Your CV doesn't speak for you (yet!)

One of the biggest mistakes senior profiles make is thinking that their experience speaks for itself. That a list of companies and positions is enough to convince. But the reality is different: most CVs do not convey even 30% of the real value of the person who signs them.

And not because they lack experience. But because there is too much information, a lack of strategy and the tone is flat. The result: lengthy CVs that do not stand out, generic achievements that do not make an impact, and structures that do not reflect leadership.

As a coach specialising in executive communication and professional branding, I have seen it dozens of times: brilliant profiles with CVs that sound technical, outdated or, worse still, irrelevant.

Why high-level CVs fail

Too much information and too little direction. You don't need to recount your entire career, just what is strategic for your next step. A CV is not a file, it is a positioning tool.

Neutral, depersonalised tone. Verbs such as ‘responsible for’, ‘in charge of’, ‘participated in’ do not convey impact. The language should reflect leadership, results and initiative.

Vague or generic achievements. ‘Improved the process’, ‘led a team’, ‘participated in key projects’... How? How much? What was the result for the company?

How to write a CV that speaks for you

Start with a clear value proposition. A 4-5 line executive summary that says who you are, what impact you make and what kind of projects you are looking for. This is key to capturing attention in seconds.

Write measurable and transformational achievements. Each point should show action + impact. For example: ‘I redesigned the commercial strategy, increasing conversion by 18% in 6 months.’

Align the content with your professional goal. Your CV should look like it was written for the position or type of role you aspire to. Eliminate the irrelevant. Highlight the strategic aspects.

Include sections that set you apart. Testimonials, international projects, language skills and context, awards, publications, etc. Anything that builds authority.

Format and style of a ‘premium’ CV

Clean, clear and professional layout. One page if possible, two if you have international experience. Simple typography, clear hierarchies, no garish colours.

Executive language. Powerful verbs, direct style, no unnecessary technicalities. Convey decisiveness and leadership.

Adaptable to international environments. If you are in global transition, include an English version with the appropriate terms and conventions for that market.

Conclusion

Your CV should not be a chronology. It should be a tangible value proposition, a positioning tool and a demonstration of impact. If you want to access high-level positions, you need a CV that speaks about you as you would in an executive interview.

And if you don't know where to start, I can help you build that premium CV that speaks your language, your experience and your real value.

Invest now on your CV with this downloadable executive CV template + a 1:1 with me.