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Functional Resume

For this position, emphasize your job-ready skills and training using a functional resume format. Categorize your skill set into separate categories such as “Practical Skills” (e.g., financial analysis, administrative support, proficiency with software such as Microsoft Office) and “Soft Skills” (e.g., team management, collaboration, strong work ethic).

Feature a blend of notable work achievements and skills in a few simple yet crisp sentences. Start off with your current work title and relevant experience. For example: “Driven Assistant Operation Manager with 3+ years’ experience developing new business procedures to decrease overall operating costs.”

Highlight intangible skills (or “soft” skills) such as the ability to handle stress, adaptability, time management and flexibility, as well as your proficiency in technical areas such as knowledge of G-Suite and spreadsheet software, quality analysis, project management, and report generation.

To climb up the career ladder, focus on the following areas:

• Gain on-the-job experience in business administration and related fields.
• Projects where you work closely with management positions, like COO and CEO.
• Get professional training or certifications in areas of specialization such as project management.
• Work towards gaining opportunities for supervisory experience.

Combination Resume

For this position, use the combination format, which emphasizes both your skills and relevant work experiences. Focus on important attributes such as analytical skills or leadership, and show how you’ve used them successfully at previous jobs. Quantify your accomplishments with numbers. For example: “Improved profit margins by 14% while reducing quality defects by 23%” or “Implemented scrap-reduction measures, capturing recurring annual savings of $1.5M.”

In a few sentences, show off skills that match what the employer wants, and illustrate them with specific examples. For example: “Grew company market shares by 36% in 9 months.” Be sure to also define yourself using some intangible skills, such as “critical thinker,” “negotiation expert,” “financial oversight,” and “time management.”

Review the job description and take note of words and phrases that align with your own skill set, such as knowledge of marketing strategies, product management, excellent communication skills, a positive attitude and a customer service orientation.

To move up to a more senior position, add the following to your resume:

• Get advanced training or a degree in business administration or related field, to show you’re putting in the effort to hone your skills.
• Show examples of extensive practical experience in improving processes and operations.
• Show examples of how you’ve successfully trained and managed junior employees.

Chronological Resume

For a senior-level job position like a Chief Operating Officer, use the chronological format, which describes your previous work experiences in detail, showing clear career progression. Stress your notable achievements with metrics. For example, “Oversaw business that increased profit levels by 9%.” Rather than listing out every single task from previous jobs, showcase notable achievements that show off your best skills.

Outline your work history, accomplishments, and skills in an “elevator pitch” aimed to tell the potential employer why you’re the best fit for the job. Start with your current job title and responsibilities. For example: “Focused Chief Operating Officer with 12+ years of extensive experience implementing strategic plans for improved product quality and output.”

Focus on industry-specific skills as well as intangible qualities that present a full picture of your abilities, such as leadership, strategic thinking, financial management, conflict resolution, decision-making skills and communication. COOs should be detail-oriented as well as possess exceptional interpersonal skills. You can also highlight your analytical capabilities as well as your strong vision as a COO in the skill section.

To move on to a position like chief executive officer (CEO), focus on the following skills and experience:

• Advanced degree, such as an MBA degree from a top business school, with exposure in related fields like Finance, Sales, or Marketing.
• Show examples where you’ve excelled and improved company performance through leadership, management and sharp business acumen.
• Initiatives and strategies you’ve implemented that have driven your company’s growth.
• Formal training or certification in areas such as operations management.