How to write an executive résumé
The résumé you need for senior executive positions is quite different from the one you need for mid-career jobs.
To keep my skills sharp when writing résumés for C-suite and executive leadership candidates, I recently completed the Master Series: Executive Résumé Writing Certificate from the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches. This training focused on how to translate complex executive careers into powerful narratives that showcase enterprise-wide influence, strategic vision, and quantifiable achievements. For example:
In your profile summary, describe yourself with specificity as a "Transformation catalyst" rather than using generic language like "Experienced executive."
Include an Executive Value Proposition that explains what you accomplished and how it made a difference for your organization.
Use industry-specific vocabulary and terms that speak to the values of your specific industry. It will demonstrate your expertise and savvy with what matters.
Focus on strategic impact, rather than tactical or project work. You can do that by vividly describing the scope and scale of your impact and deploying strong action verbs like "spearheaded" rather than "managed" or "led."
Frame your bullet points as transformative results: "culture change, digital acceleration, and operational excellence" are all examples of terms you can use to demonstrate executive-level impact.
Emphasize experience leading cross-functional teams within global, matrixed organizations.
Pay attention to color. Color is emotionally powerful. The color scheme you choose for your résumé should resonate with the common colors used or associated with your industry. It can make a positive impression with the résumé reader before they've even read a word.
If you're a senior executive trying to break into C-suite roles, or if you're struggling to adequately convey the impact of your work, know that there are tools and techniques to make your résumé more powerful. Contact me for an evaluation of your current résumé to learn how you can strengthen it for executive roles.