Resumes of the Rich and Famous: Richard Branson Edition

Close your eyes and think about your resume in its absolute best form. Letting every piece of success in your career rise above the trenches and onto a page. Even when he faced adversity, entrepreneurs like Sir Richard Branson saw an eye for opportunity. If there’s anything you can take away from this article, it’s how to turn your resume into more opportunities.

Why take resume tips from a visionary like Sir Richard Branson? Because Sir Richard didn’t let the odds define him, he took his odds like having dyslexia, dropping out of school, and losing a business, and overpowered them through every single experience in his career. His spirit is unyielding. His motto is tenacity, but what can we take away from his career?

Sir Richard was an entrepreneur before the likes of Jezz Bezos and Steve Jobs. He has a knack for adventure, sustainability, and the future. He founded Virgin Group, which now comprises over 200 businesses in every industry. From space travel to music to mobile phones and beyond, Sir Richard has reinvented the wheel and created it himself.

With an entrepreneurial story like Sir Richard’s, more detail is necessary to communicate the full range of his capabilities. We aren’t going to hold back with this resume or this advice, and neither should you. This resume below, courtesy of Elevated Resumes, will give you an idea of ways to format yours as an executive or as someone looking to level up in their career.

Here are some tips to help you stand out from your competition.

Another Opportunity? Your Executive Summary

Offer your strongest accomplishments upfront, as recruiters are pressed for time while reviewing applications. Think of your experience from a bird’s eye view, that hones in on your expertise and shows where you have been audacious in your career. Once you find the thread of your story, weave that into a hard-hitting executive summary that leaves your potential employer wanting more.

Entrepreneurs Drive Impact Where It Matters

At this level in your career, you have paved the way for new opportunities and your future employers want to know-how. Hone in on the results and numbers that have addressed the ways that you have helped your previous companies capitalize across sectors, lead teams, restructure operations, evolve marketing plans, and more. Impact is the name of the game, so don’t hesitate to bold this valuable information for recruiters to see.

Go Above and Beyond, And Keep Going

With the mind of an entrepreneur, you’re always thinking three steps ahead. Apply this way of thinking to your resume as it can give you the extra edge you’ll need against your competition. For example, if you’ve contributed to community projects or philanthropic activities, express that in a section of your resume. Participating in passion projects speaks volumes to an employer, and it may even spark conversation.

Bonus Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of “Did You Know” sections (as listed on Sir Richard’s resume above) as these sections can help a recruiter continue to draw on more of your strengths as an entrepreneur.

In Closing: Maximize Your Resume for Results

As stated above, there are various ways you can make yourself and your resume stand out. Identify which methods resonate with your entrepreneurial spirit and let your resume do the rest of the work. It’s no secret that Sir Richard Branson created many opportunities for himself, but the first step boiled down to the boldest move—putting himself out there. Now, it’s your turn.