The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Standout Executive CV
Your CV is more than just a document—it’s your personal marketing tool and the first impression you make on decision-makers. At Executive Integrity, we know what hiring managers and executive recruiters are looking for, and with small but strategic changes, your CV can go from good to exceptional. Whether you’re targeting roles in sustainable technology, maritime, finance, or any executive function, these tips will help you showcase your expertise, impact, and leadership.
1. Start with a Clear, Professional Format
- Keep it concise and readable. Aim for 2–3 pages for executive roles.
- Use a clean, legible font and plenty of whitespace to guide the reader naturally.
- Structure your CV so it’s ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System) by avoiding complex layouts and graphics that might confuse automated scanning systems.
2. Keep It Simple and Impactful
- Use punchy, precise language and bullet points to communicate key achievements quickly.
- Avoid jargon unless it is standard for the industry—clarity beats complexity.
- Your CV should flow logically, allowing recruiters to absorb your most important information in seconds.
3. Essential Personal Information
Make it easy for decision-makers to contact you:
- Full name prominently displayed at the top
- Professional email address and direct phone number
- Updated LinkedIn profile link
- Optional: location (city/country)
4. Tailor Your CV for Each Role
No two executive roles are the same. Demonstrate that you understand the company’s mission, challenges, and priorities:
- Research the company’s goals, strategy, and values
- Highlight achievements that align with their strategic priorities
- Maintain a master CV template you can easily customise for each application
5. Executive Summary / Professional Profile
This is your value proposition. Focus on what you deliver, not what you want:
- 3–5 concise lines summarising your experience, expertise, and leadership impact
- Include powerful descriptive words: e.g., “transformational leader,” “innovative strategist,” “passionate about sustainable innovation”
- Highlight your unique selling points that differentiate you from other candidates
Example:
“Transformational commercial leader with 15+ years’ experience driving sustainable growth across international shipping and energy markets. Known for building high-performing teams, scaling operations, and delivering measurable environmental impact.”
6. Professional Experience
Your experience is where you demonstrate real impact. For each role:
- List in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
- Include company name, location, job title, and employment dates
- State reporting line to clarify your position in the hierarchy
- Add a brief company description for context, especially if it’s less well-known
- Focus on achievements over responsibilities—use measurable outcomes where possible
Pro Tips:
- Use active verbs: led, transformed, delivered, scaled, launched
- Quantify impact: revenue growth, efficiency gains, cost savings, emissions reduction
- Emphasise strategic contributions and transformational initiatives rather than day-to-day tasks
Example:
“At X Shipping, led a cross-functional team of 30 to implement a digital freight platform, increasing operational efficiency by 35% and reducing carbon emissions by 12% within 18 months.”
7. Education
- List your highest degrees first
- Include relevant distinctions, majors, or leadership roles
- Optional: include notable ongoing executive education programs or MBAs
8. Professional Qualifications and Certifications
- Include relevant executive certifications, professional accreditations, or technical credentials
- Highlight anything that demonstrates ongoing learning or expertise in your industry
9. Publications and Thought Leadership (Optional but impactful)
- Include articles, papers, or industry commentary that position you as a thought leader
- Focus on publications relevant to your target sector
10. Additional Information
- Languages spoken (with proficiency level)
- Volunteering or board positions, particularly if relevant to sustainability, innovation, or leadership
- Select hobbies only if they reinforce your professional brand
11. Show, Don’t Just Tell
- Don’t just list skills—demonstrate how you’ve applied them.
- Example comparison:
- Weak: “Skilled at leading SaaS implementation projects”
- Strong: “Led the rollout of a cloud-based SaaS platform across 50 international offices, increasing user adoption by 85% within 12 months and boosting recurring revenue by 25%.”
12. Focus on Transformation and Results
Executive recruiters are looking for impact:
- Highlight how your actions transformed the business
- Include specific results and timeframes
- Emphasise ROI, growth, efficiency gains, or environmental impact
