Answer: Strategic, with 20+ years of experience, executive level

Here’s why:

You have 15 seconds to make this impression –  “The resume is a keeper and I want to consider the candidate for the position I’m filling.” In order to do this, you must telegraph energy, achievement and experience that matches the scale and scope of the position. Those 3 words/phrases do just the opposite and waste those few seconds the reader is paying attention.

To make that right first impression you cannot be vague or tout your success. Let the facts speak for themselves.

Clarity and brevity are the keys. Avoid adjectives. Be as specific as possible in those 15 seconds. Convey purpose and results. No one knows what strategic means any more. Who cares if you have 20+ years of experience if they are not years where you have achieved specific goals? What does executive leadership mean by itself without supporting details (when you don’t have the reader’s attention to provide them)?

What is so much more effective is providing your title, company and, for example, a statement like, “promoted 4 times in 13 years with the organization.” The introductory statement should be brief and include an objective about the job you are seeking—tailored to fit a position or a function at the company you are contacting. (Omit an objective if you cannot be specific.)  Briefly naming and describing your company and where you report helps the reader decide you could be a match—in three sentences.