Executive CV Templates 2023: Downloads

Executive CV Template Best Practices & Examples

The CV template you choose will leave a first impression - either enhancing or detracting from your credibility as an executive.

By leveraging effective CV design, you’ll help recruiters quickly find key information and draw their attention to your most impressive achievements.

On the other hand, sloppy or unprofessional document design can work against you, hurting your chances of securing interviews.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• CV Formatting Advice from Executive Recruiters
• Key Executive CV Design Principles
• Executive CV Template Example & Downloads

CV Formatting Advice from Executive Recruiters

While you may have come across graphic CVs that include multiple columns and colors floating around the internet, recruiters agree that a traditional design works best for executives.

Traditional CV templates are viewed as classic, elegant, credible and professional: all attributes you want to convey.

Darrell Rosenstein, Founder of The Rosenstein Group, says that “A clean, minimalist style is preferred for an executive CV. A modest black and white design is a safe bet even when applying for positions in the creative industries.”

If you are applying for jobs at large companies that use applicant tracking systems, using a template with multiple columns, graphics or excessive colors can also hurt your chances.

“Looking for a job is tough. Don’t let formatting issues add an unknown hurdle,” said Kelly Garland, Principal of executive recruiting firm Garland Source.

“Pictures, big initials and funky address formats might make your CV import poorly into a company’s internal applicant system.”

As an executive, your accomplishments should speak for themselves. Unless you are applying for a design-related role, you don’t need to worry about impressing recruiters with a flashy document.

 “I want to see hard results and achievements,” explained Rosenstein.

“Not just in words, but more importantly, in numbers. Someone who is gunning for a top-management position must show their capacity to provide high-level solutions to the macro problems that any company has to deal with.”

Key Executive CV Design & Content Principles

When choosing an executive CV template, consider the following tips:

Fonts

• Use a font size between 10-12 points for your body text
• Use a slightly larger font for your section headings
• Choose serif fonts over sans serif fonts to improve readability
• Consider pairing two complementary fonts: one for section headings and one for body text

Spacing

• Make sure your spacing between sections is 100% consistent
• Leave margins between 0.5 – 1 inch on all sides
• Do not use a two-column design to maximise space and for ATS compatibility
• Ensure your document has “breathing room” and isn’t overly cluttered

Colors & Graphics

• Use colors very sparingly
• Do not include a photo
• Do not include infographics or charts

Content

• Craft accomplishment-driven bullet points that demonstrate your impact
• Tailor your document to your target roles
• Structure your work experience chronologically
• Separate your achievements (bullet points) from your day-to-day responsibilities (paragraph format)

Executive CV Template Bundle

Below, we provide an example of an effective executive CV template that leverages the principles we discussed.

We encourage you to use these as inspiration as you design your own CV.

If you prefer to have someone do the work for you, why not download one of our award winning CV templates and the comprehensive guides (storytelling framework, metrics and RoI tracker, checklist and scorecard), simply visit www.cvpilots.co.uk/products and use discount code TEMPLATE50 to get £50 off the template bundle today. 

Our classic executive CV template is a client favorite. It is ATS friendly, recruiter approved and use by thousands of happy CV Pilot customers. 

Our guides are designed to support executives through every stage of their career journey.

Whether you’re navigating redundancy, aiming for an internal or external promotion, returning to work after time away, or planning a career pivot, we offer dedicated template and guide bundles to help you craft a compelling CV.

We also provide a standard executive CV template and guide, perfect for anyone preparing to make their next big move.

To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk