5 DIY Resume Challenges Mid-Level Managers Face and How to Overcome Them
A strong resume is key to any job search, but for mid-level managers, there are some unique challenges. Here are five of the most common challenges faced by mid-level managers and some tips on how to overcome them.
Not Enough Experience
A common challenge for mid-level managers who are looking to move up the corporate ladder is feeling like you don’t have enough experience to back your candidacy. If this speaks to you, the key is to focus on quality entries and that means concentrating on accomplishments achieved and quantifying your results whenever possible to demonstrate the impact you have made in each of your roles.
It is imperative that you do your research so you can align your skills and experience with the employer’s needs / job requirements, taking into consideration volunteer experience or internships that could possibly bridge the experience gap and help you land an interview.
Too Much Experience
On the other side you have mid-level managers you feel as if they have too much experience and wonder if they will be perceived as overqualified for the positions they are targeting. If this is a concern, focus on highlighting your value offer and accomplishments for the past 10 to 15 years.
Stay focused on making a case as to why you are a great candidate for the role and that you can lean into your previous experiences to perform the skills needed to get the job done.
Gaps in Employment History
If you have taken a break from your career or if you were laid off or terminated from a previous position, be honest. You want to be transparent without giving details. Simply place a single line of information (that matches your other employment formatting) on your resume. Example:
Professional Sabbatical | date – date OR Furloughed | date – date
Outdated Skills
You’ve grown in your leadership abilities, but you’ve not stayed abreast of the latest trends and technologies in your industry. If your skills are outdated, take some time to brush up on new software and other technological advances in your industry. You can also highlight any transferable skills you may have acquired in other areas of your life (such as volunteering).
Lack of Quantifiable Results
Another challenge faced by mid-level managers is demonstrating their value with hard numbers. When crafting your resume, be sure to include any quantifiable results you have achieved in your previous roles. Examples could include increased sales revenue, decreased expenses, improved customer satisfaction scores or employee retention rates. By including these types of results, you’ll be able to show potential employers exactly what kind of value you can bring to their organization.
While there are certainly some challenges that come with creating a resume as a mid-level manager, there are also ways to overcome them. By focusing on your accomplishments, being honest about any employment gaps, and including quantifiable results, you can create a resume that will help you stand out from the competition and land the job you want.
Need help positioning yourself for your next role? I’m here for you. With more than 20 years of experience helping mid- and senior-level professionals just like you make a great first impression. We can guide you through the process of creating an amazing resume that will open doors!
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!
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