Executive Resume Refresh: What Headhunters Want to See
- Lauren Watkins
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
In today’s competitive job market, even seasoned executives need to keep their resumes sharp and compelling. The days of a one-size-fits-all resume are long gone—headhunters are looking for tailored, results-driven documents that showcase your unique value.
Here’s how to ensure your resume not only passes the headhunter's first glance but lands you in the spotlight.
1. Lead with Impact
Your resume’s opening should immediately highlight your value. Replace vague summaries with a strong executive summary that emphasises your career achievements, leadership expertise, and industry relevance.
Example:
Before: "Experienced leader with a history of managing teams in tech."
After: "Transformational technology executive with 15+ years leading cross-functional teams to deliver $100M+ revenue growth and operational excellence in blockchain and fintech."
2. Quantify Everything
Everyone love numbers. Whether it’s revenue growth, team size, cost savings, or market share increases, include measurable results to back up your accomplishments.
Tip: Use bullet points with metrics to make your achievements easy to scan.
Increased annual revenue by 35%, generating $25M in new business.
Led a global team of 50+ engineers, driving a 20% reduction in product launch cycles.
3. Showcase Leadership, Not Tasks
Organisations are looking for leaders, not just doers. Instead of listing responsibilities, emphasise the outcomes of your leadership.
Example:
Before: "Managed product development process."
After: "Spearheaded product development, launching 5 new offerings that achieved $15M in first-year revenue."
4. Align with the Role You Want
Tailor your resume for the position you’re pursuing. Highlight relevant skills, certifications, and experience that align with the company’s goals and challenges.
Quick Hack: Mirror keywords from the job description or your discussion with headhunters.
5. Keep It Clean and Modern
Your resume should be visually appealing and easy to read. Use a professional format, concise language, and plenty of white space. Avoid dense paragraphs—opt for bullet points.
Pro Tip: Limit your resume to two pages unless you’re in academia or consulting, where longer CVs may be the norm.
Want Expert Advice?
Crafting a standout executive resume can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Resume Optimisation Service is designed to highlight your unique strengths and align them with your career goals.
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With the right strategy, your resume can open doors to the next stage of your career. Start today—recruiters are waiting to be impressed.
Lauren Watkins
Issue #13
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