If you’re looking for an executive position, then you need to have the best resume for the job. Executive positions like CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, and CTO all need a resume and application. The first step is to choose a template that works for you. The next step is to follow these tips and resume samples to create an executive resume that fits the job you’re shooting for.
The structure of an executive resume does not differ too much from a regular resume. For senior-level positions, most recruiters or hiring managers will prefer to see a chronological format where the focus is on your experiences. You could also opt for a combination resume, which focuses on relevant experiences and skills.
The first part of your resume will be your header. This is where you will put your name, phone number, email address, and any titles you have. For example, if you hold a Ph.D., you could label yourself as “Dr. Jane Doe, Ph.D.”
The resume summary is an overview of your best qualifications and skills. This statement only needs to be two to three sentences long but should give the employer a good idea of who you are, and what makes you a strong job candidate.
The next section of this resume will be your skills section. Here, you can list the hard and soft skills that you have. Hard skills are tangible skills that can be applied to specific tasks, like knowing a certain software program or being exceptional at new product marketing.
Soft skills are just as important and are great for any job. These include skills like public speaking or knowing another language. For an executive position, limit your soft skills to one or two skills. You can always emphasize more of your skills in your cover letter!
This section is where you will list your work experience in reverse chronological order, with the most recent experience on top. List the job title, company, and time worked there, followed by two to four bullet points highlighting your most important responsibilities and accomplishments.
For instance, if you were a Chief Information Officer or Chief Executive Officer at a tech startup, your bullet points may read something like:
The education section of the resume is where you will list your degrees and certifications. This section does not need to be over-descriptive. Just include your college, major, degree, and any other credentials you may hold.
Yes, you need a cover letter for your executive resume. A cover letter is a powerful tool during your job search because it allows you to show more of your personality. It also gives you the opportunity to emphasize why your skills and years of experience make you the best fit.
The best resume format here will likely be the chronological resume. This primarily focuses on your years of experience. You should emphasize any leadership experiences you have, e.g., marketing executive, sales executive, business administration, or serving on a board of directors.
A CEO is just one type of executive position that may be searching for an executive resume writer. Resume writing for a CEO should include many business-related keywords in their resume while focusing mostly on their skills and experience. Be sure to list any quantitative accomplishments you have from past positions, such as saving the company X amount of dollars during Q2, transitioning to a virtual office, and improving employee satisfaction by X%.
