How to Write an Executive CV in 2026

Writing an executive CV can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. Here is my guide to writing a winning executive resume in 2026 and beyond..

By Cristina Ródenas, Senior Partner Page Executive

Capturing all your career highlights and presenting them succinctly is a time-consuming task, and it’s not as easy as updating your previous CV with a few new achievements. Applying for senior and C-level roles usually involves a major overhaul of your layout and content so it’s common to wonder if you’ve got it “right”.

Having placed over 2,000 candidates in senior management and leadership positions worldwide each year, the team at Page Executive knows what it takes to write a winning executive CV. Over the years I have held several workshops on executive CV writing at some of the world's leading business schools. In this article I am going to share top tips from our internal expertise and research as well as the current skills and experiences that recruiters value as we move into 2026.

What executive skills are companies looking for in 2026?

When writing an executive CV, it’s essential to demonstrate the evergreen skills of leadership, strategy and change management to separate you from candidates with less quality and experience. Back up your claims with evidence of both hard and soft skills for maximum impact.

As we move into 2026, the value of AI fluency and digital transformation leadership continues to rise. Executives are now expected to understand how emerging technologies such as AI, automation, data analytics and cybersecurity impact business models and organisational strategy. Leaders who can bridge the gap between senior management and technical teams are becoming indispensable.

Similarly, environmental, social and governance (ESG) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) issues remain front and centre. Organisations continue to seek executives who can champion sustainability, lead with integrity and foster inclusive cultures while delivering results.

Another demand that has increased over 2025 and 2026 is experience navigating geopolitical uncertainty, supply-chain disruption and the evolution of hybrid and distributed workforces. Executives who can build resilient structures and cross-border teams are in high demand.

Yet the supply of these combined skills remains low. Boards are actively searching for leaders with a blend of proven delivery and future-focused thinking, even going as far as sharing in-demand executives such as Chief Sustainability Officers or interim Chief AI Officers.

If you have tangible achievements in these areas or are a member of any relevant professional associations, make sure employers can clearly see this in your CV.

How to highlight skills to become a first-time executive

Nobody was born an executive. They all had to take a step up at some point in their careers. It can be intimidating to write an executive CV if you’ve never held a senior role so focusing on your leadership-ready skills is a must.

Highlight achievements that demonstrate executive responsibilities such as leading cross-functional initiatives, driving transformation projects or managing major stakeholders. This shows you are already operating at an executive level.

All executive CVs should show a deep understanding of the skills needed for the specific role you’re targeting. Rather than sending a one-size-fits-all CV, study the job description, research the organisation’s goals and show how your profile is a direct solution to the business challenges they are trying to solve in 2026.

What to include in a winning executive CV for 2026

Now we’ve got a good idea of the context, we’re going to get into the granular detail of what to include (and what to leave out!) in an executive CV in 2026. 

✔ An engaging and logical structure: 

As the skeleton of your CV, the layout should guide executive search professionals effortlessly through your career. Use clear headings and include relevant keywords that mirror the role you are applying for. ATS systems have become more sophisticated in 2026 so keywords matter more than ever.

✔ Personal details: Dos and don’ts

Personal details can be a minefield on an executive CV. Here’s what to include and what to leave out.

What you should include: 

- Your full name. Employers need to know who they’re talking to.
- An email address. The more professional, the better.
- A phone number. Only if you want to be contacted by phone.
- A link to your LinkedIn profile. Think of it as “further reading”. A CV is a snapshot; your LinkedIn goes into greater detail.

What you should leave out:

- A photo. A photo shows nothing about your ability to do a job, occupies valuable space and can awaken unconscious biases in the recruiter. 
- Your date of birth. Similar to a photo, your date of birth pinpoints your age and can influence your employer’s decision. 
- Your nationality. As long as you can legally work in the country, your nationality is irrelevant.
- Your location. Of course it is up to you should you wish to include your current location depending on your personal situation. But, if you want recruiters to consider you for positions further afield, I advise to leave it out.  

✔ Integrated personal branding

In a competitive executive landscape, what makes you stand out? Beyond your achievements, companies in 2026 increasingly evaluate leadership style, values and cultural compatibility. Identify the common themes behind your career successes such as transformation, turnaround, innovation or people leadership and weave these into your CV.

✔ Notable achievements

Include up to five key achievements that help you stand out. These might include:

• growth figures
• turnaround results
• major digital or AI-led transformations
• awards or board-level recognition
• successful sustainability or culture-change initiatives

Quantify your results wherever possible.

✔ A career overview

Before listing your professional experience, include a concise summary that captures your value as a senior leader. Focus on what makes you a strong candidate for the specific role you are targeting and keep it aligned with 2026 expectations. 

✔ An exploration of your professional experience 

Be concise but impactful. Instead of listing responsibilities, highlight the outcomes of your work. For each role, include two or three bullet points that demonstrate measurable impact or leadership accomplishments.

Include awards or formal recognition where relevant as these remain strong differentiators at the executive level.

✔ Your education and qualifications

Executive CVs typically include higher education, especially when relevant to the role such as MBAs, finance degrees or digital transformation certificates. Include any industry qualifications, professional affiliations, clearances or voluntary leadership roles. And of course, list any languages you speak.

Here's an example of what your executive CV could look like:

Final checklist for your new executive CV... 

When you’re revising your executive CV, use the following checklist to stop key information from falling through the gaps.

✔ Contact information: Ensure updated and accurate contact details.

✔ Career overview: Tailored to the role you're targeting.

✔ Professional experience: Highlight achievements, not just responsibilities.

✔ Keywords: Include industry and role-specific keywords.

✔ Skills: Showcase a balance of soft and hard skills.

✔ Education: Detail academic qualifications and relevant certifications.

✔ Professional affiliations: Include memberships in industry associations.

✔ Customisation: Tailor your CV for each specific role.

✔ Format: Ensure a clean, professional and ATS-friendly layout.

✔ Proofreading: Check for errors in grammar, spelling and consistency.

Need a second opinion?

If you need help, or if you simply want a second opinion, trusted family and friends can offer a fresh pair of eyes. For expert insight, reach out to one of your local Page Executive consultants who can help you fine-tune your executive CV for your specific market and function.