Compare courses from top Australian unis, TAFEs and other training organisations.
Not all jobs are created equal. Executive positions are competitive and your resume needs to be of the highest calibre – because you can guarantee that that of your competitors will be.
Jun 15,2025
Securing an executive role in today’s competitive landscape requires more than just a list of past positions. Your resume must strategically showcase your leadership capabilities, quantifiable achievements, and alignment with modern business priorities such as digital transformation, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts. This guide provides actionable insights to help you craft a compelling executive resume tailored for the Australian market in 2025.
An effective executive resume should be clear, focused, and tailored to the specific role. Employers value resumes that are:
Concise: Aim for 2–3 pages, focusing on the last 10–15 years of experience.
Professional: Use a clean layout with standard fonts like Calibri or Arial, sized between 10–12 points.
ATS-Friendly: Avoid graphics, tables, or unusual formatting that might confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
For more on crafting an ATS-compatible resume, refer to our Australian Resume Writing Guide.
Begin with a compelling executive summary that encapsulates your career trajectory, core competencies, and key achievements. This section should answer the question: “Why are you the ideal candidate for this executive role?”
Example:
Seasoned Chief Operating Officer with over 15 years of experience driving operational excellence and strategic growth in the manufacturing sector. Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, optimizing supply chains, and implementing innovative technologies to enhance productivity and profitability.
List your professional experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on accomplishments rather than responsibilities. Use bullet points to detail specific achievements, incorporating quantifiable metrics where possible.
Example:
Chief Operating Officer
XYZ Manufacturing Ltd., Sydney, NSW | Jan 2018 – Present
Spearheaded a company-wide digital transformation, resulting in a 25% increase in production efficiency.
Implemented lean manufacturing principles, reducing operational costs by $2 million annually.
Led a cross-functional team of 200+ employees, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
For roles older than 10–15 years, consider summarizing the experience unless the positions are highly relevant
Include a section that highlights your core skills, ensuring alignment with the job description. Focus on both hard and soft skills pertinent to executive roles.
Examples:
Strategic Planning & Execution
Financial Management & Budgeting
Digital Transformation Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Change Management
ESG & Sustainability Initiatives
DE&I Advocacy
Incorporating keywords from the job posting can enhance ATS compatibility.
List your academic qualifications, professional certifications, and any ongoing education relevant to the executive role.
Example:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
University of Melbourne, VIC | 2010
Certifications:
Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)
Demonstrate your industry involvement and leadership beyond your primary employment.
Examples:
Board Member, Australian Manufacturing Council
Member, Institute of Managers and Leaders Australia & New Zealand
Research the prospective employer’s mission, values, and recent initiatives. Tailor your resume to reflect alignment with their strategic objectives, particularly in areas like sustainability, innovation, and corporate social responsibility
Proofread: Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos.
Consistency: Maintain uniform formatting throughout the document.
Clarity: Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon.
Customization: Adapt your resume for each application, emphasizing the most relevant experiences and skills.
Remember, your resume is a strategic tool to showcase your leadership journey and the value you bring to potential employers.
Elizabeth Fenech provides readers with career guidance, job market insights, and professional advice at Career FAQs.