Questions about your situation
The eight we are asked most often, answered plainly.
Will my resume actually get through the ATS?
Applicant tracking software does not read a document the way you do. It parses it. Columns, text boxes, tables, headers and footers, graphics and unusual fonts are the usual culprits, and a document that looks beautiful in Word can arrive at the other end as a jumble — or not arrive at all.
We build every document to be parsed cleanly first and to read well second, which in practice means the two are not in conflict as often as people assume. If you want to know how your current resume fares before you spend anything, our free executive resume review checks parser compatibility as one of its ten criteria.
I have not looked for a job in years. What has actually changed?
More than most people expect. The two-page rule has softened at executive level, objective statements have gone, the first third of page one now carries almost all the weight, and LinkedIn has become part of the application rather than an optional extra. Screening is also automated much earlier in the process than it was.
None of that is hard to catch up on, but it is very hard to guess at. We have written a page specifically for this: I have not looked for a job in years.
My employer has given me an outplacement allowance. Can I use it here?
Yes. We can invoice your employer directly, or invoice you for reimbursement — whichever your HR team prefers. We are happy to provide a quote in a format that suits their approval process, and we do not need to tell them what you and your writer discuss.
If the allowance is smaller than the package you want, you can top it up. If it is larger, we will tell you rather than quietly spending it. See I am being made redundant.
I am changing industries. Will you write me a functional resume?
No, and we would push back if you asked. Functional resumes — the ones that group skills and hide the dates — are read by experienced recruiters as a signal that something is being concealed. They rarely help.
What works for a career change is a chronological resume with the evidence reframed: the same roles, described in the language and outcomes of the sector you are moving to, with a short positioning statement that makes the logic of the move obvious. See I am changing direction.
I have had a career break. How do you handle the gap?
Directly and briefly. A gap that is named and dated reads as a fact; a gap that is disguised reads as a problem. One line is usually enough, and the rest of the document then does its job.
Parental leave, caring, illness, study and travel are all ordinary parts of a long career, and the market has moved a long way on this. See I am coming back from a break.
I have just moved to Australia. Are the conventions different here?
Yes, in ways that are easy to get wrong. Australian executive resumes carry no photograph, no date of birth, no marital status and no nationality. Length expectations differ from the US one-page norm. Referees are usually stated as available on request. Work rights are worth clarifying early rather than leaving a recruiter to guess.
Overseas achievements also need translating into scale that an Australian reader recognises. See I am new to the Australian job market.
There is a closing date this week. How fast can you move?
Fast, if the role is worth it. Our Executive Express service delivers a tailored resume and cover letter for one specific role within forty-eight hours of your interview with a writer.
It is deliberately narrow: one role, one application, done properly. If you are running a broader campaign, the full packages are the better value. See I have found the role I want.
I want to apply a level above where I am now. Is that realistic?
Often, yes — but the document has to do different work. A step-up application is not judged on whether you have held the title; it is judged on whether you have already carried the scope, the budget, the risk or the board exposure that the title implies, somewhere in your record.
Most people have more of that evidence than their resume shows, because it sits in projects and acting roles rather than job titles. That is exactly what we dig for in the interview. See I am planning the next chapter.
Pricing, turnaround and guarantees
What it costs, how long it takes and what we promise.
What are your prices?
All our pricing is transparent and openly available. Most services are packaged into bundles. Our most popular bundles can be viewed here.
Turnaround Times
CV/Resumes: We typically will have a CV/resume draft ready for your review within three to five business days following completion of client onboarding. We can work to tighter deadlines depending on resource availability. Please check with us first.
Cover letters: One-to-two business days.
LinkedIn Overhaul: One-to-two business days following finalisation of CV details.
Personal Webpage: Two-to-three business days.
Revisions - Do I get any?
We offer free revisions with all of our services.
Executive Packages offer unlimited revisions. A fair use policy applies.
Do you offer any guarantees that I will get the job?
Most clients report being in a new role within six weeks of receiving their finished documents, and fewer than 3% have ever needed the guarantee. It is there all the same: if you don’t get an interview within 90 days we will re-work your CV free of charge. You must have applied for at least 20 roles.
Can you review my CV?
We offer a CV/resume review service that includes a proofread, review by a consultant, marked-up document, report card and ATS test report. Order here.
How the process works
Who does the work, how you stay involved and what you receive.
How can Executive Agents help me?
We help you be the best possible representation of yourself. We equip you with the skills, information and level of presentation to thoroughly impress potential employers, ensuring you get the job.
Services we offer include:
- CV/Resumes
- LinkedIn Profiles
- Social Media Content Creation and Publishing
- Presentations
- Press Releases
- Career Coaching
- Covering Letters
- Key Selection Criteria Statements
- Flyers and other Publishing
What are your capabilities?
None of them holds a resume-writing certification, because no Australian body issues one. Here is what they do have instead.
Average years of direct industry experience: 17 years
Average degrees per employee: Two
Many with advanced degrees including: PhD, MBA, MSc, BA (Hons), CFA, BEng (Hons), MPsych.
Additional skill sets: international recruiting, domestic recruiting, published authors of multiple books.
How many people review my CV/document?
At least three professionals are involved in the construction, drafting, writing, proofing, QA and peer-review of your new CV. And that’s before you even get your first draft.
Do I get my own dedicated Executive Agent?
Most of our packages include your own dedicated Customer Success Manager who is on the other end of the phone ready to support you. You will also work closely with a dedicated Consultant Writer. Learn more about our packages here.
How do I interact with my Executive Agent?
Depending on the service level included in your chosen package, interactions can be face-to-face, online or over the phone with all writers, designers and consultants based locally, here in Australia.
Can I choose my design?
Absolutely. Our designers will integrate any design requests and can offer a selection of options. Highly complex designs can cause problems with ATS and are not recommended.
Delivery Formats
All our resumes are delivered in both Microsoft Word format and PDF.
Most other documentation is delivered in Microsoft Word format.
Executive Packages can also be delivered in other formats including Microsoft PowerPoint and Apple Pages.
Hardcopy delivery is available at additional cost.
Recruiters and employers
Where we sit in the hiring process.
How are you different from a recruiter?
We are the opposite of a recruiter. Recruiters work for the hiring company. Their clients are the people hiring, not the people being hired. Executive Agents serves the people being hired. Our passion is to ensure that you get the job of your dreams.
Does Executive Agents deal directly with my potential employer?
Executive Agents typically does not interact directly with your potential employer. Optically, this is something that looks best coming directly from you. We provide help and support in all interactions, but ultimately it is you who is getting hired. We can draft emails and other correspondence.
Does Executive Agents have any partnerships with recruitment companies?
We currently have relationships with major recruiting companies to help support their candidates and ensure that they come across as the best possible expression of themselves.
Kim Blinkhorn
6 months ago
I can highly recommend the professional services offered by Executive Agents. From the first encounter with the MD, I was given expert advice and through a collaborative approach - I was able to achieve exactly what I had hoped to. I would especially like to thank Kate Williams who was able to capture a long career and capabilities in a concise yet meaningful manner.
K Pereira
1 year ago
After a long career in a senior leadership role, I knew I had the experience for my next step, but I struggled to put it all down on paper in a way that truly did it justice. My self-confidence can have its ups and downs, and I knew I needed a professional to help me tell my story.
The whole branding process was fantastic and genuinely thought-provoking. The initial session was far more than a simple CV discussion, it was a deep dive into my career that helped me see the value of my own achievements in a new light. The team is incredibly skilled at asking the right questions and, more importantly, at listening. I was amazed at how well they captured my voice and my career. The final documents - CV and the candidate statement - were simply outstanding. They made me look great, and I am now moving forward with my application with a renewed sense of confidence. For any senior leader who needs help telling their own story, I cannot recommend this agency highly enough, the service and the result were exceptional!
Jhonatan Espinoza
1 year ago
Exceptional service that delivers real results
I first worked with Executive Agents back in 2021 and they were instrumental in helping me secure an excellent role that ultimately led to my promotion to the C-suite. Their understanding of the executive market and ability to match candidates with the right opportunities is outstanding.
I recently engaged them again for a CV update and I'm thoroughly impressed with the outcome. They have a keen eye for presenting executive experience in a compelling way that really showcases your value proposition. The team is professional, responsive, and clearly knows what works in today's competitive market.
If you're looking for recruitment specialists who genuinely understand executive-level placements and can help advance your career, I highly recommend Executive Agents. They've been a key part of my professional journey and I wouldn't hesitate to work with them again.
Jackson Devine
1 year ago
**★★★★★ 5/5 stars**
Was really struggling with my resume for ages. Kept putting off job applications because I knew it wasn’t good enough but didn’t know how to fix it. Tried using AI to help write it which seemed like a good idea at the time but honestly wasn’t confident it was actually any good.
Eventually found Executive Agents online and decided to give them a go. Really glad I did! They knew exactly what was wrong with what I had and how to make it better. The person I worked with was lovely and explained everything properly without making me feel dumb.
My new resume looks so much more professional now and has all the right information that employers are looking for apparently. Already got a couple of interviews lined up which is more than I had before!
Should have done this months ago instead of stressing about it. If your resume isn’t working for you definitely recommend these guys. Made the whole process much easier and now I actually feel confident sending it out.
Riley Lane
1 year ago
Used Executive Agents for their branding service during my job hunt and it made a real difference. They helped me figure out how to present myself better to employers and made my LinkedIn and resume much stronger.
The team knew the Melbourne market well and gave practical advice on what recruiters actually look for. Instead of just generic tips, they tailored everything to my specific situation and the roles I was going after.
Been getting more interview calls since working with them. Worth the investment if you’re struggling to get noticed by employers.
Nickolas Vokolos
2 years ago
I have to say I am very happy with the outcome and the way the initial interview was undertaken, and the way that Kate worked though the process keeping me informed on the way. Kate has been great to deal with and have appreciated her insights and feedback. So overall very happy with the outcome and I have fed this back to the executive recruiter as well.
Bryan Swanson
2 years ago
It was lovely meeting you last week and after our conversation, I was confident that I have found the right team to support and lead my business towards a brighter future.
Josh Andersen
2 years ago
I wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you for your support...I thought you'd like to know I was successful in my application and am now the new Vice President of our Australian division. I am absolutely delighted, have been to Japan twice already and am loving the new opportunities that this role is presenting me with. Thanks once again for the professionalism and support you showed me.
Stewart Fischer
3 years ago
I wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you for your support...I thought you'd like to know I was successful in my application and am now the new Vice President of (----) Group Australia. I am absolutely delighted, have been to Japan twice already and am loving the new opportunities that this role is presenting me with. Thanks once again for the professionalism and support you showed me.
James Elphingstone
3 years ago
I’ve always got jobs through my networks and internal promotions. I’ve never had to prepare a resume and selection criteria statement before. The team helped me develop a high quality, great looking cover letter. My LinkedIn looks great and I'm getting invited to interviews.
Charles
3 years ago
I can't say enough good things about Executive Agents. From the moment I got in touch, they offered incredible service. I worked with Kate and Nick on my resume and had two mock interview training sessions. Their support was instrumental in landing the position I wanted. The mock interviews were a game-changer, and I can't recommend them enough. Thanks, Kate & Nick!
Starc
3 years ago
I reached out to them, they promptly responded to my inquiry and helped me fast-track my resume and cover letter for a position that I initially thought was out of my league. Anna, the expert I had the pleasure of working with, was an absolute delight.
Quynhanh Phan
3 years ago
I Recently had the pleasure of working with Executive Agents and I can't express enough how incredible my experience was. Right from the moment I reached out to them, their service was outstanding. Kate and Nick were the dynamic duo behind my resume and mock interview training, and I have to say, their expertise was truly instrumental in helping me secure the job I had my heart set on. The mock interview session they conducted were nothing short of a game-changer. i came out of them feeling more confident and prepared than ever before. I wholeheartedly recommend Executive Agents, and a big thanks to Kate and Nick for thier invaluable assistance!
izhar MaZaRi
3 years ago
Working with Tracy and the Executive Agents team to create my management consultant resume was a fantastic experience. Their professionalism, industry knowledge, and exceptional service were impressive from start to finish. I'm grateful for the resume they crafted, which I believe will open doors to new opportunities. Highly satisfied!
Natalie Long
3 years ago
Executive Agents offer an incredible service right from the first contact. I engaged with them for resume development, and followed through with two mock interview training sessions. My experience with Executive Agents resulted in me being successful for the position I was applying for. I really could not have obtained this position without their coaching and support. I particularly found the mock interview sessions incredibly helpful and imperative to putting my best foot forward. I would hands down recommend them to anyone - especially Kate & Nick. Thank you!!!
Alice Rae
3 years ago
Wonderful detailed team that have helped me so much to update me CV and Linked In to present my self in the best possible way.
Would highly recommend.
John MacLean
3 years ago
Fantastic service. Very prompt, professional, and you can tell they take great pride in their work. I'd definitely use their services again.
Thomas Foo
3 years ago
I recently had the pleasure of working with Tracy and the team at Executive Agents to have my management consultant resume prepared, and I couldn't be more impressed with the exceptional service they provided. From start to finish, they displayed professionalism, expertise, and a deep understanding of the industry. I am extremely grateful for their support in crafting a resume that will undoubtedly open doors to new opportunities.
Ann Verdolini
3 years ago
From start to finish, the team at Executive Agents was dedicated to ensuring that my resume accurately reflected my skills and experience, and positioned me as a top candidate for the jobs I was interested in. Their personalized approach, exceptional writing quality and outstanding results make them a truly top-notch service.
Chris Serfontein
4 years ago
Very happy with the services received from Executive Agents. All required services was done within the promised timelines witch helped me land my dream job. I highly recommend using Nicholas and his team to give you the edge over other candidates!
Helen Ward
4 years ago
Executive agents were professional with their expert process and the outcome exceeded my expectations and gave me confidence to pursue worthwhile and rewarding work that ulilizes my strengths and enables me to reach my career and life goals. The branding experience and process was a significant aspect of the process. In a nutshell I am gifting this service to my daughter and husband in the future. This might be the best review, when you want loved ones to have access to the remarkable assistance you have had in securing work you love. Thankyou
Michael Ward
4 years ago
My experience with Executive Agents has been exceptional. They are very responsive and the standard of the cover letters and CV updates and have given me the best opportunity to secure the roles I have applied for. I highly recommend Executive Agents and will continue to use their services for future roles I apply.
Fiona O'Donnell
4 years ago
Executive agents was fantastic. They responded to my inquiry within minutes and fast tracked my resume and cover letter for a position that I thought was likely out of my reach. Anna was great to work with and was able to help me find examples within my experience. She produced a highly professional cover letter and I was offered an interview. I was so happy to get to interview stage and thanks to what was written for me I felt confident. I was offered the role the next day and am so glad I decided to work with professionals. Thanks EA
Credentials
