Here are 12 free executive resume template downloads found online in 2024. We'll also explore premium executive CV templates that'll help you get an interview request.
Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jan 12, 2024 • 17 min readAre you looking for that perfect executive resume template? Want to create a CV that best represents you to get an interview?
We'll explore some unique executive resume options. They all work well for those looking to refresh their CV.
Use a free or premium executive resume template. This way you spend less time designing and more time in content.
Download the best template that fits your needs and work off that. Work smart and get the best results at a fraction of the time!
Before we explore the free options, let's look at 2024's collection of the best premium executive resume templates from top resumes for executives. Then we'll check out 12 free online templates available for anyone to use.
There are loads of premium executive resume templates on Envato Elements. Here are five top executive resume examples to get you started:
Add your text and icons to your sample executive resume format. This minimalistic design is creative yet professional. No one said an executive resume has to look boring!
A few words that come to mind when looking at this sample executive resume template: elegant, professional, modern, and dignified. If these words describe you, this is the executive resume template for you! It comes with a cover letter too.
Here's a modern and creative executive resume for those who like a clean design. The clever play with font size and type is a big part of the design element. It also comes with four color schemes.
The Pro Resume template comes with the following:
This is great for anyone who wants to establish a personal brand. You can edit this example executive resume template in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Microsoft Word. Also, it comes with icons to make your resume more visually attractive.
This modern executive resume template with a simple design can work for any field you’re applying to. The Corporate Lawyer Executive CV Examples features a large skills section which makes this executive resume Word template great for anyone who wants to showcase their skills. This sample executive resume template comes with a matching cover letter.
These free offerings are refreshed every month. So, check out next month's free files if a file you're looking for isn't in this month's selection. You may be in luck!
Here's the offer:
Now, let's check out some free executive resume examples. These are all available to download now:
This template is clean and straightforward. The resume page is split into two sections to help break down the information.
This SEO Manager sample executive resume template is simple. There are no design elements to help grab your reader's attention. Include a picture of yourself to stand out.
Bright and bold green is used in this template. It may not be the best color option for all industries.
Edit these executive CV examples in MS Word. It doesn't come with a cover letter and reference page.
This template has a simple layout. Lines separate the page into sections.
This is an executive resume Word template in black and white. Showcase your skills, work experience, education, and more.
This modern executive resume template was built with creative executives in mind, but anyone can use it for any industry.
This creative template comes with light and dark background color options. Green is used for highlights and works well for both color options.
This is a good executive CV template, but chances are it's widely used because it's by Microsoft Office. This may not be the executive resume template for you if you're looking for something unique.
This template comes with cloud-like design elements. This isn't very common. It comes in soft and bold color combinations.
Section dividers and discrete titles give this executive CV template an executive look. Managers and directors were in mind when it was created.
Thin page borders and section dividers with bold titles provide this template with an executive feel. Technical project managers and directors may find this template helpful.
After you’ve downloaded executive resume templates, you’ll want to customize it.
I'm using macOS and Microsoft Word Version 16.60. If you've got a different operating system or software version, your steps may be slightly different.
Let's use this premium sample executive resume format template from Envato Elements. Here's what the template looks like with no edits made:
Let's get started:
If this executive CV template doesn’t have enough color, you can add a pop of color by changing the background color.
First, click on the Design tab above the toolbar to change the background color. Next, click on the Page Color button in the toolbar. A color menu drops down, choose a color from the menu.
If you changed your Microsoft Word executive template's background, you might also need to change the color of your font. You can also change the color of the font to make important text stand out.
To change the font color, highlight the text that you want to change. Next, click on the Home tab. Then, click on the Font Color button. From the color menu that drops down, click on the color you want to use.
You want your heading to stand out on your executive resume template in Word. The easiest way to do that is to change the font style of your heading.
Start by selecting the text. Next, click on the Home tab. There's a Font menu in the toolbar, click on the arrow in the Font menu field. When you click on the arrow, you’ll see a list of fonts. Choose a font that works best.
For a creative position, you can choose a more unique or creative font. For a more traditional job, use a more classic font like Times New Roman or Calibri.
Icons can add visual interest to your downloadable modern executive resume template for Word. It’s best to use icons sparingly because too many icons look unprofessional.
Many templates have icons in the contacts section of your resume. You can add them to your resume template if your template doesn't have them.
To add an icon, click on the Insert tab above the toolbar. Next, in the toolbar, click on the Icons button. This brings up a side panel for you to type a keyword to find the icon you want. Once you've selected the icon, adjust it as needed.
Many places want you to upload your resume, or they want you to email your executive resume template in Word. The easiest way to do that is to save your resume as a PDF.
To save your executive resume template in Word as a PDF, click on File on your computer’s toolbar at the top of the screen. When you click on File, a menu drops down. Choose the Save As… option from that menu.
When you click on Save as a window appears. Click the arrow next to the File Format field. This causes a menu to drop down. Choose the PDF option.
Here are five quick tips to help you create the best executive resume for your job application:
You don't have to include a photo in all job applications. But if you feel it's required, be bold and use an image that goes beyond your shoulders. Be yourself, smile, and only use photos that best represent you. If you're unsure, it's best not to use any.
Draw in your readers with a more visual resume. Turn texts into infographics to achieve this. Use high-resolution graphics to maintain a clean and crisp look.
A great way to draw your reader to critical information is by using contrasting colors as highlights. This approach, when done well, becomes an integral part of the overall design of your pages. For a minimalistic approach, only use a single color for highlights.
Do you have a strong online presence? Create a QR code that helps lead your reader to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio. It increases the chances of someone checking out these online pages.
It's always best to tailor your resume for each job application according to the job listing. Use exact keywords and place them in the correct parts of your resume.
Read more about it here:
If you want a stylish resume, it can help you if you know current trends. So, here are some top executive CV template trends to use:
The job market has continued to shift towards skill-based hiring. You've got a higher chance of success when you successfully highlight your skills and manage to showcase how well you can do things.
There are two different types of skills that you can include:
Most employers do online research before hiring. Make their job easier by including links on your modern executive resume template.
Link to any online portfolio you may have. Link to your website if you've got one. And also link to your LinkedIn.
If you're working in a field that deals with social media, then it can be beneficial to link to your social media too. Before adding these links, make sure that they match your resume. If there are differences, the hiring manager may think you're lying.
Most companies expect resumes to be one page. The only exception is if you’re in a creative field, then your second page would be your portfolio.
When considering what information to add to your resume, only add important and relevant information so that you can fit everything on one page. Hiring managers have a lot of resumes they sift through and a limited amount of time. So, if your resume is more than one page, it could cause them to skip it because they don’t have time to read long executive resume templates.
Consider several things when choosing a modern executive resume template. Think about the color, layout, and font:
Keywords are typically industry-specific skills. The experience is what the employer is looking for. It’s beneficial to have these keywords in your executive CV template.
The more you match the company’s skills, the higher your chance of getting hired. Every section should have keywords incorporated into it.
Be careful not to lie or stretch the truth because it makes you look bad when found.Are you looking to explore more best resume options?
Check out these popular collections below and take your pick.
Still unsure if a professional modern executive resume template is the right decision?
Here are five benefits of using a professional executive CV template:
Here are some common resume questions and answers:
Keywords and phrases can make your resume stand out or hurt it. There are several different types of keywords that you can use.
Here’s a helpful article on resume keywords:
When emailing your resume, make sure that your email address is professional. For example, the email address lazycutie@email.com could leave your potential employer with the wrong impression.
For more tips, read this article:
You can use a smaller font, but make sure that the font is still easily readable. Bullet points are another easy way to cut down on some unneeded information.
Here’s an article on how to reduce your resume to one page:
First, organize your skills into hard skills and soft skills. Both should be on your resume. Include skills relevant to the job you’re applying to.
This article goes into more depth:
You’ve already taken the first step toward making your resume stand out by using a modern executive resume template. Another way to make your resume stand out is to have a strong resume opening.
Here are two helpful articles:
Has it been a while since you last updated your resume? It's time for a fresh new resume design template that'll help you stand out from the crowd.
While you're at it, pin this Ultimate Guide to Building a Resume to your browser. It serves as a quick point of reference to help you create a resume that best represents you.
Here are three sample how-to tutorials from this guide:
It's time to stand out and reach your goals with the help of Envato Elements' premium best executive resume templates. Envato Elements' premium digital assets help you effortlessly work on any creative projects. Lack of time or skills is no longer a barrier.
As an active Envato Elements subscriber, you'll unlock access to millions of creative assets—all for a low monthly fee.
Get access to files like:
It may be tempting to use a free executive resume format template found online, but it's risky. Premium templates come with professional design, well-layered templates, and support (if required). Free executive resume samples online fall short.
Plus, now Envato Elements has introduced an AI-powered search feature! This new tool allows you to input a description of your project to effortlessly locate the finest human-crafted resources.
Start experimenting with this enhanced search tool! Discover the ideal templates for your resume in 2024.
There are loads of free executive resume samples found online. But you may not want to risk using them for an important job application. You'd probably only want to use the best template to represent yourself.
Use premium modern executive resume templates from Envato Elements. Get access to millions of premium creative files when you become an active monthly subscriber to Envato Elements. A low monthly fee effortlessly takes your resume and other creative projects to new heights. It's time to work smart!
Get the best executive resumes from Envato Elements today! Subscribe to download one now!
Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Sarah Joy and Lex Soto. Sarah is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+. Lex is a staff writer for Envato Tuts+.