How to create a resume that attracts top executive search firms in Asia?

Executive search firms are looking for concise and uniform CVs that provide a consistent career story and highlight specific, value-adding accomplishments. Top executive search firms in Shanghai have prepared a series of guidelines with suggestions to help you, whether you're early in your career, at a more senior level, or specifically after a role, based on our experience seeing hundreds of thousands of CVs every year at Cornerstone International Group.

1. Make a summary of your situation.

Reduce your most significant career accomplishments to three or four bullet points and list them at the top of your CV. Attempt to sell yourself right away by presenting what you have to give in a transparent and honest manner. Persuade a top executive search firm in Hong Kong to continue reading and learn more about you.

2. Demonstrate how and where you have added value.

Don't make baseless claims about overseeing increased performance or generalities like having outstanding leadership skills. Demonstrate your accomplishments and quantify them with specific numbers.

3. Express yourself while remaining true to your particular brand.

Make sure your CV reflects your work ethic and ideals. When comparing your CV to other widely available sources of information, such as a bio on your current employer's website or your LinkedIn page, would an executive search consultant detect any discrepancies or inconsistencies?

4. Improve the searchability of your resume.

Keep in mind that top executive search firms in Asia retain CVs electronically and frequently use keywords to find candidates that meet a client's needs. Without going too far, you must consider this. Is there anything on your CV that will make people think of you?

5. Accuracy.

Typos, poor grammar, and other sloppy errors will be noticed and will often lead to negative perceptions in the mind of the reader. Such blunders, according to some executive search experts, are unforgivable. Check and recheck your CV for any misspellings or factual inaccuracies. It's also beneficial to have a nice and uniform layout.

6. Keep an eye out for the gaps.

Unexplained gaps in a person's employment history irritate executive search experts. Whatever your reason for taking a break from work, honesty is the best policy. So make sure to clarify to assuage any fears. It is better not to fiddle with dates of your previous employment. Checks with prior employment could readily reveal the fact.

7. Scope and scale

No one would expect you to not present yourself in a positive manner. However, don't exaggerate the size of a role, department, or even an entire organization. Play it straight by supplying precise figures and trustworthy context. Which regions, product lines, and projects were you in charge of? It's feasible that a search firm may undervalue your level of responsibility otherwise.