By Rosa Elizabeth Vargas
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the executive job market is different now. What worked five years ago, or even two, might be working against you today. If you’re gunning for a board seat or for that next big leap into the C-suite, or tired of getting ghosted despite a stacked resume—it’s time to rework your strategy.
I’ve been in the resume writing game for over 20 years, and I’ve helped global leaders land their dream roles through branding that hits, resonates, and converts. So here’s what actually works in 2025 and beyond. Not fluff. Not trends. Just straight-up strategy.
1. Make It About the Business Impact
Not just what you did but what changed because you did it. Are you listing responsibilities or showcasing your influence? Resumes that get results don’t say, “Led operations.” They say, “Transformed a stagnant division into a $120M growth engine in 18 months.” See the difference?
2. Banish the Boring Phrases
Please. If your summary includes “results-oriented leader” or “motivated professional,” we need to talk. You’re an executive—own your space. Say something real, bold, and personal. Skip the fluff. Bring the fire.
3. Balance ATS With Real-World Readability
Yes, you need keywords. Yes, your resume should get past those dreadful robots. But if it reads like it was written for a bot, you’re done. Write for the decision-maker first. Then finesse for the machine.
4. Lead With the Good Stuff
The top third of your resume? Prime real estate. That’s where your brand goes. Not your objective, not your mailing address. Your power. Think title, short summary, and 3-5 bullets that scream, “I get results.”
5. Keep the Design Modern, But Don’t Get Cute
Clean is queen. Use formatting that flows, make your numbers pop, and don’t overload it with color blocks or charts. Looks good on Canva? Great. Looks awful in an ATS? Bye.
6. Speak Like a Leader (Not a Middle Manager)
You influence outcomes, shape culture, drive transformation. Use that language. Swap out “helped” or “supported” for “led,” “championed,” or “architected.” Sound like someone who already belongs in the room.
7. Mention Digital Fluency—Yes, Even If You’re Not in Tech
You don’t have to code in Python. But if you’re not talking about tech enablement, AI integration, or data-driven strategy, you’re behind. Show you’re not afraid of the digital landscape you lead in it.
8. Flex Your Influence Muscle
Executives operate across functions, geographies, and boardrooms. Don’t just list who reported to you. Talk about who you influenced. Stakeholders. Investors. Clients. Regulators. That’s leadership.
9. Customize Without Reinventing the Wheel
No, you don’t need a different resume for every job. But for big targets? Shift the order. Emphasize the right wins. Swap out 2-3 bullets. Make it feel tailored without making yourself crazy.
10. Strategy First. Writing Second.
This is where most people get it wrong. They start typing before they know what they’re selling. That’s like building a house with no blueprint. Think first: Who are you? What do you want next? Why should they care? Then write.
Rosa Elizabeth Vargas
Careersteering.com
Executiveresumewritingservice.com
Rosa Elizabeth Vargas 