Executive Resume Templates with C-Level Examples & Tips

You see the big picture, drawing up strategies and policies that lead to massive ROI.

But your executive resume needs to prove that to the BoD.

After all, they know a bad C-level hire can sink the ship.

So—

Your resume for executives must turn heads like Elon Musk at the DMV.

Scroll down to make it happen.

In this guide:

• An executive resume template better than most.
• How to write a resume for executive jobs that surpasses expectations.
• How to create an executive job description for resumes.
• Why you can’t just list executive skills (and what to do instead).

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Looking for specific executive resumes? See our dedicated guides:

• Business Resume Example
• Business Manager Resume Example
• Business Owner Resume Example
• CEO Resume Example
• CFO Resume Example
• General Manager Resume Example
• Marketing Director Resume Example
• Operations Manager Resume Example

And here you can find dedicated resume examples for managers: 

• Business Administration Resume Example
• Construction Project Manager Resume Example
• Consultant Resume Example
• Entrepreneur Resume Example
• HR Manager Resume Example
• IT Manager Resume Example
• Manager Resume Example
• Product Manager Resume Example
• Production Manager Resume Example
• Program Manager Resume Example
• Project Manager Resume Example
• Restaurant Manager Resume Example
• Retail Manager Resume Example
• Sales Manager Resume Example
• Supervisor Resume Example
• Supply Chain Manager Resume Example

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Resume Examples for Over 200 Jobs.

Trying to put executive on a resume? Try this guide: Resume for a Career Change

Executive Resume Example You Can Copy and Use

Here’s how to write an executive resume that works:

1. Choose a Professional Executive Resume Format

Ready for a shock?

The wrong resume format can lose the board’s attention.

So—

Use the reverse-chronological layout for your executive director resume.

It lets you tell your story fast.

Executive Resume Format

• Make your resume length 1, 2, or even 4 pages. The more big accomplishments you show in an executive resume, the better.
• Add 1-inch margins and a resume font like 10–12pt Garamond or Cambria.
• Draft resume sections like Heading, Summary, Job History, Education, and Skills.
• Include blank space to make it easy on the eyes.
• Send an ATS-readable PDF resume to look your best on all devices.

Expert Hint: Senior executives earn an average of $120,134 per year. That’s less than the average doctor. You need crisp resume formatting to avoid the slush pile.

2. Write an Engaging Executive Resume Summary

Watch it.

For board members, time is scarce.

Don’t make them waste it looking for your best features.

Wrap them up in a resume summary that teases your top talents.

Include:

1. An adjective (driven, resourceful)
2. The job title they advertised for (executive, director)
3. Years of experience (4+, 8+)
4. How & who you’ll help (drive massive ROI at SoftSaw Mobile)
5. Best executive moments (drove $20M in revenue...)
6. A few job skills (developing marketing and sales plans...)

And—

Write it last for comfort.

These executive resume templates show the policy:

Executive Resume Summary—Template

Hey, wait!

The last of those executive resume samples isn’t bad.

But they won’t let “not bad” lead the company.

The first template drives points home with numbers like 150+, $20M, and 25%.

Expert Hint: There are 2.7M top executive jobs in the US. But only a small slice of that pie are at Google, Netflix, and other unicorns. To get in one of those, target your resume.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now.

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate, and we’ll prove it. Use our resume builder now.

3. Strengthen Your Executive Job Description and Skills

What skills go in an executive resume?

See this list:

Executive Resume Skills

Hard Skills:

• Planning
• Business Strategy
• Business Development
• Negotiating Contracts
• Sales & Marketing
• Finance & Budgeting
• IT Skills
• Building Relationships
• Presenting
• Driving KPI Goals

Soft Skills

• Leadership
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Conceptual Skills
• Negotiation
• Creative Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Multi-Tasking
• Organization

But be forewarned:

Don’t add all of them. That’s pandering.

To write an executive job description for resumes:

1. Learn the right resume skills by talking to a few company insiders.
2. Put those keywords in your bullet points.
3. Show you got results by using them in past positions.

Learn from these executive resume samples:

Let’s say the position needs these executive skills: organizational education, leadership, developing marketing and sales plans, strategy, developing relationships.

Executive Job Description for Resume [Sample]

The difference?

Results.

The first of those executive resume examples adds the right skills. Then it shows results like 150+, 7, $20M, and 25%.

Expert Hint: Adjusted for inflation, executive pay hasn’t risen in the past 50 years. In a dog-eat-dog world, protect yourself with a customized resume job description.

4. Demand More from Your Education Section

Here’s the fine print:

They know you have an education.

But—

They don’t know what you did with it.

So show them, in your education resume section.

This executive resume template shows how:

Executive Resume Template—Education

That’s high-level.

That executive resume example shows you were exceptional even back in school.

5. Add Value to Your Executive Resume

“Impressive.”

The board wants to say that about your executive resume.

So—

Help them, by adding a few non-work achievements.

Try one or two of these:

• Associations (NASP, etc.)
• Certifications (CSE, Executive Leadership)
• Conferences
• Media appearances and publications
• Volunteer work
• Additional activities
• Freelancing
• Languages
• Sports and exercise
• Projects
• Deals you put together

This sample resume for executive sells it:

Executive Resume—Extra Sections

One moment.

There’s nothing wrong with dog rescue.

But the first of those executive resume examples adds achievements and skills.

Expert Hint: Enclose a cover letter. Cover letters aren’t dead. In fact, almost half of all executive director resumes will wind up in the trash without one.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There’s 18 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

Key Points

Here’s how to write an executive resume that works:

• Use the executive resume template up top. It puts your best C-level accomplishments on offer.
• Don’t just list executive skills. Business development and strategy are nice. But to get the job, show results with numbers.
• Put skills evidence in your education section too. Honor societies, projects, and fellowships are eye candy.
• Add a few resume sections that beef up your value proposition. A board position or a deal you put together are attention-getting.

Got questions on how to write great resumes for executive jobs? Not sure how to put executive on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!