Top Talent? Your Executive CV Might Be Underselling You
Why even top-performing leaders get ignored and how to turn your Executive CV into a headhunter-ready positioning document.
🧠 Missed last week’s post?
Read: Smart Leaders Don’t DIY Their Executive CV — Here’s Why
In that issue, I unpacked why even accomplished professionals shouldn’t write their own CV and how DIY positioning can silently cost six-figure opportunities.
This week, let’s go deeper into the hidden ways your CV might be working against your leadership potential.
Why You’re Not Getting the Attention You Deserve
You’ve led teams. Delivered results. Built a track record that speaks volumes.
But if your Executive CV doesn’t clearly express that with confidence, commercial insight, and strategic positioning, senior hiring managers and headhunters won’t see it.
Let’s change that.
What Top Talent Often Gets Wrong and How to Fix It
✅ 1. Lead with Outcomes, Not Tasks
Instead of:
“Led a team of 15 across operations.”
Say:
“Led a 15-person cross-functional team, delivering a 22% efficiency gain in 9 months.”
📌 Quantify your credibility. Metrics signal impact.
✅ 2. Speak as a Strategic Asset
Instead of:
“Responsible for site compliance.”
Say:
“Maintained 100% compliance during major regulatory shifts across three national sites.”
📌 Use leadership verbs like “enabled,” “drove,” and “delivered.”
✅ 3. Position for Your Next Role
Your CV should speak to where you’re going not just where you’ve been.
📌 Mirror the language of the roles you're targeting. If they ask for a transformation leader, your CV should echo that — clearly and confidently.
💡 The Executive CV Litmus Test
Ask yourself:
“If someone only read the top third of my CV would they see value, leadership, and impact?”
If not, your CV isn’t a positioning tool.
It’s a missed opportunity.
💬 What Senior Leaders Are Saying
“Even the most accomplished leaders struggle to distil their value into a CV. That’s not a weakness, that’s where strategy begins.”
Senior Leader, LinkedIn Comment“Strategic branding is leadership. Positioning assets are not a DIY job.”
Executive Coach, LinkedIn Comment“It used to be about responsibilities. Now it’s about outcomes and positioning. Thanks for leading the shift, Constance.”
Senior Professional, LinkedIn Comment
A CV That Gets Read Isn’t Just Well-Written, It’s Well-Positioned
Here’s the truth: You don’t need another CV template.
You need a positioning document that speaks your next employer’s language.
Because when your CV is finally read by the right eyes and it instantly communicates clarity, leadership, and value, everything changes.
🔓 What You’ll Unlock (Paid Subscribers Only)
Become a paid subscriber today and get full access to The Executive Edge Vault — a premium toolkit for senior professionals ready to get headhunted, hired, and seen.
📁 Inside the Vault:
✔ Executive CV Template + Expert Commentary
✔ LinkedIn Optimization Guide for Executives
✔ Recruiter Radar Method Checklist
✔ Leadership Brand Statement Generator
✔ STAR/CARL Interview Storytelling Workbook
✔ Career Clarity Self-Audit
✔ Bonus: Burnout Recovery Playbook
🎁 Founding Subscriber Bonus
The first 10 annual subscribers will receive a 15-minute personalized LinkedIn headline review, delivered as a voice note or short video — a quick win to boost your visibility and authority.
🤝 Ready to Reposition for Results?
If you're ready to:
• Transform your CV for senior hiring eyes
• Align your LinkedIn profile with six-figure roles
• Speak your value with clarity and confidence
…I’m now booking just 3 client spaces for June for my CV + LinkedIn Strategy Package.
Let’s begin with a focused, 20-minute consultation to discuss your goals and next steps.
📩 DM me or visit www.cvcoach.uk to secure your place.
👥 Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heartcareerservices