Executive Resume—Examples and 25+ Writing 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 executive jobs must turn heads like Elon Musk at the DMV.

Scroll down to make it happen.

In this guide:

• An executive resume sample 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).

 Create a job-winning resume with little effort. Hack your way through ATS software with our 18 beautiful templates—give our builder a try!

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Executive Resume Sample You Can Copy and Use

Not looking for chief operating officer resumes? See our guides:

• Sales Manager Resume Sample & Guide
• Management (General) Resume Sample & Guide
• Operations Manager Resume Sample & Guide
• Product Manager Resume Sample & Guide

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

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 $167,990 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 examples show the policy:

Resume Executive Summary—Example

Hey, wait!

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

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

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

Expert Hint: There are 2.6M 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.

3. Strengthen Your Executive Job Description and Skills

What skills go in an executive resume?

See this list:

Executive Resume Skills

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 sample shows how:

Executive Resume Example—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 (NAFE, 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 executive resume 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.

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!