A resume that is accompanied by a good cover letter always has a better chance of getting to the top of the pile. And this is even more valid for executive resumes.
It is surprising how many executive candidates go through all the effort to craft a great resume, but go slack on the cover letter, making it boring (recapping the resume) or generic (a formality) or too personal and informal.
A cover letter must have three basic components, an introduction, a section that speaks about you and your abilities, and a strong finish. And remember, recruiters look for people who are interested in that job, not just a job.
An executive cover letter is going to be looked at by the top-level people, and therefore there is a greater responsibility for the cover letter to be perfect in its presentation and formatting, and must be sophisticated and authoritative. You have to make a compelling case for yourself. So, do follow the dos, and please don't follow the don'ts of a good cover letter!
These are the things to remember when writing a good executive CV.
- Give a good introduction of yourself. Start with a strong, forceful statement. Briefly, outline your expertise, qualification and the "X-factor" that you possess.
e.g. More than ever before, multinationals are in need of proven performers who get results in competitive environments and tough economies. As a Finance Executive with over 20 years of experience in xxx and xxx in diverse economic situations and industries, I am qualified to be the Director of Finance with your company xxx.
- State where you are working, and what your position is. And then give an example or two of a recent achievement or a major project completed, that will underscore your abilities and achievements. This statement has to reflect not only your skills, but must also be relevant to what the company needs at that time. If you have been working for a long time, with a lot of projects, it might not be easy to pick just a couple of examples to highlight, but don't worry, your resume will handle the others.At this stage of your career, the skill that is most valuable to you is that of problem-solving. So, if you are in doubt which accomplishment to include in your letter, think of those where you handled a challenge successfully.But when you mention your achievements, make sure that it is not a copy-paste from your resume. Write it in different words. When in doubt, imagine that you are speaking to someone who is asking you about your best work. That should show you the way.
e.g.. In my current assignment as a CFO at xxx I have played a pivotal role in establishing xxx, codifying Finance and Commercial processes, and streamlining processes that have saved the company $USD X million.
- It is important to show that your performance has been consistent. Take this opportunity to show that you are reliable, by bringing in some statements to show your past achievements. Don't worry if you have to add an extra paragraph to your cover letter. Since this is an executive cover letter, your experience would be greater, and more deserving of some extra space on the letter. But yet, don't stretch the whole letter beyond a page.
e.g. As an AVP at xxx, I reduced Annual Audit and Accounting duration from 150 days to 28 days, while at xxx, I handled Investment planning of INR 5 billion, and achieved a cost reduction of 60% through significant changes in xxx.
- End with a bang. Put in a word about how passionate you are about your work – prove that you actually enjoy it, and speak about how you feel that this job and the company excite you. If there is something else about you that gives you an edge over the competitors, your obsession with details, for example, or your charm that makes it very easy for people to see eye to eye with you, then this is the place to mention it. After that, end with a request for an interview. Give them a time frame, and say that you'll get in touch with them after that. This gives a picture of you as firm and decisive.
All the best with your cover letter – it is well worth the time you'll spend on it. Who knows, it might make all the difference in that step up in your career!
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