A CV is more than just a list of jobs—it’s your personal brand on paper and online. And for executives, it’s not just about showing experience; it’s about proving you’re the right leader for the job.
If you’re aiming for senior positions, recruiters want to see more than just what you’ve done. They’re looking for clear evidence of your leadership, strategic thinking, and the impact you’ve had in previous roles. A well-crafted executive CV makes all the difference in securing those top-tier opportunities.
At CV Made Better, we understand how to position executives in the best possible light. We don’t just list your responsibilities—we tell your leadership story in a way that resonates with decision-makers. In this article, we’ll explore why a strong executive CV matters, common mistakes to avoid, and how professional CV writing can help you stand out.
Key Takeaways
- An executive CV is a personal branding tool – It should showcase leadership, strategic thinking, and measurable impact, not just a list of responsibilities.
- Recruiters scan CVs in seconds – A well-structured, engaging format with strong commercial results increases your chances of standing out.
- Common CV mistakes can cost opportunities – Avoid vague language, lengthy documents, and a lack of quantifiable achievements.
- ATS optimisation is crucial – Many CVs are filtered out before reaching a recruiter. Using the right keywords and format ensures yours gets seen.
- Professional CV writing provides a competitive edge – A tailored, results-focused CV crafted by experts can significantly improve your chances of landing a leadership role.
Most executives make this mistake on their CV: focusing on responsibilities instead of results.
Instead of saying “Managed a team of 50,” try “Led a team of 50, increasing productivity by 30% through streamlined processes.”
Show impact, not job descriptions.
Why a Leadership-Ready CV Matters
Let’s be honest—landing an executive role is tough. You’re not just competing with a handful of people; you’re up against some of the most experienced professionals in your industry. So how do you make sure your CV gets noticed?
The truth is, your CV isn’t just a document—it’s a marketing tool. It needs to instantly show why you’re the right person to lead an organisation forward.
What Makes an Executive CV Stand Out?
- A clear leadership narrative – What’s your story? What impact have you made?
- Strong commercial results – Companies want numbers, not just job titles.
- An engaging, readable format – If it’s too cluttered or generic, it won’t stand out.
Recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds on an initial CV scan. That means you’ve got less than 10 seconds to make an impression. If your CV doesn’t grab attention immediately, it’s likely to be overlooked.
At CV Made Better, we craft executive CVs that get noticed—for all the right reasons.
Common Mistakes That Hold Executives Back
Even the most experienced professionals make mistakes when it comes to their CVs. Here are some of the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Focusing on Responsibilities Instead of Results
Recruiters don’t want a job description—they want to know what you achieved. Instead of saying:
❌ Managed a team of 50 people.
Try:
✅ Led a team of 50, increasing productivity by 30% through streamlined processes.
Using Vague, Buzzword-Filled Language
Words like results-driven and passionate leader are overused. Instead, provide clear, tangible examples of how you delivered results.
Making It Too Long
Executives often struggle to condense years of experience, but a CV should be concise and impactful. Aim for two pages max, unless you’re applying for a board-level role.
Ignoring ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
Most companies use software to scan CVs before a recruiter even sees them. If your CV isn’t optimised with the right keywords, it may never make it to a human reader.
The good news? These mistakes are fixable—and that’s exactly where a professional CV writer can help.
The Must-Have Sections of an Executive CV
A great executive CV isn’t just about listing jobs. It’s about telling a compelling leadership story.
Key Sections Your CV Should Include
A Powerful Summary
This is the first thing recruiters see—so make it count. Instead of a generic intro, write a snapshot of who you are and the value you bring.
Example:
“Senior Finance Executive with 15+ years of experience driving multi-million-pound growth. Expert in business transformation, cost reduction, and financial strategy, with a proven track record of increasing profitability by 20% in three years.”
Core Skills & Leadership Strengths
List 6-8 key strengths relevant to senior roles, such as:
- Business Strategy & Growth
- Change Management
- P&L Responsibility
- Board-Level Reporting
Career Achievements (Not Just Experience)
Structure each role like this:
Company Name – Job Title – Years Worked
- Spearheaded a £50M transformation project, increasing market share by 20%.
- Led a restructuring programme, cutting operational costs by 15% while improving efficiency.
Education, Certifications & Board Memberships
Include relevant qualifications, professional development, and industry affiliations.
A structured, engaging CV instantly positions you as the right candidate.
How a Professional CV Writer Can Give You the Edge
Writing your own CV can be tricky. You know your experience inside out—but translating that into a compelling document is a different skill. That’s where a professional CV writer comes in. At CV Made Better, we specialise in:
Creating a Personal Brand
Your CV should showcase your leadership strengths. We craft a personalised executive CV that captures these.
ATS & Recruiter-Friendly Formatting
A CV must appeal to both recruitment software and human readers. We ensure the perfect balance between an engaging layout and ATS compatibility.
Highlighting Commercial Impact
We focus on your business impact, helping you stand out as a results-driven executive.
A professionally written CV can increase interview rates by up to 40%. Investing in expert help could be the difference between staying stuck and landing your next big opportunity.
Beating Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many executives don’t realise their CVs never even reach a recruiter’s desk. Instead, they get rejected by ATS software, which screens for keywords and formatting errors.
How to Ensure Your CV Gets Through ATS
- Use industry-specific keywords – Align your CV with the job description.
- Stick to a simple, clean format – No graphics or complex tables.
- Use standard headings – Terms like Professional Experience work better than creative alternatives.
At CV Made Better, we ensure every CV is optimised for ATS while staying engaging for recruiters.
Conclusion: Executive CV
A leadership-ready CV is your ticket to the next stage of your career. If yours isn’t getting the attention it deserves, it might be time for an upgrade. At CV Made Better, we craft executive CVs that open doors—so you can focus on securing your next leadership role with confidence.
Take the next step in your leadership career with a professionally crafted executive CV from CV Made Better – expertly designed to showcase your impact and secure top-tier opportunities.
Further Reading
- A Guide to Personal Branding for Executives: Explore the importance of personal branding for executives and learn strategies to effectively communicate your unique identity and expertise.
- Personal Branding: What It Is and Why It Matters: Delve into the concept of personal branding and its significance in shaping professional success.
