As executive search consultants, we at CBIZ Talent Solutions (f/k/a EFL Associates) review thousands of resumes each year. We’ve seen firsthand how the job market is shifting and what today’s hiring leaders expect. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or aspiring to make your next career leap, ensuring your resume reflects the trends of 2025 is crucial.
The Top Five Resume Resolutions to Help You Stand Out
1. Tailor Your Resume Like a Pro
What’s In: Customized resumes for every role.
What’s Out: Generic resumes that don’t speak to the role.
“Gone are the days of submitting the same generic resume for multiple opportunities. Executives must demonstrate a strategic focus by tailoring key sections of their resumes to align with each job description. Crafting a compelling executive summary and highlighting relevant skills and concise experiences in impactful bullet points not only showcases your dedication but also ensures that your key accomplishments will resonate with hiring decision-makers”, says Michelle Peterson, Director of Career Transition Services & Career Coaching at CBIZ Talent Solutions.
2. Quantify Your Leadership Impact
What’s In: Measurable achievements.
What’s Out: Vague descriptions of leadership duties.
“Top-level recruiters are not just looking for leaders; they’re looking for results-driven leaders. Wherever possible, showcase how your leadership translated into tangible results — whether it’s revenue growth, operational efficiency, or team performance,” says Leslie Shaw, Executive Vice President & Senior Search Consultant at CBIZ Talent Solutions. “Having a strong resume is crucial because it serves as the first opportunity to showcase not only your qualifications but also your proven ability to drive success in measurable, impactful ways. Ultimately, our role is to ensure that every candidate we present embodies these qualities, making a compelling case for their leadership and results-driven expertise.”
3. Capture the Reader’s Eye with Strategic Content Design
What’s In: Engaging, scannable content.
What’s Out: Dense blocks of text and uninspiring layouts.
First impressions matter, and your resume needs to make an immediate impact. Recruiters spend just seconds scanning resumes, so design matters as much as content. Organize your resume with bold section headers, crisp bullet points, and ample whitespace to create a clean, reader-friendly layout, avoiding dense blocks of text and a sea of ink. Integrate keywords strategically to ensure relevance while maintaining readability. Additionally, highlight key achievements at the top of each section to draw attention to your strongest contributions.
4. Go Digital and ATS-Friendly
What’s In: Clean, ATS-optimized formats.
What’s Out: Overly creative designs that confuse applicant tracking systems.
Executive resumes must strike a balance between professional polish and ATS compatibility. Many recruiters rely on ATS to screen candidates, so your resume should be both visually appealing and scannable. Use standard fonts, clear section headers, and concise bullet points.
5. Streamline Your Experience
What’s In: Concise, relevant experience.
What’s Out: Lengthy resumes with irrelevant details.
Executives often have decades of experience, but recruiters want to see the highlights from the past 10-15 years. Focus on roles that align most closely with the position you’re pursuing. Summarize or omit older experience unless it directly supports your candidacy. It’s okay to add a relevant and concise “Additional Experience” section.
How CBIZ Talent & Career Transitions Solutions Can Help
Crafting a standout executive resume can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing your current responsibilities. At CBIZ Talent Solutions, we bring decades of experience connecting top talent with leading organizations. Our personalized coaching services ensure your professional portfolio not only reflects your accomplishments but also aligns with the trends driving hiring decisions in 2025.
When you partner with us, you gain:
- Tailored advice to showcase your leadership impact.
- Expert insights into industry-specific expectations.
- Strategies to craft engaging, eye-catching content that grabs the attention of recruiters and decision-makers.
- Your resume is more than a document — it’s your introduction to the next phase of your career. Let us help you make it extraordinary.
Final Thought
The job market for executives is competitive, but with the right resume strategy, you can set yourself apart. CBIZ Talent Solutions can connect you with skilled content creators who specialize in crafting impactful resumes. Additionally, our Career Transition Services are designed to support our clients by providing tailored assistance to ensure a smooth and effective transition process for their employees. This dual approach allows us to deliver value both to individuals and the organizations we partner with.
Make these resolutions for 2025 and consider CBIZ Talent Solutions as your trusted partner to ensure your resume reflects the leader you truly are. Together, we’ll make your next career move a success. Contact us today to learn more.
By CBIZ Talent & Career Transition Solutions Specialists, Leslie Shaw & Michelle Peterson
© Copyright CBIZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Use of the material contained herein without the express written consent of the firms is prohibited by law. This publication is distributed with the understanding that CBIZ is not rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice. The reader is advised to contact a tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information. CBIZ assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with the use of this information and assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein. Material contained in this publication is informational and promotional in nature and not intended to be specific financial, tax or consulting advice. Readers are advised to seek professional consultation regarding circumstances affecting their organization.
“CBIZ” is the brand name under which CBIZ CPAs P.C. and CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including CBIZ Advisors, LLC, provide professional services. CBIZ CPAs P.C. and CBIZ, Inc. (and its subsidiaries) practice as an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. CBIZ CPAs P.C. is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiary entities provide tax, advisory, and consulting services to their clients. CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms and, therefore, cannot provide attest services.