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You’ve got management mojo and the charm to win over even the most demanding clients. But now that you are looking for a new job, you have to answer the million-dollar question: How do you show off your executive superpowers in the cutthroat world of job hunting?
Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your career or to become an executive in your next role, you’ll need a resume that displays your extensive experience and enviable skill set to catch a recruiter’s interest. This step-by-step guide will show you everything from choosing an impressive executive resume template to how to write a resume that will get you noticed.
Here, you’ll learn to write an impressive executive resume that gets you the interview. In this guide, you’ll find:
- Popular executive resume examples.
- How to choose the right executive resume template.
- Tips on executive resume formats.
- Step-by-step instructions on how to write an executive resume.
- Key takeaways for your executive resume.
Need a resume immediately? Skip this guide and head straight to our Resume Builder. Just follow the prompts in the builder and populate your resume with the auto-suggested content for the executive role you want. In just minutes, you’ll have a competitive resume to apply for the executive job you’re after! It’s that simple.
Executive resume examples
What makes this a great executive resume sample
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Strong professional summary:
This candidate for an executive role is a seasoned professional, which she makes clear in the first sentence of her summary. With 14 years of experience, she has developed a strong skill set, including managing a large team. This is laid out clearly and succinctly right at the top of this executive resume, which will entice recruiters to continue reading.
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Highly-detailed work experience:
This applicant has an enviable work history, which is why it’s the star attraction on a chronological resume. Here, she not only shows off an impressive career progression but she also highlights her work’s impact through the use of data and metrics throughout the document.
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Well-placed special sections:
This applicant also used a special section for her certifications. This puts a spotlight on her areas of expertise and special training. Putting it under its own header helps draw attention to the certification, which could give her an edge over other applicants.
What makes this a great executive resume sample
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Great template choice:
This applicant chose a straightforward black and white resume template for his executive resume. This is the perfect template type for an executive resume because it keeps the focus on the applicant’s credentials instead of on fussy design elements.
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Use of the right executive resume template:
Written using the chronological resume format, this executive resume highlights the applicant’s impressive career development. It showcases his climb up the ladder from being a senior software engineer all the way up to his role as CTO of this current company.
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Eye-catching numbers:
The use of data and metrics on this resume drive home the impact this applicant’s work has had on the companies he’s worked for in the past. For example, the resume highlights the applicant’s growing management experience — from managing 10 employees to more than 50 — as well as the revenue his work generated for the companies he worked with. Numbers like these jump off the page and help job seekers get noticed.
Need help finding what you’re looking for? Peruse our library of resume examples to see hundreds of resume samples written by professional resume writers. Search by job title or by industry!
Choose the right resume format and template for your executive resume
Once you’ve reached the rank of an executive role, you want to showcase the highlights of your career on your resume. Every executive resume has five main sections: a header, a professional summary or resume objective, a work history section, a skills section and an education section. A resume format determines which areas of your background you emphasize.
There are three main resume formats to choose from when creating an executive resume: the chronological resume format, the functional resume format and the combination resume format. Here, we have ranked them by effectiveness for applicants to high-level roles.
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Chronological resume format: If the role you seek contains the words chief, head, principal, director or senior in the title, it is likely considered an executive role. Typically, that means that you have a wealth of experience in your field and the results to prove it.
Hands down, the chronological resume format is the top choice for an executive resume. With an emphasis on your impressive career trajectory and accomplishments, this resume format will make recruiters and hiring managers stand up and take notice. - Functional resume format: For high-level applicants who are experienced executives making a career change — say, from one industry to another — the functional resume format is an option. This format is frequently called a “skills-based” resume precisely because it focuses on your skills and training over professional experience. So, if you’re making a transition in your career and want to emphasize your transferable skills over your work experience, this resume format might be right for you.
- Combination resume format: If you’re experienced in your field but taking your first shot at an executive role, a combination resume format could be the solution. Also known as a hybrid resume or a chrono-functional resume, this format gives equal weight to your work experience and skills, helping an employer see how the two are linked. This is the best type of resume format for job seekers with midlevel experience who are looking to make the leap into a more senior role.
Select an appropriate executive resume template
Every executive resume should include five essential sections: a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education. To make your resume stand out, choose an executive resume template that matches your industry and personality.
Since executives work in nearly every field, you may want to select a simple resume template, which is a versatile choice that works across industries. Or, check out more eye-catching styles like modern resumes or creative templates, to find the one that best represents you.
How to write an executive resume in 5 simple steps
Looking to flex your executive muscles? To land your next great opportunity, you’ll need a top-notch resume. Each executive resume you write should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for if you truly want to get an interview. To tailor your resume, you’ll need to study the job ad and pull out the critical skills, experience and keywords the employer is seeking.
Once you’re familiar with their requirements, you’re ready to write your resume. Remember, to create the perfect resume, every detail should be relevant to the role — from your header to your special sections.
An excellent resume outline always includes the following:
- A header that contains your contact info.
- A well-written resume profile.
- One (or more) skills section, depending on your chosen executive resume template.
- A work experience section that lists your jobs in reverse-chronological order.
- A list of your colleges and universities (and special training) in an education section.
- Optional resume sections that can help you stand out.
Let’s take a deeper dive into each of these points.
STEP 1
1. Header
Your resume header contains your contact information, which is critical in the job search. After all, a recruiter can’t ask you to interview if they can’t reach you. In this section, include your name, professional email address, phone number and links to your LinkedIn profile and portfolio, if applicable.
Here’s an example of an excellent sales resume header:
STEP 2
2. Highlight your experience in a professional summary or resume objective
Every resume should start with either a professional summary or a resume objective.
- For job seekers with relevant work experience, a professional summary is the way to go.
It’s all about highlighting the crucial skills needed for the job and showcasing your most impressive professional achievements. And here’s a pro tip: incorporating data and metrics into your professional summary is an excellent way to show off what you can bring to the table if you land the gig.
- If you’re applying for your first executive role or making a career change, there is another option: a resume objective statement.
A resume objective is a short introduction, usually two to three sentences long, that allows you to tell recruiters what you bring to the table and why you’re excited to work for them. It’s an excellent way to make a great first impression, whether you’re applying for your first executive role or making a career change.
Sample executive resume professional summary
Results-oriented executive with over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, consistently driving strategic initiatives and delivering exceptional business outcomes. As COO, led the acquisition and integration of a $500 million commercial real estate portfolio, resulting in a 25% increase in overall company revenue within the first year. Adept at leveraging market trends and data-driven insights to optimize operational efficiency, enhance profitability and propel organizational growth.
Sample objective for an executive resume:
Results-driven executive with a proven ability to lead and transform nonprofit organizations, eager to transition into a vice president role at a forward-thinking tech company. Successfully led a nonprofit organization through a period of transformation, increasing annual revenues by 40% through effective fundraising strategies and strategic partnerships. Seeking an opportunity to leverage my strategic vision, operational expertise and team leadership skills to drive innovation, operational efficiency and sustainable growth within a dynamic and progressive tech environment.
The main difference between a professional summary and a resume objective is its focus. In a professional summary, concentrate on showcasing what you have to offer the employer based on what you’ve accomplished at other jobs, leaving out your own professional goals and aspirations. In a resume objective, on the other hand, it is fine to explain your professional goals. However, if you are writing a resume objective, be sure to also focus on your relevant transferable hard and soft skills to show employers that you have what it takes to succeed in the role.
STEP 3
3. Showcase your executive skills
Skills are important for every job, but professionals in executive roles require a special mix of hard and soft skills to be successful. Smart applicants know to focus on their education and computer skills, and emphasize their soft skills (the personality traits that make a person great at their job).
Whether you’re at the director-level, seeking a VP role or you’re a COO candidate, hiring managers will be looking closely at the executive resume skills you list. Executive resume skills should be added to your resume skills section, your work experience section, and in your resume objective or professional summary.
Pay attention to creating a well-rounded mix of hard and soft skills on your executive resume. While hard skills are absolutely essential — since executives often manage people and must motivate teams — soft skills like communication and conflict resolution are equally important and highly valued. So, it’s all about finding the perfect balance between your hard and soft skills on your executive resume.
STEP 4
4. Detail your relevant work experience
Your work experience section gives you a chance to show employers that you’ve got what it takes to be an executive by giving them real examples of how you work. Forget about writing a long list of work responsibilities — the best work experience section paints a picture of your professional life through the use of action words, data and metrics.
Each entry should include the company name and location, your job title and the dates you were employed. Then add three to five bullet points that describe your responsibilities and achievements.
Sample executive work experience entry:
Chief Operating Officer 01/2017 to Present
Green Hills Realty Green Hills, NY
- Developed and executed a comprehensive asset management strategy, leading to a 15% improvement in property performance metrics across a portfolio of 100+ properties.
- Successfully negotiated complex lease agreements with high-profile clients, securing over $50 million in additional lease revenue and maximizing occupancy rates by 20%.
- Implemented innovative cost-saving initiatives, resulting in $2 million in annual savings through streamlined processes and optimized resource allocation.
- Spearheaded the launch of a residential development project, overseeing design, construction and sales, achieving a 30% return on investment within three years.
- Transformed underperforming teams into high-performing units through talent acquisition, skill development and performance management strategies, resulting in a 35% increase in employee productivity.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, lenders and government entities, driving collaboration and securing $100 million in financing for development projects.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive sustainability program, reducing energy consumption by 20% across a portfolio of properties, earning industry recognition and reducing operating costs by $1 million annually.
Using data and metrics in your work experience section is the best way to impress recruiters with both the scope of your responsibilities and the tangible impact you’ve had on your company’s success. This is particularly important for executives, where results count.
STEP 5
5. Education
Of all the resume sections, education is the easiest to complete. However, there are still guidelines to follow.
For starters, you don’t need to list your high school education if you have a college degree or higher. Instead, start with your highest level of education and work backward, listing your degrees in reverse-chronological order. Fellowships, apprenticeships and other nontraditional educational experiences can either be listed here or in a special section.
Be sure your entries are all uniform. For each entry, list the name of your degree, the name of the college or university and its location. If your degree is still in progress, be sure to note that. (See the example below.)
Sample executive education entries:
How to include your completed degree:
- Master of Business Administration in Finance, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, ON, Canada – 2022
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Minor in Finance, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA – 2020
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. – 2023
How to list a degree that is still in progress:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Minor in Psychology, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA – Expected in 06/2024
Only list your graduation dates if you are a recent graduate. The reason? Letting employers know that you graduated college 20 years ago could introduce age bias into the hiring process. However, if you’re a recent graduate, add dates to give hiring managers insight into why you have less work experience than other applicants.
STEP 6
6. Special sections
You’ve accumulated a wealth of experiences beyond your office walls that have shaped you into the person you are today. Adding special sections allows you to showcase those outside-of-work experiences on your resume.
Although these sections are not mandatory, you’ll often find them on the resumes of highly successful executive candidates. Here are a few special sections to consider.
Certifications: For any type of executive, it’s common to hold certifications in specific areas. Listing these on your resume is important for identifying yourself as an expert in your field. Here are some common certifications for job seekers in the executive industry:
- Certified Data Scientist (CDS)
- Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR/SPHR)
- Certified Marketing Executive (CME)
- Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Executive Coach (CEC)
- Certified Financial Manager (CFM)
Language proficiency: Knowing another language can be a real advantage as an executive, especially if you seek employment with a company with an international presence. List all of the languages you speak and include your level of proficiency, which, according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages scale (ACTFL), should be listed as novice, intermediate, advanced or superior.
Volunteer work: Volunteering is a great way to improve your skills and help your community. Consider adding relevant activities like coaching and mentorship to your resume.
When adding items such as certifications and other credentials to your resume, be sure to add the full name of the certificate and the acronym to your document. This ensures that an applicant tracking system (ATS) will understand your level of expertise.
Add a cover letter
Seize the opportunity to stand out from your competitors by including a customized cover letter with your executive resume. Learning how to write a cover letter that showcases your personality can help persuade an employer that you’re the ideal candidate they’re seeking. To discover effective techniques for composing a cover letter that will secure you an interview, explore our collection of HR-approved cover letter examples and guidelines on mastering the format.
If you need a cover letter quickly, visit our Cover Letter Builder for automated text suggestions tailored to an executive role. Customize the suggestions to align with your own style, and you’ll significantly enhance your prospects of securing an interview in no time.
Key takeaways for your executive resume
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Study executive resume examples in your field
Resume samples are a useful tool to leverage in your job search. They show you how to structure your resume and how top candidates express their career details.
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Tailor your resume to the specific role
Every executive role is unique, so customize your resume for each job by studying the job description and incorporating relevant keywords and skills that align with the specific position.
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Emphasize your most relevant skills
Highlight your unique skills, such as talent acquisition, strategic thinking, risk management and customer service experience. Study the job ad to tailor your skills section to align with the requirements of the executive role you’re targeting.
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Remember to add your soft skills
Being an executive is unique because it requires strong hard skills and excellent soft skills, like the ability to communicate well, problem-solve and resolve conflict.
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Showcase your top achievements
Use bullet points in your work experience section to highlight your accomplishments rather than just listing your duties. Quantify those achievements whenever possible using data and metrics.
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Include relevant special training and certifications
If you obtained any relevant certifications, such as Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), be sure to include them on your resume to demonstrate your expertise. These can help you stand out from the crowd.
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Detail your education
Mention your educational background, especially if it includes degrees or coursework related to the executive role at hand. Include any honors or awards earned during your academic career
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Create an executive cover letter
To show you are willing to go the extra mile and to make an even more compelling case for your candidacy, include a targeted cover letter with your executive resume.
Commonly asked question about resume writing
Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.
![Do You Need an Education to Be Successful? [2023 Data]](/sapp/uploads/2023/08/education-success-infographic-title.png "Do You Need an Education to Be Successful? [2023 Data]")
