How to write an executive CV in 2022 (with example)
An executive professional needs a worthy CV.
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.
The basic layout and content you used when you left school are no longer up to the job. If you haven’t revisited your CV for a while, you’ll need to start from scratch to ensure you’re capturing the essence of your career within the constraints of ATS requirements, and so that you are in line with the latest standards and best practices.
Fear not! We’ve written a comprehensive guide that will show you how to write an executive CV that avoids common pitfalls, impresses recruiters and progresses your career — with an executive CV example showing you how to implement the advice.
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.
You’ll also need to show off your higher-level executive skills. A school-leaver CV will necessarily focus on generic, soft skills. Your executive CV will need to show progression since then — a solid combination of soft and hard skills with evidence of how you have used them at an advanced level.
The CV will also prove that you’re someone who can deliver results, rather than just execute tasks. It’s a common CV mistake to simply describe your day-to-day responsibilities without showing the impact you’ve had on a business.
Identify what makes you stand out
Consider your unique selling point, or USP. This is usually a term used by marketing teams to differentiate their products from similar ones on the market, but it is equally applicable to job hunting.
What will help you to stand out in a crowded job market? Identifying your USP will enable you to build your personal brand and market yourself to recruiters. If you have a clear understanding of the value that you can add, recruiters will see it too.
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?
The trick is to find a USP that is specific enough to position you as a uniquely desirable candidate without being so niche that you narrow down your options too far.
Spot the signs of a weak executive CV
If you’re not getting invited to interviews, it’s likely that your executive CV needs some work. Check that you have:
- Communicated your unique value
- Shown that you deliver results rather than merely execute tasks
- Quantified positive outcomes
- Demonstrated higher-level executive skills
- Focussed on the last 10 years
- Eliminated any potential for discrimination
- Ensured the CV is an appropriate length
- Created an ATS-friendly document
- Removed entry-level skills and cliché phrases
- Complied with the latest best practices.
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