Writing an Executive Summary

An executive summary is a brief analysis, review, or summary of major or main ideas of a report. An effective executive summary is written as a stand-alone or independent part of the report that it summarizes. In other words, one should be able to read and understand the main ideas of the report without actually reading the whole report. 

Your professors, and at some point in your business career, your boss may require or ask you to write and submit an executive summary of a report. Therefore, it is essential to know how to write an effective summary of any report.  The length of an executive summary generally depends on the length of the report. The longer the report, the longer the executive summary should be. A good general rule of thumb is that an executive summary should be 10% of the report that it is summarizing.

Although there are small differences when writing executive summary depending on the type or kind of report, the following are three key basic components to address when preparing to write one.

The audience: It is important to keep in mind who will be reading your executive summary so that you can adjust and target your summary specifically to them.

·         The audience: it is important to keep in mind who will be reading your executive summary so that you can adjust and target your summary specifically to them.

·         The main thesis: it must clearly outline and justify the central ideas, points or theme

·         The purpose: it should include goals, methods & analysis, recommendations and conclusions.

Do you have an executive summary to write for a class or business report? For more information and help, please visit us at 3445 Schneider Hall, and we will be happy to assist you. You can also access our Executive Summary tips-sheet here @ http://www.wmich.edu/business/academics/communication/tips

Tips for creating a strong resume

When writing a resume, keep in mind that many if not most employers simply do not have a lot of time or patience to sift or carefully comb through numerous resume in the application pool. Therefore, you must keep in mind three basic rules while creating your resume. (1) Size counts and matters (2) Stand out and tailor it, (3) grammar, spelling and punctuation are important.

 Rule #1: Keep to one page

There is no set number for how long a resume should be, but the rule of thumb is to keep to a single page and up to maximum of two pages if necessary. You do not have to list every single activity or job position that you have ever held. If struggling for space, list only experiences that are most relevant to the specific job for which you are applying.

 Rule #2: Tailor your Resume

Just as you would not wear the same outfit to every interview, do not send a in generic resume for every position even if for the same position but different company. Endeavor to suit the content based on skills, responsibilities and experience being required based on the specific position and company.

 Rule #3: Grammar counts

Good grammar goes a long way as it tells potential employers something about you such as skills, traits & personalities. Therefore, it is in your best interest to use appropriate grammar, professional tone & writing. Make sure spelling and punctuation are correct. It never hurts to have another pair of eyes & ears check over your writing, including your resume. When in doubt, ask for professional help.

 

FYI: For more information, help and tips on how to write an effective, powerful and strong resume, please visit us at the Communication Center. We are located on the 3445 Schneider Hall and we would be happy to assist you to create and write a professional resume.

  

 “Do not submit a generic, bland, “covering all bases” kind of resume. They do not work”. –Job Mentor.