The Executive Resume Blueprint: Formatting Dos and Don'ts (Template Included)

Almost every single week I have a conversation with an executive who says “Zac, can you take a peek at my resume?” or “Please share any feedback or tips about improving my resume.” Many times I am scrambling to provide feedback before my next call or trying to get back with them a day or two later and hopefully find something that can help them. So I am writing this article to help you now and all the future people in my network who can benefit from a recruiter perspective on resumes… I may not be a resume expert but I see a lot of them and can offer up plenty of formatting tips and give a tangible example of what a great one looks like.

Disclaimer - There are MANY, very competent resume companies and resume writers out there that can provide massive value to you if you need a full makeover of your resume. If you are interested let me know... we can recommend some.

But because my team and I get this request so often, I wanted to provide a fun example of what the general format of an executive resume for Kansas Cities' beloved Patrick Mahomes might look like and walk through screenshots of what different components you should consider adding, as well as formatting guidelines and tips.

Often, the difference between a great resume and one that confuses and doesn't help the reader is not purely the content, but how it's formatted and presented. There is a lot of nuance and creativity in this space and I am going to show just one example. So don't take everything here as gospel. Take it as a general guide and starting point. If your resume looks completely different that's 100% fine!

A resume is more than a mere summary of one’s career, it is a document showcasing your leadership experience and the unique blend of skills that you bring to the table. Just as a well-navigated path can lead to coveted seats on corporate boards (Check out my last article - shameless plug), mastering the art of resume crafting is a great first step in landing your next executive role.

We'll delve into the essential components of his resume which in this case includes:

1. Header
2. Executive Summary
3. Professional Experience
4. Education
5. Other Sections of Your Resume

Header

The header is a critical piece. It may seem extremely simple but you want to make sure of all things - your name stands out. Make it big (not too big) and bold. Include your middle name or don't. You want your name to be the biggest font on the page. For context in the example resume all of the red headers are 16-point font. But Patrick's name is 18pt.

When it comes to address and contact details, I think you only need your city and state in your resume (my opinion). You may be sharing your resume with a lot of people. You probably don't want them all checking out your house on Google Earth or Zillow. When you add a resume to Indeed or LinkedIn you don't ever fully know where it's going. ATS Systems if you apply to the role most often will ask you for your full address and at least with that you know there is some level of confidentiality with their HR team.

But regarding details that are critical to include - cell phone number and email are huge. If you are sending out a resume without those details then how are people going to contact you? I also recommend adding your LinkedIn profile.

For the location, phone number, email, and LinkedIn those can be in an 11pt font or whatever is uniform to the body of the main text of your resume.

The line - You can see the line that separates the main header with personal info from the "executive summary section" creates a clean break.

To do this, simply highlight the section of text you want the line to appear under, go to the underline box (yellow arrow pointing to it above), and select for the borderline to be at the bottom. It will appear straight across the page to make for a clean break in the content.

Executive Summary

The executive summary section of a resume is where you get to shine a spotlight on your career and the unique value you offer to an organization. It's more than just a formal introduction; it's your chance to boast about your achievements and the significant contributions you've made. Imagine it as your highlight reel positioned at the very top of your document, designed to grab the attention of hiring managers and executive search committees right off the bat.

For instance, consider framing your summary with standout accomplishments and characteristics like being a "player-coach," a "Hall of Fame quarterback," or a "3x Super Bowl champion and 2x NFL MVP." Even if some accolades, like a Hall of Fame induction, are anticipatory (Mahomes is a shoo-in), they underscore the level of excellence and potential you bring. This section isn't just a rundown of your career; it's a narrative that showcases your leadership qualities, strategic vision, and the tangible results you've achieved.

In crafting this section, blend your measurable successes with insights into your leadership ethos and strategic foresight. Make it a powerful, concise, and compelling pitch that not only reflects your career highlights but also your potential to make a significant impact in the targeted role or industry. Remember, the executive summary is your opportunity to brag about your career accomplishments confidently and demonstrate the exceptional value you bring to the table.

Professional Experience

Using Patrick Mahomes’ example above to guide you can see the formatting for the resume is very clean-cut in the experience section. You can see the same “line break" visual element was used to separate his time at different organizations. This is especially helpful since he was promoted from one role to another in his time with the Chiefs. Often, I see candidates with this kind of progression in their careers that make this section extremely jumbled and use either too little or too much formatting.

Now, the trick is to avoid turning your resume into a confusing jumble. It's easy to fall into the trap where your work history gets all tangled up, making it hard for someone to figure out what you did, when you did it, and how it sets you apart.

You will also notice below each organization's name there is a distinct section in italics that is a company overview/summary. This is immensely helpful to the viewer and gives even more context to what you’ve done and what kind of companies you’ve done it for, especially for those not in the know about your past workplaces. It gives a quick peek into the company's scope, industry, what they do, and their backstory, all set apart in italics to mix up the look of your resume and make it more distinct.

Each role Patrick has held is bolded, shining a spotlight on the key positions he’s tackled, complete with the dates he was in those roles. This layout choice is great because it’s super easy to follow his professional journey.

Adding numbers and scope to achievements is also something critical. If I were to coach up Patrick a little bit here I would encourage him to add in his stats from the past 6 years as an NFL Starting quarterback. For you, it may be adding in the team sizes you led, budget amount managed, or cost reductions. You also want to make sure you are talking about the results of what you achieved, along with what you did in the role.

Education

The education section is there to highlight your academic accomplishments and the foundational knowledge that has propelled you forward in your career. Consider the importance of highlighting prestigious degrees or outstanding GPAs, especially if they come from highly regarded institutions. 

Early Career Tip - "Earlier in your career, include things like moot court and law review. As you gain real-world experience, those things are less important as your post-degree experience weighs more heavily in an employer’s mind and you can make the education section more succinct." - Deni Hix

For those who have pursued further specialization, advanced degrees and professional certifications speak volumes. They underscore your dedication to mastering your field, whether it's an MBA, Ph.D., JD, LLM, or industry-specific accreditations. These accolades are critical components of your resume, providing a clear indicator of your expertise and commitment to continuous learning.

Although your educational accomplishments are undoubtedly important, they should complement, not overshadow, the professional experiences and leadership roles that define your executive profile. The balance between showcasing your academic background and highlighting your professional achievements is delicate but essential in crafting a compelling resume.

Other Sections of Your Resume

You could also include sections like Certifications, Affiliations, Awards, Board Positions, Volunteerism, and other Professional Activities that can significantly enhance your profile. 

Take, for example, Patrick Mahomes. Incorporating his MVP awards, and Super Bowl championships does more than just list his achievements; it paints a vivid picture of a championship-caliber quarterback whose professional journey is marked by exceptional performance and leadership. Such accolades, while specific to the realm of sports, mirror the kind of distinction and excellence that can set an executive resume apart in any field.

Resumes are, at their core, personal stories of professional journeys, meant to illuminate your unique path through the challenges and triumphs of your career. Including sections that reflect significant achievements, such as board positions you've held, major volunteer initiatives you've been part of, or even ownership stakes in successful ventures which add layers to your story, making it more compelling and comprehensive.

You can get very creative with this section. Board positions & volunteerism can be completely separate but it may make sense to combine if your board roles are on non-profits and fit within the volunteerism bucket.

For those who might worry about not having a vast array of such experiences, it's important to remember that these sections are adaptable. They can be tailored or omitted based on what genuinely enhances your resume and story. If your history includes founding a company, achieving a successful exit, or holding a minority stake in a well-known business like the Kansas City Royals, these details offer a glimpse into your capacity for leadership, vision, and success.

However, the key to effectively incorporating these elements into your resume lies in strategic selection and presentation. It's essential to align these sections with the expectations and values of your target audience. Consider what aspects of your professional and extracurricular activities will resonate most with potential employers or partners in your intended industry. The goal is to present a profile that not only showcases your achievements and contributions but also aligns with the specific criteria and aspirations of those you're looking to impress.

Hopefully, this guide has been helpful, please feel free send send me a message or reach out to me at zac@findthelions.com if you have any feedback or thoughts.

If you want full access to the Word version of the template I have been walking through during this article then click below for access!