Pick a clean, professional template that shows leadership and results. Use a reverse-chronological layout so recent executive roles sit front and center. That layout reads well and parses reliably for applicant tracking systems.
Keep length tight. One page works for early or mid-career executives. Two pages work if you led multiple divisions, drove major M&A deals, or managed large P&L responsibilities.
Choose an ATS-friendly font like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for headings so recruiters scan easily. Keep consistent margins and 1.0–1.15 line spacing to avoid clutter.
Use clear section headings: Contact, Executive Summary, Professional Experience, Board & Committees, Education, and Select Metrics or Highlights. Put measurable outcomes under each role, like revenue growth, cost savings, or headcount changes.
Avoid complex columns, heavy graphics, and text boxes that break parsing. Limit color to a single accent for headings. Stick to simple bullets and bolding for emphasis so both people and systems parse your history.
Watch common mistakes: excessive job descriptions without metrics, inconsistent date formats, and tiny margins that jam the page. Don’t use nonstandard fonts or obscure icons that ATS can’t read.