Writing an Effective Executive CV

When writing an effective executive level CV youHOW the purpose was fulfilled.
must be aware of the greater demands andFor example:o Expanded widget business by 400%
responsibilities placed upon the executive assince 2006. Business now delivers 20% net margins,
compared to the other levels of employee in an25% ROI and...o Increased fixings market share from
organization.4% to 20% by targeted sales growth through
To be an executive is to hold the authority to act onmerchant network and...o Transformed business from
behalf of the business in ways that may affect thelabour intensive to automated, through investment in
organization without any restraint other than thenew...
executive's frame of reference as it sits within theNothing makes it clearer to a prospective employer
company policy.or headhunter than specific, concise statements of
Although an executive may be broadly aligned to thepurpose and delivery. It also makes for a very
same competency framework as other employees,focused executive CV that wastes no time in getting
the difference is in the level of competence requiredit's message across to the reader. Which also says
and this is what must be demonstrated and illustratedsomething about the executive!
when writing an effective executive level CV.So, to write an effective Executive level CV you
For example the main competency criteria for theshould start with name and contact details then
executive may include:o leadershipo presentationfollow with an introductory paragraph that establishes
skillso team buildingo strategic thinkingo peoplethe level, sector and key attributes of the individual
managementas they relate to the appointment and lead the
Naturally these could also apply to any otherreader in the desired direction.
employee throughout the organization. However theThis might read like this:
difference is in the scale or higher level required of"Experienced Managing Director; strong leadership and
the executive's ability to perform the requiredcommunication skills; effective team builder; proven
competence.capability in strategic work; successful deliverer of
This is why it is not sufficient, when writing anprofitable growth and cash; tactically astute in
executive CV to refer simply to responsibilities. Youmanaging a complex supply chain; innovative sales
have to define the substance of the responsibility orand marketing skills; pragmatic; hard working;
the crucial purpose of the role and then place it intoapproachable; French and German languages spoken."
context. The difference then becomes clear: theThen for each job role identify the Business Name,
statement becomes one of responsible TO (i.e. thethe dates of employment and the Job Title but use
board of directors) and accountable FOR. Writing inthe guidance above to define the purpose and what
this way removes any doubt about the true purposewas delivered, quantifying where appropriate. Finish
of the executive's job role and leaves the way openoff with relevant educational and personal information
to describe HOW the responsibility is discharged.at the bottom of the page.
Thus you might read a statement like this:Final note: Do not add labels such as 'Curriculum Vitae'
"Responsible to the Group CEO and accountable foror even 'Achievements' - they are unnecessary and
achievement of profit, cash and ROI targets; theonly take up space on the page. In the same vein,
development and implementation of organic andedit it ruthlessly and get rid of pronouns and
acquisitive growth strategies."prepositions that don't add to the information.
There can be no doubt about the executive'sWriting an effective executive CV by using this
purpose when you read a statement like that!guidance you can be sure you have equipped
Now, when you have defined that purpose it is ayourself with the most powerful and impressive CV
straightforward matter to convey to the reader,that will work for and not against you.