Executive Resume Template Best Practices & Examples
The executive resume template you choose can significantly influence first impressions, either enhancing or detracting from your credibility as an executive. A well-designed resume not only showcases your qualifications but also demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.
By leveraging effective resume design, you’ll enable recruiters to quickly locate essential information while drawing their attention to your most impressive achievements.
Conversely, a sloppy or unprofessional document design can hinder your chances of securing interviews and landing the target role you desire.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- 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 encountered graphic resumes that include multiple columns and vibrant colors, executive recruiters unanimously agree that a traditional design is most effective for executives.
Traditional resume templates are perceived as classic, elegant, credible, and professional – all attributes you want to convey in your application.
Darrell Rosenstein, Founder of The Rosenstein Group, emphasizes 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.”
This advice is crucial, particularly if you are applying for jobs at large organizations that utilize applicant tracking systems. Templates with multiple columns, graphics, or excessive colors can inadvertently reduce your chances of passing these initial screenings.
“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, focus on presenting your results rather than trying to impress with a flashy document.
Rosenstein adds, “I want to see hard results and achievements - 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.”
Considering working with an executive resume writer? Schedule a call with our founder here to learn how we can support you in your job search.
Key Executive Resume Design & Content Principles
When selecting an executive resume template, consider the following best practices to enhance both design and content:
Fonts
- Use a font size between 10-12 points for body text to ensure readability
- Employ a slightly larger font for section headings to create a clear hierarchy
- Opt for serif fonts over sans serif fonts to improve readability
- Consider pairing two complementary fonts: one for section headings and another for body text
Spacing
- Maintain consistent spacing between sections
- Leave margins between 0.5 – 1 inch on all sides
- Avoid two-column design to maximize space and ensure ATS compatibility
- Ensure your document has adequate “breathing room” and isn’t overly cluttered
Colors & Graphics
- Use colors very sparingly; stick to one or two subtle hues
- Refrain from including a photo (especially if you are based in the US)
- Do not include infographics or charts, as they can complicate ATS parsing
Content
- Craft accomplishment-driven bullet points that demonstrate your impact and value add
- Tailor your resume content to align with your target roles and industries
- Structure your work experience chronologically to present a clear career trajectory
- Separate your achievements (in bullet points) from your day-to-day responsibilities (in paragraph format)
- Refrain from relying on AI, as recruiters can often tell if a resume is AI-generated
Executive Resume Template Downloads for Microsoft Word
Below, we provide examples of effective executive resume templates that leverage the principles we discussed.
These templates are carefully designed to meet the expectations of hiring managers while ensuring compatibility with ATS.
We encourage you to use these as inspiration as you design your own executive resume.
If you find a template that you like, simply click on the sample image to download the template in Word format for just $9.99.
Classic Executive 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 and professional presentation.
Download our classic executive resume template for $9.99.
Minimalist Executive Resume Template
Our minimalist executive resume template is ideal for clients in conservative professions such as legal and finance.
Download our minimalist executive resume template for $9.99.
Accent Executive 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 without overwhelming the reader.
Download our accent executive resume template for $9.99.
In Summary
Investing time into selecting the right executive resume template can greatly influence your job search success.
By adhering to best practices in resume formatting and design, you can create a compelling document that effectively showcases your skills and achievements.
If you would like professional support in drafting your executive resume, consider our end-to-end resume writing services. You can learn more about our offerings at the following links:
- Resume Writing Service
- Resume & LinkedIn Writing Service
- Resume & Cover Letter Writing Service
- Resume, Cover Letter, & LinkedIn Writing Service
- Professional Bio Writing Service
Interested in learning more? Book a call with our founder.
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.