Executive CV—Template and 25+ Writing Tips

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

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

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

So—

Your CV for executive jobs must turn heads like Elon Musk at the DMV.

Scroll down to make it happen.

In this guide:

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

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Executive CV Sample You Can Copy and Use

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

• Sales Manager CV Samples
• Consultant CV Samples
• Manager CV Samples
• Operations Manager CV Samples
• Product Manager CV Samples
• Project Manager CV Samples
• Business Manager CV Samples
• CEO CV Samples
• General Manager CV Samples

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our CV examples for over 200 jobs.

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

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

1. Choose a Professional Executive CV Format

Ready for a shock?

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

So—

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

It lets you tell your story fast.

Executive CV Format

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

Expert Hint: Senior executives earn an average of £47,302 per year. That’s less than the average doctor. You need crisp CV formatting to avoid the slush pile.

2. Write an Engaging Executive CV 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 CV 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 CV examples show the policy:

Executive CV Examples: Summary

Hey, wait!

The last of those executive CV 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 CV.

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 CV in our CV builder now.

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3. Strengthen Your Executive Job Description and Skills

What skills go in an executive CV?

See this list:

Executive CV Skills

But be forewarned:

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

To write an executive job description for CVs:

1. Learn the right CV 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 CV samples:

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

Executive Job Description for CV [Sample]

The difference?

Results.

The first of those executive CV 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 customised CV 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 CV section.

This executive CV sample shows how:

Executive CV Example—Education

That’s high-level.

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

5. Add Value to Your Executive CV

“Impressive.”

The board wants to say that about your executive CV.

So—

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

Try one or two of these:

• Associations
• 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 CV sells it:

Executive CV—Extra Sections

One moment.

There’s nothing wrong with dog rescue.

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

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

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

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Key Points

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

• Use the executive CV 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. Honour societies, projects, and fellowships are eye candy.
• Add a few CV 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 CVs for executive jobs? Not sure how to put executive on a CV? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!