Executive CV examples + template

An Executive CV is not just a list of accomplishments – it’s your first chance to prove your ability to lead at the highest level. Employers want to see that you have the strategic acumen, leadership qualities, and track record of success needed to drive their organisation forward.

This guide will show you how to write a CV that reflects your executive presence, highlights your achievements, and secures your next leadership opportunity.

Think of your CV like a company’s annual report – well-organised and showcasing all the impressive highlights. Recruiters need to find key information quickly and easily: don’t make them hunt for it.

Here’s how to structure your Executive CV:

• Name and contact details – Keep these prominently displayed at the top for easy access. Adding a photo is optional and entirely up to you.
• Profile – Immediately draw in the recruiter with a brief summary of your skills and experience.
• Core skills – State your best qualities at a glance, like your expertise in areas like business strategy, team leadership, and stakeholder management.
• Work experience – Outline your career progression in reverse chronological order, focusing on the results you’ve driven.
• Education – List your academic qualifications that make you the right fit: include professional certifications and any executive training.
• Additional info – Optionally, include hobbies and interests that showcase your character or align with leadership qualities.

Your CV should reflect the professionalism and attention to detail you bring to your role as an Executive. A poorly formatted CV is like a vague company strategy – it’s not going to inspire confidence or secure investment. 

Avoid preventable mistakes to keep the focus on your expertise.

Here’s how to format your Executive CV:

• Bullet points – Use these to present your accomplishments clearly, making key points stand out with ease.
• Divide sections – Clear headings ensure recruiters can easily find key information.
• Use a clean font – A professional, readable font paired with a structured design conveys competence and authority.
• Keep it the right length – 2 pages is the ideal length to present your expertise comprehensively without overloading the reader.

Your CV profile is the elevator pitch of your CV – don’t leave the recruiter stuck between floors trying to figure out your value. Summarise your leadership capabilities and strategic achievements, along with the values you strive toward in your leadership work.

Here are some tips on what to include in your Executive profile:

• Where you’ve worked – Highlight your leadership experience in industries or organisations, especially if they align with the company’s sector.
• Your top qualifications – Mention relevant degrees like an MBA or executive leadership certifications.
• Strategic expertise – Reference your ability to drive growth, manage change, or execute long-term vision plans.
• Teams you’ve led – Outline the size and scope of teams you’ve managed, from department heads to cross-functional units.
• Key business outcomes – Highlight your impact on metrics like revenue growth, market expansion, or operational efficiency.
• Stakeholder engagement – Emphasise your track record of collaborating with boards, investors, or key external partners.
• Vision and impact – Convey your ability to set and achieve strategic goals.
  

Your core skills section is like the executive summary of your CV. It’s where you quickly show recruiters the ‘big picture’ – without the PowerPoint slides.

For Executives, this section should focus on strategic planning, team leadership, and measurable impact. Tailor these to the specific role and organisation you’re applying for.

Your work experience section is where you showcase your ability to take organisations from good to great – or, in some cases, from struggling to thriving. Highlight your contributions to organisational success, the teams you’ve led, and the strategies you’ve implemented.

List your roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on measurable outcomes and key contributions.

• Outline – Provide an overview of the organisation, your role, and the areas you led.
• Responsibilities – Highlight tasks like setting strategic direction, managing budgets, or driving innovation. Use action verbs like “developed,” “executed,” or “transformed.”
• Achievements – Showcase measurable results, such as revenue growth, cost savings, or successful change initiatives. Include numbers wherever possible to add impact.

The education section is essential for Executives, as it demonstrates the base knowledge and professional development that led to your impressive career. Include degrees, executive training, and relevant certifications that emphasise that you’re the right fit for the role.

List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.