career-advice

Executive-Level Resume Templates 2023: Downloads

Matt Glodz
Executive-Level Resume Templates 2023: Downloads

Executive Resume Template Best Practices & Examples

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

By leveraging effective resume 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:

  • Resume Formatting Advice from Executive Recruiters
  • Key Executive Resume Design Principles
  • Executive Resume Template Examples & Downloads

Resume Formatting Advice from Executive Recruiters

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

Traditional resume 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 resume. 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 resume 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 Resume Design & Content Principles

When choosing an executive resume 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 maximize 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 (if based in the US)
  • Do not include infographics or charts

Content

Executive Resume Templates

Below, we provide examples of effective executive resume templates that leverage the principles we discussed.

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

If you like one of these ATS-friendly executive resume templates, click on the sample image to download the template in Word format for $9.99.

Classic Executive Resume Template

Executive Classic Format Resume Template
 

Our classic executive resume template is a client favorite.

This template pairs two classic and modern serif fonts, resulting in a tasteful presentation.

Download our classic executive resume template for $9.99.

Minimalist Executive Resume Template

Minimalist Executive Resume Template Download

 

Our minimalist executive resume template is appropriate for clients in conservative professions such as legal and finance.

Download our minimalist executive resume template for $9.99.

Accent Executive Resume Template

Executive Accent Resume Template

Click here to view a full two-page PDF sample.

Our accent executive resume template leverages classic formatting and a subtle splash of color to leave a positive impression.

Download our accent executive resume template for $9.99.


About Resume Pilots

Resume Pilots is an award-winning executive resume writing firm and a proud member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Our previous clients include CEOs and senior executives at the world's leading companies.

As a professional services firm, we take your reputation seriously. We are committed to delivering writing excellence and superior service while operating with integrity and discretion. Recruitment firms we partner with also trust us to consistently deliver quality documents for their clients.

Our writers have studied in the Ivy League and other top-tier universities and have strong writing backgrounds coupled with industry experience.

Here's how we can help you:

Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Writing Services: If you are looking for end-to-end support, hire one of our professional resume writers to rewrite your documents from the ground up.

Executive Resume Template Downloads: If you plan to prepare your own resume, consider using one of our classic, ATS-friendly resume templates for Microsoft Word.

To learn more about our services, book an introductory call with our founder here or email team@resumepilots.com.


About the AuthorMatt Glodz


Matt Glodz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Resume Pilots and a Certified Professional Resume Writer.

After studying business communication at Cornell University, Matt worked within Fortune 500 companies, where he noted that qualified candidates were frequently denied interview opportunities due to poorly written documents.

At Resume Pilots, Matt combines his business and writing background - which includes prior work for a Chicago Tribune publication - to craft resumes that give his clients the best chance of landing interviews. He works with clients ranging from CEOs to recent graduates and has been writing resumes for over 10 years.

He has been quoted on numerous business and career-related topics in outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, Fortune, Glassdoor, The Ladders, and Thrive Global.


Related Articles

How to Choose a Top Executive Resume Writer in 2024
Should you hire a resume writer? Are professional resume services worth it? We know you might be hesitant to trust a third party with such a personal, important document. In this post, we address whether professional resume services are worth it, how the process works, and how to choose a qualified executive resume writer.
Read More
Seeing the Future: Resume Essentials for Aspiring Computer Vision Consultants
We outline resume writing best practices for candidates looking to work in computer vision and deep learning. Computer vision consultants are expected to possess diverse skills across various technologies and industries. We show you how to best present them on your resume.
Read More