C-Level and Executive Resume: How-To-Guide & Samples [What Works In 2023]

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C Level and Executive resume examples are often some of the most complex resumes to write because there are more things that you need to consider.

For example, your resume not only needs to reflect all of your qualifications, but you should also include accomplishments like revenue increases or stock price growth.

Every industry has different requirements for executive-level resumes. C-level executives need to list specific goals and accomplishments from their past jobs that directly relate to the skills needed for the position. Non-profit C-level resumes need to emphasize achievements such as saving money on a limited budget.

C-level Meaning

The c level is the topmost executive in an organization, typically the president or chief executive officer (CEO). The term “c level” is derived from the fact that these executives are often found in the company’s C-suite.

Other executives at the c level include the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Financial officer (CFO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). These executives typically report directly to the CEO and are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company.

The c level is often considered to be the most powerful group in an organization, as they have the final say on all major decisions. This can be a double-edged sword, as c level executives are also held accountable for the company’s performance.

While the c level is typically reserved for the most experienced and qualified executives, there is no set rule for who can occupy these positions. In some cases, younger and less experienced executives may be promoted to the c level if they demonstrate exceptional talent or potential

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How to write an executive resume to land more interviews?

Show real impact on the business. The fact that you’re a senior Chief Financial Officer is unlikely to impress anyone else. Your resume should clearly explain what you do and show why. They want somebody to help them improve by leveraging their expertise and knowledge. They want to know how you will provide them with value. If this is not apparent, it’s all just fluff and no one gets the job because of a fluffy resume.

Find out what you can do for them and show them! This could include:

  • Steady and significant savings for the company
  • Improved cash flow through effective cash forecasting
  • Turned around a team to increased profitability
c level and executive resume examples

Tell me the best format for an executive resume?

A reverse chronological format is most appropriate for a C-Level resume or executive position with a high number of years of experience.  A reverse chronological resume includes the header with your updated contact details, professional resume summary, work experience, and additional skills and education sections. It should also include your most impressive achievements and honors. Reverse chronological resumes can help you win the approval of Reed Hastings and earn an interview. 

Different Sections in C-Level and Executive Resume are:

  1. Header
  2. Summary
  3. Work Experience
  4. Skills 
  5. Education and Certification
c level and executive resume examples

1. Resume Header: Make sure Recruiters Keep Reading

It seems obvious: there is a lot of executive roles for companies. Chief Technology Officer, Chief Technology Officer, CTO, CSO, etc., and the list continues. There are also lots of other duties which overlap between them. In many cases, a CIO in a company will become CEO/CTO in another firm. Although it is very important to use the same title as the job you applied for in the Header as both CTO and CIO are very similar.

You should not use multiple titles at the same point in your career. It gives the recruiter a mixed signal. You will lose credibility.

Evaluating the impact of a resume header:

The Header is your first impression on hiring managers and recruiters, so make it count. Make sure you use the same title as the job you applied for in your cover letter and resume header.

  • You want to show that this role is an important part of your career path.
  • Make sure you include keywords that highlight the main duties of the job role.
  • Be aware that it is becoming increasingly common for recruiters to search on LinkedIn, Google, and social media instead of reading through CVs. So make sure you use keywords on your Linkedin profile, as well as add them to your resume.
  • The Header should be concise, yet informative. It should highlight your main skills and highlight the impact you have had on previous roles.
  • Use bullet points, as this will show all of your qualifications quickly. 

Creating a winning C-level resume depends upon the level of experience you have, your industry, and what type of position you are applying for. Each section is customizable to fit your specific requirements. A good place to start with any executive resume is by focusing in on your Branding Title.

This is not necessarily the same as the exact position you currently hold, but rather the position you are targeting. This branding title should be the top header of your resume.

The fact that you have been in the industry as a Chief Executive Officer X years is not going to impress employers at all. Use your experience to show why you are a good fit for the role.

resume examples for executives
Executive Resume Header Section Example

How do I add contact information to my resume?

If you have a LinkedIn account, 87% of employers check LinkedIn before an interview. If you don’t have a matching online profile you could come across as Willy Wonka rather than Tim Cook. Finally, make your LinkedIn Profile linkable in your C-level executive resume.

Recruiters also consider geographical location when vetting chief executive officer resumes. While including addresses is uncommon now, it is advisable to list your geographic location. This could be a city, state, or area depending upon how it can help you stand out.

c level and executive resume examples

2. Resume Summary: Instantly Stand Out At Every Stage

The second section of an executive resume header is usually a Career Profile or Summary which outlines your key qualifications, skills, and achievements that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. This section should always be customized to reflect what type of position you are seeking by using keywords from the job description to drive your content.

Executive resumes should use quantifiable statements, such as “increased sales by 25% over the previous year” but should also provide enough context in order to be justifiable.

The main idea is to use your executive summary as the first impression that employers have of you. It’s not about what you’ve done; instead, focus on what you are trying to achieve in your next position and match your achievements and results to what is in the organizations’ job description.

C-Level and Executive Resume Summary Example I

Technology and business executive with a track record of fueling next-level company growth, breaking intonewmarketsglobally, and delivering multiple business turnarounds across B2B and B2C markets. Versatile, able to strategize the bigpictureandmanage the fine details. Drove unprecedented growth at Oracle and Amazon. Took a start-up to $10Min revenue in 2years. Hands-on leader who builds hard-hitting management teams, wins board buy-in, and infuses a culture of innovation and sharedsuccess.

C-Level and Executive Resume Summary Example II

50 years of victory in driving brand awareness, lead generation, and explosive business growth across North America, Europe, and Asia with Fortune 50 customers. Savvy, data-driven strategist in B2B and B2C marketing, including new market entry, product management, product launches, and multi-channel development. Analytical, working cross-functionally, leading teams of 70+ through training, coaching, and mentoring.

C-Level and Executive Resume Summary Example III

20+ years of expertise in driving profitability, business growth, and operational excellence. Transformational change catalyst who continually challenges the status quo and pioneers “future-proof” strategies. History of creating synergies between stakeholders, departments, and teams while building consensus on priorities.

c level and executive resume examples

3. Work Experience

Executive resume experience section is a place to list and present your top-level professional experience. You will highlight all the key positions you held, highlight what you got from each job and highlight your areas of expertise. The focus here is on leadership roles and responsibilities, with an emphasis on soft skills such as team building or mentoring.

The objective is to instantly draw the reader in and capture their attention. The executive resume experience section should be eye-catching, interesting and unique. In order to create this vivid description, focus on you’re the most impressive aspects of your professional life, how you’ve helped businesses succeed, what your roles were and examples of the results you achieved.

Executive resume sample work experience
Executive resume sample work experience
c level and executive resume examples

4. C-level skills section: What recruiters really like to see here

All C level executive roles require many abilities. All C level executive candidates need skills that will be needed to perform the job and they should then group them into a larger category.

Assign each skill to an appropriate category, such as customer service skills or project management skills. Then group these categories by the overlying goals so that the resume is easier to read. For example, as a Chief Financial Officer, your job is showing leadership in a positive way. You will ensure company administration functions are efficiently managed which requires strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills. Your resume needs a strong list of hard Chief Financial Officer work skills such as accounting and financial knowledge, change management skills, business development, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship.

executive resume skills section example
Executive Resume Skills Section Example
c level and executive resume examples

5. Education and Certification Section

Your  should highlight the degree you  received and many certifications. We’ve included example of Education and Certification Section below:

Engineering Director Certification Section

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iCareerSolutions is one of the Top Professional Resume & LinkedIn Profile Writing Services and Career Counseling Services in the US. The iCS team possesses Industry Certifications and Awards, including the Certified Professional Resume Writer Certification and the 2019 Best Project Manager Resume Writing Award from Career Directors International and the 2018 Best Analyst Resume from the National Resume Writing Association.

C-Level Resume Examples

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Resume Examples

As the highest-ranking executive in a company, the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) has a wide range of responsibilities that are critical to the success of the organization. The CEO is responsible for setting the vision and mission of the organization, as well as developing and implementing a long-term strategic plan.The CEO sets the tone for the company and provides leadership and guidance to the executive team and employees.

Click here to view Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Resume Samples

Chief Operations Officer (COO) Resume Examples

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is typically second to the CEO. Rather than being the leader in the corporation in public, he is responsible for internal affairs, such as payroll training, recruitment and legal services. You must be able to understand the business bottom line and communicate business requirements to the other departments. You must be able to manage existing internal activities and projects.

Examples of Keywords: Leadership and Change Management, New Product Development and Public Relations, Recruitment, Selling and Business Development.

Click here to view Chief Operations Officer (COO) Resume Samples

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Resume Examples

While a Chief Marketing Officer is a senior management position, the position remains largely tied with the sales division of the firm. Although C-suites generally focus solely upon improving profits and market share, they are often most closely connected with revenue. You should therefore focus on the promotion of your business, especially on social media and electronic commerce. You should also ensure that your marketing strategies are in line with the overall goals of the firm.

Examples of Keywords: Brand Management, Leadership and Change Management, Insurance Marketing, New Product Development and Public Relations.

Click here to view TORI Award-Winning Best Marketing Resume, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Resume Sample

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Resume Examples

CTO plays a critical role in ensuring that technology is aligned with the company’s goals and objectives and that it can support the company’s growth and success over the long term. The CTO is responsible for developing and executing the company’s technology roadmap, which includes the development of new products and services, technology infrastructure, and technology platforms. The CTO must keep up with the latest developments in the industry, including new technologies, competitors, and market trends.

Examples of Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, FinTech, Enterprise Infrastructure, Data Centers, Business Intelligenece

Click here to view TORI Award-Winning Best Technology Resume, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Resume Sample

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Resume Examples

CFO ensures that the company’s financial operations are efficient and effective, and that the company has the financial resources it needs to achieve its goals and objectives. The CFO is responsible for developing and implementing financial planning and analysis processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting as well as identifying and managing financial risks for the company, including credit, market, and operational risks.

Examples of Keywords: Finance, Financial Planning & Analysis, Strategic Planning, Valuation, Financial Controls, Risk Management, Budget Development

Click here to view Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Resume Samples

Chief Information Officer (CIO) Resume Examples

The chief information officer needs to demonstrate knowledge in business planning, management, finance, and technical skills. Your resume should show executive-level leadership, communication, and management skills, as well as the hard work knowledge of software management. The technology of a business is ever-changing and requires an executive to keep up with the skill sets needed within information technology. This means knowledge in software development, system analysis, systems operation, and management. The primary responsibility of the CIO is to see that relevant technology best supports the company’s business objectives.

Examples of Keywords: Application Development, Big Data Analytics, Business Analysis and Systems Design.

Click here to view Chief Information Officer (CIO) Resume Samples

Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) Resume Examples

Primary responsibility of Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) is to ensure that a company is complying with all relevant laws and regulations in its operations. The CCO is responsible for identifying and assessing compliance risks that the company may face in its operations, developing and implementing crisis management plans that address compliance-related issues, conducting audits and reviews of the company’s compliance policies and procedures, ensuring that the company is complying with all relevant data privacy and protection regulations

Examples of Keywords: Enterprise Risk Assessment, Compliance Program Management, Process and Control Mapping, Proactive Compliance Culture, Risk Controls, Auditing.

Click here to view Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) Resume Samples

Chief of Staff (COS) Resume Examples

The role of a Chief of Staff can vary depending on the organization, but generally, they act as a strategic partner to the CEO, helping to ensure that the organization operates efficiently and effectively.  COS works closely with the CEO and other senior executives to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan., oversees the implementation of key projects and initiatives, ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget, works to create a positive and productive organizational culture, promoting employee engagement and satisfaction.

Examples of Keywords: Business Management, Operations Management, Staff Development, Outsourcing, Facility Management, Change Management

Click here to view Chief of Staff (COS) Resume Samples

Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Resume Examples

Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is responsible for managing the organization’s human resources (HR) department and ensuring that the organization has the human capital needed to achieve its strategic goals. The CHRO is responsible for developing and implementing talent management strategies, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and career development. The CHRO develops and implements strategies to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Examples of Keywords: HR Strategies, Talent Strategies, Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Employee Engagement, Employee Relations.

Click here to view Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) Resume Samples

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Resume Examples

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) ensures the security of the organization’s information assets and technology infrastructure. The CISO develops and implements an information security strategy that aligns with the organization’s overall strategy, oversees the organization’s cybersecurity operations, including incident response and threat intelligence, ensures that the organization complies with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to information security. Examples of Keywords: Information Security, Risk Management, Cybersecurity, Operational Planning, Business cases, Regulatory Compliance, Incident Response Plans Click here to view Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Resume Samples

Chief Transformation Officer Resume Examples

Chief Transformation Officer plays a critical role in driving transformational change within an organization, ensuring that the organization is able to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment. Chief Transformation Officer works with the CEO and other senior executives to develop a transformation strategy that aligns with the organization’s vision and goals, communicates progress, and updates on the transformation effort to stakeholders across the organization. Examples of Keywords: Strategic Initiative, Innovation, Organisational Design, Continuous Improvement, Business Process Improvement, Operations Optimization, Methodologies Click here to view Chief Transformation Officer Resume Samples

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iCareerSolutions is one of the Top Professional Resume & LinkedIn Profile Writing Services and Career Counseling Services in the US. The iCS team possesses Industry Certifications and Awards, including the Certified Professional Resume Writer Certification and the 2019 Best Project Manager Resume Writing Award from Career Directors International and the 2018 Best Analyst Resume from the National Resume Writing Association.

Executive Resume Examples (VP Level)

Senior Vice President Resume Sample, Senior Vice President (SVP) Corporate Strategy & Development Resume

VP Resume Sample 1

Executive Vice President Resume Sample, Executive Vice President (EVP) of Operations Resume

VP of Operations Resume Sample 1

Executive Vice President Resume Sample, Executive Vice President (EVP) of Public Relations

Public Relations Director Resume Sample 1

Executive Resume, President Resume Sample

Presidents Resume Sample 1

Vice President Resume, Vice President (VP) of Sales Resume Sample

Vice President of Sales Resume Sample 1

Executive Resume Examples (Director Level)

Board of Directors Resume

Board-of-Directors-Resume-Sample_Page_1

IT Director Resume Sample, Director of Information Technology (IT) Resume Sample

it director resume

Executive Director Resume, Executive Director Software Development Resume Sample

Executive Director Software Development Resume Sample 1

Director of Marketing Resume, Marketing Director Resume Sample

marketing director resume sample

Land your dream job!

Get your Job-Winning Resume Today!
iCareerSolutions is one of the Top Professional Resume & LinkedIn Profile Writing Services and Career Counseling Services in the US. The iCS team possesses Industry Certifications and Awards, including the Certified Professional Resume Writer Certification and the 2019 Best Project Manager Resume Writing Award from Career Directors International and the 2018 Best Analyst Resume from the National Resume Writing Association.

c level and executive resume examples

Is it necessary to hire a professional resume writer?

Executive resume writing service under $1000 usually doesn’t guarantee a successful rate of interviews. You will need to be careful as many executive resume writers you find online outsource their work. This means that your resume will not be of the highest quality. The cost of the service depends on how professional they are.

You would also need to consider what industry awards have been achieved, and their background in HR and Recruitment, when choosing a resume writer for executive positions.

Here are the main considerations for hiring resume writers:

  • How will I work with them?
  • Do they offer one-on-one consultations and revisions?
  • What guarantee do they offer on their work?
  • Do they have executive resume templates and executive resume samples and awards?

Key Takeaway:

Even if you are given free templates for executive job resumes, it is difficult to write content. Can anyone explain their abilities to someone in their own words? It’s a simple fact that people cannot truly explain what they do to their friends, family, and children. It is only possible through a good resume writer. A resume is not an autobiography of your career, it is really a snapshot of your career that is targeted towards a particular executive-level position.

What do recruiters want to see in your resume?

Recruiters only have a few seconds to scan an executive resume. They are not interested in reading long-winded descriptions of your work history. Their job is to find the right candidate for the available position, so they need all the information they can get within this short amount of time.

Key Takeaway:

If you want to impress a recruiter, try an executive resume template that has the information they are looking for. Arrange your resume into sections that will help them find what they need to know quickly.

Tips for Executive resume:  Stand out  from the crowd

There are a few key things that you can do to make your executive resume stand out from the rest:

Our Top C-Level/Executive Resume Testimonials

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Arno helped me present myself more effectively in my resume, adding focus and putting my strengths and accomplishments front and center. He’s professional, helpful, and clearly knows what works. I would definitely recommend working with him.
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Arno was excellent at synthesizing my varied background into a relatable and succinct profile that’s easy for others to follow. He also provided great advice during our initial introductory call. I highly recommend Arno’s services.
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Arno worked on my CV, LinkedIn profile, Executive Bio, and cover letter. Arno is extremely responsive, has great attention to detail, and produced great written material for me. All of the documents look modern, and I believe will be attention getting. Arno also provided a lot of advice on how I use LinkedIn and the other documents. I very much appreciated his insights and guidance. I cannot rec…
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I have had the distinct pleasure to work directly with Arno Markus. Arno has tremendous expertise in helping clients build their LinkedIn profiles, sharpen their resumes and cover letters. He is excellent to work with, very timely in his response, and a consummate professional. I strongly recommend Arno Markus.
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Arno Markus Resume Writer

Arno Markus ​BA, MSc., CPRW
iCareerSolutions CEO and Founder
arno@icareersolutions.com
1-914-297-8807‬

About the author

Arno Markus Resume Writer

Arno Markus ​BA, MSc., CPRW
iCareerSolutions CEO and Founder
arno@icareersolutions.com
1-914-297-8807‬

My name is Arno Markus and I am a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of iCareerSolutions. With over twenty years of experience as a senior executive recruitment consultant, I would like to offer you a Complimentary Resume Consultation, and example resume templates.

Active Members of The National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA) │ The Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARW&CC) │ Career Directors International (CDI) │ Career Professionals (CPC) │ Forbes Coaches Council

iCareerSolutions, America’s #1 Executive Level and Professional Resume Writing Services, and LinkedIn Profile Development Company. 20X award-winning resume writers deliver professional resumes that get interviews. We have successfully landed our executive clients senior-level leadership positions at companies like Apple, Amazon, EA, Oracle, GM, Google, Facebook, DoJ, Gap, and 2U just to name a few. iCareerSolutions has 200+ 5-star reviews and offers a 60-day interview guarantee. Every resume template created is Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) compatible and highly customized to meet your unique needs.

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