstract recommends this thorough, comprehensive reference as a valuable resource for anyone seeking an executive position, right up to the C-level.

If you work in a creative industry this book may seem stuck in the past. Although there are numerous examples of covering letters and CVs they felt quite American and 80s in their approach. I did follow the advice in the book and re-wrote my CV accordingly, only to have it ripped apart and re-written by my Mentor days later. The book champions the resume as a two page life history - whereas I've found a shorter, brief snapshot one-page resume has been more effective at landing me executive interviews (and inevitably job offers). As my Mentor pointed out, the objective of a resume is to land you an interview - and that is your opportunity to expand upon your CV.Senior people do not have time to read a 2 page resume, and many may be viewing on a mobile device (such as a Blackberry), so you have a limited opportunity to jump out at someone. Again, I've found a one-line personal branding statement to be more effective than a lengthy personal profile.Trends in the labour market are always shifting, and this is inevitably influences resume style. I found the free advice available on numerous business websites and executive search and resume writing sites to be a much more useful and up-to-date tool.