Global Executive CV
A hybrid CV, also known as a combination CV, is a CV format that combines the best of both chronological and functional CVs. It is typically used by individuals who want to highlight certain skills, experiences, or qualifications that may not be evident in a traditional chronological CV. The hybrid CV can be a particularly effective tool for showcasing profound competences and unique abilities.
If you are planning a career change, your CV is the most important marketing document you have to show that you are an internationally minded executive who can produce results across a variety of markets and cultures. A Global Executive CV should attract international recruiters and executive search consultants looking for candidates with proven ability to adapt to new and challenging environments.
Competition for global executive roles is more intense. One aspect of your value proposition being better or worse than your competitor could see you either land a good opportunity, or watch the other person land the role instead.
To help you make the most of your CV, we have developed ‘The Global Executive CV Template for Success’. We have found it very successful across the regions because it is very “recruiter- friendly” and allows the reader to identify your skills within seconds. You can upload it to job boards dedicated to senior executives and register with global executive search consultancies specialising in your target industry.
Here is a brief overview of what your CV should include.
Contact Information
Include:
- Name, address, phone number
- Present job title in a big clear font
- Links to your LinkedIn profile and personal website
- Europe and North America do not require a photo. Other regions such as MENA might.
Profile
Your profile should be a fusion of your achievements, your position, your soft skills, and your experience. In amongst all that your personality should be evident. It needs to catch the eye and the reader should then glance down to your achievements and keep reading.
Include:
- Dynamic, engaging copy highlighting your skills/achievements in relation to your target job
- Relevant overseas experience
- Soft skills
- Languages you speak
- Target locations, especially if you are looking for an expat position
Take a look at this example:
Innovative and entrepreneurial Managing Director with over twenty years of experience in leading sales, marketing and customer service functions for large-scale business operations of prestigious enterprises operating in challenging markets. Proficient in developing key business strategies, identifying opportunities for client acquisition and market expansion, and building a productive professional network to achieve corporate objectives. Expertise in defining KPIs, designing effective business models with particular focus on improving bottom-lines and developing impressive marketing portfolios. Skilled at perceptively monitoring business performance to swiftly understand and correct deficiencies; disciplined leader capable of building inter-departmental coordination and increasing staff productivity. Canadian- Lebanese, Arabic and English speaking, looking for a senior level role with an organization of global renown or a start-up venture wishing to expand in the Middle East. Willing to relocate and travel.
Core Competencies
List core competencies which are relevant for the type of job and industry sector you are targeting. This can help your CV to rank high with an automated applicant tracker system.
- What you’re good at/experienced at
- Keywords are typically nouns that reflect skills and experience sought by a potential employer, headhunter or recruiter
- These are search terms headhunters and recruiters will use to find you.
Look at this example:
Core Competences (Marketing Director)
Strategic Operations Management ▪ Marketing/ Communications Campaign Development ▪ Public Relations ▪ Strategic Planning, Coordination and Implementation ▪ Transformation Project Management ▪ Contract Negotiation ▪ Training and Coaching Teams ▪ Budget Management ▪ Media Planning and Buying ▪ Brand Management ▪ Event Management ▪ Digital Planning ▪ Target-oriented ▪ Negotiation and Communication Skills ▪ Account Management ▪ Client Relationship Management
Key Skills/Achievements
To obtain an international assignment, you must bring some unique value to the table, like a deep set of skills and expertise or market specific knowledge. The best way to show your worth is to focus on your achievements.
Remember, numbers speak louder than words on CVs so showcase how you saved money, increased income, or elevated productivity. All achievements should always remain quantified with measurable employer benefits.
Include:
- Your career achievements to date. Try to focus on ones relevant to the position you’re applying for.
- Use figures to show what you have accomplished.
Check this example:
Business Transformation: Innovative and analytical transformation specialist, with a proven ability to understand individual business requirements and their supply base to enable ongoing growth and change. Deep-rooted history of bringing business change expertise to a number of high profile projects in areas including marketing, sales and public relations, delivered to global corporations in diverse industry sectors. As General Manager of Publicis (Qatar) took over an underperforming office with $3 million loss and successfully turned it around by re-structuring costs and operations, acquiring new clients, training the team. Broke even in the first year and generated an annual profit of $10 m.
Career History
When you talk about your career history make sure that you provide information about the company for which you have worked. That will allow a recruitment consultant to understand the nature of your experience. Also, include information about the type of role, the size of the team you managed, and an outline of your duties.
Always:
- List current/most recent jobs first.
- Provide information about the company that you worked for and the role.
- Describe briefly your responsibilities.
- Give details of your achievements that have not been mentioned in Key Skills/ Achievements section.
- List other relevant information. Headhunters and recruiters look for specifics. Example, start-up or corporate experience.
Personal Information
Marital status and number of children are not required for Europe and North America, for example. For other regions such as the MENA it is a requirement.
Points to remember
Finally, proofread your CV to ensure that it is free of errors and is professionally presented. Remember, your CV is a reflection of your personal brand so it’s important to make sure it accurately represents your capabilities and achievements. Combining these strategies ensures your hybrid CV is a compelling blend of your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.
There is no CV that would match all types of vacancies. At different times in your career you will need to use different CVs. It is important to research job application practices used in your target country. Be prepared to edit, re-edit and revise your CV according to the vacancy for which you apply.
This Makes Sense – what do I do now?
Have your CV professionally written by our experts and open the door to opportunities. Our CV writers are universally skilled, and have plenty of executive experience. If you are a senior executive considering making a career move, check our Personal Branding Kit for Senior Executives designed to help you progress in your career.
Lave you got any further questions? let’s have a conversation. Click here and pick a time that is most convenient for you. I am looking forward to our call.
