How to Write an Executive CV In 2023

As an executive, probably the biggest challenge you’ll face when writing your CV is condensing the experience, skills, successes and knowledge gained throughout a long and successful career into a short, polished and influential document.

What makes an executive CV different? One main difference between executive CV writing and entry-level CV writing is showing that you understand not only your role but also the bigger picture across a whole business. The focus should be on leadership, strategy and change.

This article will give you a comprehensive guide that will show you how to write an executive CV that avoids common pitfalls, impresses recruiters and progresses your career;

1. Identify what makes you stand out

Consider your unique selling point, or USP.  Basically, what makes you stand out in a crowded job market? To identify your USP, take some time to assess your biggest wins over the last 10 years. Is there a common theme running through them? What have you been particularly good at? Where do others seek your input and expertise? What problems or challenges have you been able to resolve?

2. Include your LinkedIn Profile

Recruiters and hiring managers will almost certainly check out your online profiles as part of their due diligence. Including a link to your LinkedIn profile alongside the contact details on your CV not only helps them to do this, but it also allows you to direct them to exactly what you want them to see. A carefully curated profile ‒ one that shows you interacting professionally with others in your industry and providing information beyond the story on your CV ‒ can only reflect positively on you.

3. Exclude personal details

Times have changed from a few decades ago, and personal details are no longer required on your CV. This is mostly because they don’t offer any valuable information about your ability to do a job.

For example; a date of birth on a CV is a dead giveaway that your CV is out of date. You may think it proves that you have many years of experience behind you, but a recruiter may see someone who they assume is not up to speed with new technologies, or who could be retiring soon and thus is not worth investing in.

4. Create a professional summary

A good professional summary can be short and concise, comprised of just a few sentences that capture your professional life and career highlights. Focus on executive skills and achievements that are relevant to the position for which you’re applying.

5. Highlight key contributions

For every role, in addition to a short paragraph describing your key responsibilities, it’s vital that you include a sub-section for your achievements. Use this section to outline your successes and contributions and show how you’ve excelled and added value to each business you’ve worked for.

Show the employer how you went above and beyond. Mention how you will make a difference and the benefit they will get from employing you.

6. Quantify every information where possible

It is one thing to say that you can do something, but quite another to prove it. The easiest way to convey your success is to quantify it. Adding figures enables the reader to see immediately the scope of your previous work and the impact your achievements have made.

When you outline your responsibilities for each role, quantify the main elements. For example, if a job requires you to lead a team of 300 people in five countries, you’re unlikely to have the required skills if you’ve only ever led three staff in your local office. Help the reader to understand how you meet their requirements by being specific about team sizes, geographies, budgets, clients, etc.

What if you don’t have executive experience yet?

If you’re planning to step into your first executive role, it shouldn’t be a problem – all executives have needed to take that step at some point. Evaluate your current and previous roles to identify the skills and results that will translate well into executive positions. Then, build your CV around them.

The search for an executive role is competitive. To make sure your CV stands out, learn more about working with a professional CV writer.

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