Webinar Summary: From experience to influence – Elevating your executive résumé

Webinar was held on Zoom – Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Presenters: John Baker, Executive Coach & Angela Franks, Managing Director, Frazer Jones Australia

In today’s competitive executive job market, standing out starts with a résumé that truly reflects your unique value. This insightful webinar, hosted by Angela Franks and executive coach John Baker, tackled the challenges and opportunities of crafting an executive résumé that opens doors and influences decision-makers. With decades of experience in executive search, coaching, and HR recruitment, John and Angela shared practical strategies, market insights, and candid advice to help senior professionals elevate their personal brand on paper.

Key takeaways

Résumé vs. CV:
The distinction matters—especially across markets. In Australia, the terms are often used interchangeably, but globally, a résumé is a concise marketing document (ideally two pages), while a CV is a comprehensive career history. Tailor your approach to the audience and sector.

Purpose and Structure:
Your résumé is a marketing tool, not an autobiography. Its sole purpose is to get you noticed and invited to an interview. The first page is critical: it should quickly communicate who you are, what you do, and your career highlights. Avoid generic summaries of yourself, such as “engaging with strong learning agility, strong problem solver, pragmatic and data driven” —make your profile specific, engaging, and authentic. AI-generated summaries are very obvious too (see below for AI advice).

Tailoring for Audience:
One size does not fit all. Different sectors (corporate, private equity, government, NFP) expect different emphases—achievements, outcomes, or responsibilities. Always adapt your résumé to the expectations and language of your target audience.

Achievements Over Responsibilities:
Especially at the executive level, focus on outcomes and impact rather than listing duties. Recruiters and Boards want to know what you delivered, not just what you were responsible for.

Addressing Gaps and Context:
Be transparent about career gaps—don’t leave room for speculation. Provide context for each role, including company size and scope, to help readers understand your experience.

Partnering with Recruiters:
Build genuine relationships with reputable recruiters. Communication should be concise and purposeful—quality over quantity in both applications and follow-ups.

Technology and Trends:
Understand how automation and AI are used in recruitment. While AI can help with research, avoid using it to write your résumé or cover letter—recruiters can spot generic, AI-generated content, and it rarely stands out.

Practical tips

• PDF your résumé to preserve formatting.
• Combine cover letters and résumés into one document for online applications.
• Follow application instructions precisely—especially for government roles.
• Keep emails and communications brief and relevant.

So what now

Ready to elevate your executive résumé and influence your next career move?

• Review your résumé with a critical eye—does it truly reflect your unique value and speak to your target audience?
• Seek feedback from trusted professionals who understand your market—not just friends.
• If you’re not getting traction, don’t keep doing the same thing—change your approach.
• For expert guidance, reach out to John Baker via LinkedIn or email john@leadershipperformance.com.au for tailored advice and support.

Remember: In a crowded market, your résumé is your first impression. Make it count.

If you’d like a copy of the slides or would like to connect for further support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Angela Franks at Frazer Jones Australia.