Once you’ve joined the workforce, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at your career and figure out where you want to go. What type of role do you want to have 5, 10, or 20 years from now? Chances are, you’re not looking to stay in the same position you started off in. As you build your skills and experience, it’s only natural to look for opportunities to advance in your career.

How your resume positions you can play an important role in your job search. If you want to step into a management role but your resume still makes you look like an entry-level employee, it can be tough to make the switch. The same goes for moving from mid-level to executive level. Your resume should allow a potential employer to see why you’re right for the position.

  • Emphasize higher-level responsibilities

Have you had opportunities to lead projects or take on additional responsibilities? Were you selected to serve on a team or committee? Highlight work you have done that positions you as a leader and someone who steps up help where needed. Show that you can lead a team, develop strategic plans, or drive results. Consider what you will be asked to do in the roles you are applying for and how you’re already doing some of these things in your current position.

  • Highlight relevant skills

Carefully read through the job opening for management or executive roles that interest you. Pick out core competencies, training, or experiences that are essential for the position. Use these same words or phrases in your resume as appropriate to show you have these abilities and are applying them. This will help your resume to better align with ATS and the skills employers are looking for in someone at that level.

  • Demonstrate results

One thing many higher-lever roles have in common is that you’re expected to generate results. Make sure your bullet points are results- or action-oriented. Show how you’ve made a difference, whether it was decreasing expenses, improving efficiency, increasing sales, or growing the client base. Highlight the size of teams you’ve led or budgets you’ve managed. Numbers pop on your resume and can draw a hiring manager’s attention; use this to your advantage to show what you can do.

If you’re looking to advance in your career but realize that you don’t yet have some of the essential skills or experiences, start looking for opportunities within your current role to take on additional responsibility or get more training. You could also scope out volunteer positions where you can put your talents to use in different ways and take on leadership roles. Remember: you want your resume to show an employer that you’re a good fit and can handle the responsibilities of the position while delivering results.

Are you ready to take that next step in your career? Grammar Chic can help you to update your resume, highlight your strengths and accomplishments, and present yourself in a positive light. Contact us today at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to get started.