When it comes to advancing your career, it’s hardly just about one’s experience. It’s about the details- the small, intentional actions that set you apart from equally qualified candidates. Who is considered and remembered can depend on the information you share!
A well-formulated and thorough CV is the foundation. Go beyond listing your titles, day to day responsibilities, and dates employed. Include the industry, company headcount, products manufactured (if applicable), and most importantly, your measurable contributions. Quantitative data like revenue growth, cost savings, market expansion, team size, and efficiency gains give hiring teams clarity and confidence on your impact.
Equally important is communication and follow up. Following up with a brief thank you email after speaking with a recruiter reinforces your professionalism. Similarly, staying in touch keeps your name top of mind. Quick response times, ideally within two and a half to three hours, signals interest, urgency, and reliability. In competitive processes such as for executive level opportunities, speed matters.
If you haven’t heard back within a week of applying, a concise executive summary or cover letter sent to the recruiter can reignite attention. It shows initiative and gives you another opportunity to highlight your fit to the role. Alternatively, I recommend reaching out directly with a personal request to have a call about the position or any other they may have available. Initiative and conversation go far.
Keep in mind that professionalism in both your written and verbal communication matters more than many realize. Formal emails with greetings, complete sentences, and polite check-ins create a strong impression. Short, text-style responses can unintentionally diminish your credibility or come across as disinterested or egotistical.
Preparation is another key differentiator. Study the company. Understand its market, products, competitors, and strategy. In interviews, don’t simply repeat what’s on your CV- articulate your impact and go beyond what they have access to. Think about your projects, team, the initiative you took, change management, and process of achieving your successes/ reaching the outcome. Be sure to explain how you made a difference, how you think, and how you would approach their challenges.
One thing you may be asked is a “fun” or icebreaker question, and it’s important that you are honest, but offer a thoughtful answer. Every question asked has a reason. If you get one, keep in mind that they are assessing more than creativity. They are evaluating your personality, mindset, ambition, and self-awareness. Treat these moments as opportunities, not throwaways.
Finally, maintain a complete and polished LinkedIn profile. Recruiters and executives will look. Your online presence should reinforce your professional story. See our articles on resume, CV, and LinkedIn recommendations for more details.
Author: Mia I. Brandon, Head of Branding and Creative Recruiting (Feb. 2026)