If you’re targeting senior leadership roles such as CEO, COO, VP, or Director, your resume must go beyond job descriptions — it should tell a compelling story of influence, strategy, and results. That’s where a sample executive resume template comes in handy.
An executive resume isn’t just another version of your professional history. It’s a powerful marketing document that highlights your strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership capabilities. Whether you’re transitioning to a new company, vying for a board seat, or seeking a C-suite promotion, having a sharp and polished resume can be the game-changer.
To help you craft a resume that meets today’s high expectations, here’s a fully written sample executive resume — created to inspire, not just instruct.
SAMPLE EXECUTIVE RESUME TEMPLATE
JOHN ANDERSON
Chicago, IL | john.anderson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/johnanderson
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
Visionary operations leader with 20+ years of experience optimizing performance, expanding global markets, and driving revenue growth for Fortune 500 companies. Expert in business transformation, cross-functional leadership, and scaling enterprise operations. Proven track record of leading strategic initiatives that boost EBITDA, streamline operations, and foster high-performing cultures.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Strategic Planning | Global Operations | Organizational Growth
P&L Management | Business Transformation | Supply Chain Optimization
M&A Integration | Change Management | Lean Six Sigma
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
AXONIX GLOBAL, Chicago, IL
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
2017 – Present
Spearheaded operational overhaul across 8 international locations, improving operational efficiency by 37% and reducing cost of goods sold by $18M.
Partnered with CEO to lead strategic planning initiative, resulting in 22% YoY revenue growth and successful expansion into EMEA.
Built and scaled a remote-capable team of 400+ staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing productivity by 25%.
Led post-merger integration with a $150M tech acquisition, aligning teams, systems, and SOPs within 6 months.
NEXARA SYSTEMS, Austin, TX
Vice President of Operations
2011 – 2017
Transformed underperforming divisions into top profit centers through process improvement and leadership development.
Launched company-wide Lean Six Sigma initiative, saving $9.5M annually through waste reduction and streamlined workflows.
Introduced vendor consolidation strategies that cut procurement costs by 20% over two years.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Operations Director, Dynex Logistics, Chicago, IL
Senior Operations Manager, K&L Manufacturing, Detroit, MI
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
MBA – Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
BS – Industrial Engineering, University of Michigan
Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
BOARD & AFFILIATIONS
Member – COO Forum
Board Advisor – Midwest Supply Chain Leaders Association
Expert Resume Writing Tips for Executives
Start with a powerful summary: Highlight your leadership role, core areas of impact, and major achievements in the top third of your resume.
Quantify results: Use data, KPIs, and metrics wherever possible to validate your contributions.
Tailor to the role: Align your executive resume with the strategic goals of the target company or role.
Include relevant affiliations: Demonstrate thought leadership and industry engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How is an executive resume different from a standard resume?
An executive resume emphasizes leadership, vision, and measurable business results rather than tasks or responsibilities. It should showcase C-level competencies like strategic planning, team leadership, and organizational transformation.
2. Should I include a cover letter with my executive resume?
Yes, a well-crafted executive cover letter can complement your resume by offering narrative context for your biggest wins and aligning your goals with the company's mission.
3. What’s the ideal length for an executive resume?
Most executive resumes span two pages. If you have over 20 years of experience or significant board involvement, three pages can be acceptable — as long as it’s focused and relevant.
4. Can I use a template for my executive resume?
You can use a sample executive resume template for guidance, but always tailor it with personalized content and achievements to avoid sounding generic or templated.
Conclusion
A powerful executive resume can open doors to top-tier roles and board-level conversations. Use this sample executive resume template as a guide to build your own — one that’s compelling, strategic, and uniquely yours. With a little thought and structure, you can showcase your executive value in a way that resonates with decision-makers.
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