There is still stiff competition for many job openings.
So you need a way to make your executive resume stand out in a crowded field of candidates and here is some sound career advice for today’s unpredictable job market.
The CCAR model (CCAR interview method for interviews) is one proven technique that can help you get noticed by employers and show off your accomplishments (through results focused bullet points) to your best advantage.
This guide is an explanation of the four elements of CCAR and how to use this format to create a dazzling resume.
The Four Elements of CCAR
1. Context.
Describe the context. Begin by setting the stage for your story.
Set out what organization you worked for and any relevant details, like its mission and size. Provide your official job title and the role you played.
2. Challenge.
State the challenges. Explain the obstacles you worked to overcome.
Maybe your company faced rising costs due to postage increases or your customers were asking to see evidence of sustainable environmental practices.
3. Actions.
Chronicle your actions. Spell out precisely what you did to respond to the challenge.
You could recount how you reorganized mailings to qualify for volume discounts or installed more efficient lighting in your facilities.
4. Results.
Report the results in strong resume bullet points. Talk about the final outcome and its impact on your company.
Specify what you achieved in terms of cost savings, increased customer satisfaction, lower employee turnover or similar measurements.
Taking Your CCARs from Great to Outstanding
1. Tell a compelling story.
Try reading your stories out loud to test how interesting they might sound to a recruiter. Make your language about your executive core qualifications is concise and vivid.
2. Develop multiple examples.
If possible, include more than one CCAR story for each position on your resume.
Recruiters will usually read a resume slightly longer than one page if they see the qualifications they’re looking for.
3. Include all your professional and volunteer experience.
Sometimes other areas of your life can provide useful stories. In addition to your past jobs, think about what you’ve done through volunteer services, self employment, freelancing or other activities.
4. Use quantifiable information.
Quantifying your contributions strengthens your credibility.
Calculate how much money you helped to save or the percentage increase in sales you brought about.
5. Be clear and specific.
Paint a clear picture throughout your story. Details and particulars are more convincing than generalities.
6. Tailor content for target positions.
Read vacancy announcements carefully so you can tailor the stories you use to each opening.
You may wish to emphasize different aspects of your background depending and use concise resume bullet points.
7. Stick to recent and relevant info.
Stick to the last 10 years of your work history (15 years for senior-level professionals) for the most part.
If you have something from farther back that you want to cite, mention it in your cover letter or email note.
8. Focus your job search.
If you get stumped when you try to come up with relevant CCAR stories for a particular job, it could be a warning sign.
When your qualifications are a good match for the opening, the process is usually easier.
9. Highlight awards, honors and accolades.
Recognition by others is another strong selling point.
List any awards you receive or cite positive media references to your work.
10. Include your education and professional development.
You can also integrate your education, training and professional development into your CCAR stories.
Show how your degree or specialized training enabled you to get the desired results.
Remember that the model can also be adapted to your industry and job search goals.
Results focused Bullet Points / Career Advice
