Writing a resume is hard work. You have to look back over all of your past experiences, education, and accomplishments, decide how much you have the space to mention in a reasonably-short resume, and then guess what will be the most relevant to the potential employer.

Another challenge is to highlight your achievements without sounding boastful. This can become increasingly difficult as you move up the ladder. For higher-end jobs, duties, responsibilities, and even some of the technical skills that got you there become irrelevant in your resume.

That’s because much of the information you would traditionally have included in your resume is just assumed once you reach a certain level in your career. Organizational skills, computer skills, enthusiasm, work-ethic, and teamwork, the very things that used to land you jobs along the way are now table stakes. You wouldn’t have reached this level without them – but they’re not what will carry you up to that next rung.

Of course Canada’s highest paying jobs span industries from healthcare and finance to technology and engineering and more. Each industry has its own set of conventions for resume formats and content, but top-level jobs share one key qualification that can set candidates apart. What employers want to see is your ability to achieve results.

The most sought-after candidates are those who can understand the challenge of a situation, formulate practical solutions, and execute the strategy to a successful outcome.

Proven strategies, measurable results: that’s what your resume for a high-paying job needs. Focus on your key achievements and career wins that are most relevant to your coveted job.

The infographic below from the professional resume writers at ResumeTarget highlights some of the details of resume writing for upper-level jobs and includes a useful example.

Of course the path to the most successful careers is almost always a long and winding one. Reaching the top usually requires hard work, targeted education or training, varied work experience, determination, and natural talent. (And of course, a killer resume.)

How to write a resume to get a high-paying job

Click on the image to view full-sized infographic

Peter Harris

Peter Harris on Twitter

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