In today’s increasingly competitive global job market, having years of experience and impressive achievements alone is no longer enough to secure an executive role. Senior professionals are now expected to communicate their value and expertise strategically through a compelling and well-crafted curriculum vitae (CV). Especially in recruitment processes involving executive search agencies, the CV serves as a crucial first impression for companies and headhunting firms.
Here are some effective tips for writing an executive CV that stands out, particularly if you want to get noticed by headhunter companies or human capital management professionals across industries.
1. Start with an Executive Summary
The opening section of your CV acts as your personal elevator pitch. Avoid jumping straight into a list of work experience. Instead, start with a brief executive summary (3–5 sentences) that outlines your current position, major accomplishments, and the unique value you offer.
Example:
“Senior professional with over 15 years of experience in the FMCG industry, specializing in digital transformation and operational efficiency. Successfully led cross-country teams with a 30% revenue increase over the past two years.”
This summary helps executive search agencies quickly grasp your personal brand as a candidate.
2. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities
An executive CV shouldn’t simply list job duties. Focus on the results you’ve delivered. Use concrete numbers and data.
Instead of writing:
“Responsible for managing the regional marketing team.”
Write:
“Led a regional marketing team of 25 and increased market share by 18% within 12 months.”
Candidates who can clearly communicate their impact stand out more to human capital management professionals.
3. Tailor Your CV to the Role
Using one generic CV for every position won’t be effective. Take time to tailor the content to the specific company or role. Analyze the job description and highlight relevant skills, such as “strategic planning,” “cost efficiency,” or “digital leadership,” depending on the role’s requirements.
Headhunter companies like HRnetRimbun place high importance on the alignment between client needs and candidate qualifications. A customized CV streamlines the matching process.
4. Incorporate Strategic Keywords
Use industry-relevant terms to ensure your CV is easily searchable by ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and recruiters. Keywords such as “organizational development,” “change management,” “cross-functional leadership,” and “business transformation” can improve your CV’s visibility.
If you’re working with an executive search agency, these keywords help reflect the core competencies required at the executive level.
5. Strategically Present Education and Certifications
Education is still relevant—especially if you graduated from a top university or hold valuable certifications (like PMP, CPA, or CHRP). However, list this section after your work experience, as your professional track record carries more weight at the executive level.
6. Include Strategic Projects or a Portfolio
Whenever possible, add links to a portfolio or highlight strategic projects you’ve led—such as organizational restructuring, market expansion, or national-scale digital transformation.
For headhunters and human capital management teams, this provides concrete evidence of your capabilities beyond your resume.
Read more: Employer Branding Trends: How to Attract Gen Z and Millennial Talent
7. Use a Clean, Professional Layout
Choose a clean and professional format. Avoid overly creative or complex designs. Use fonts like Calibri or Arial, size 11–12 pt. Highlight key points with bullet points, and keep your CV between two to three pages, depending on your experience.
8. Get Feedback Before Sending
Before submitting your CV, ask a trusted colleague or mentor for feedback. Better yet, consult with a professional from an executive search agency like HRnetRimbun, who understands the recruitment landscape across different industries.
A well-written CV isn’t just about design and content—it’s about strategically communicating your value as a leader. In a highly competitive job market, being visible and relevant is the key. By following the tips above, you’ll be better equipped to attract the attention of headhunter companies and human capital management professionals.
If you need further guidance in crafting your executive CV or are looking to expand your career opportunities, contact HRnetRimbun—your trusted partner in executive search agency services in Indonesia. We’re ready to help you find the best opportunities that match your potential and aspirations.
