Business Manager Resume Example

Whether your expertise lies in business analysis or business development, you’ll need a resume that reflects your ability to work well with others and shows that you have the hard skills necessary to perform the duties of a business manager.

Here are four tips to guide you as you write your business manager resume.

1. Choose the right resume format for a business manager resume

There are two options when choosing a resume format for a manager position, depending on whether you’re just entering the corporate world or already have 2+ years of experience.

For experienced mid-level business managers

If you’re a business manager with proven experience, choose a chronological resume format. A chronological resume lists your business management experience in reverse chronological order, placing your most recent experience at the top.

This allows hiring managers to see what stage you’re at in your career and judge if your profile will suit their company’s needs.

For entry-level job seekers

If you’re an entry-level job seeker, you should choose a functional resume, also known as a skills-based resume.

A functional resume emphasizes your skills by placing them at the top of your resume. As someone with limited professional experience, it’s a good way to make your lack of work experience less noticeable while drawing attention to your relevant skills. Including the right skills for your resume can help you get noticed.

2. Lead with a strong business management resume introduction

Your resume introduction is your first chance to make a good impression on hiring managers. If they don’t see examples of your management skills from the get-go, they may move on to the next candidate.

If you’re just starting out in the corporate world, crafting a strong resume objective that captures the hiring manager’s attention will help your resume stand out.

Here’s an example of a resume objective for a candidate with more education and training than professional experience looking to fill a business managerial role:

 

Objective

Passionate and results-driven graduate with a BS in Management from Thomas College’s H. Allen Ryan School of Business. Skilled at applying training and education in innovating financial strategies to contribute to project development. Looking to leverage my communication skills, knowledge, and experience in a role as a business manager at your company.

Meanwhile, a business manager with experience will be able to better showcase their qualifications with a resume summary, like in the example below:

 

Summary

Accomplished and results-driven Business Manager with 5+ years of experience directing businesses with annual revenue ranging from $1M to $5M. Looking to make an invaluable contribution to [Company Name] and embrace the opportunity to provide exceptional strategic direction, with an emphasis on driving a culture of continuous improvement.

In this example, the candidate demonstrates how they can fulfill a company’s needs, effectively showcasing their experience by highlighting their most notable managerial achievements.

3. Quantify your business manager accomplishments

Business managers need to be able to skillfully handle numbers. Show that you possess this skill by quantifying your achievements.

Whether your skills have helped you succeed in a graduate leadership development program or in a managerial role like a manager trainee, illustrate how you have produced measurable results in your “work experience” or “relevant skills” section.

For each skill or job title listed, add 3 or 4 bullet points with quantified examples of your greatest relevant accomplishments. This demonstrates to hiring managers that you’re able to track your progress and deliver concrete results.

Here’s a good example of how numbers and percentages can be used to strengthen your resume:

In the example above, the candidate clearly illustrates their achievements and skills by using hard numbers.

4. Show off your business manager certifications

While they’re not required for all business manager positions, it’s important to understand how to list certifications on a resume. Professional certifications can prove to hiring managers that you have what it takes to be successful in the role.

For example, business analysts working closely with a software development team will benefit from having a Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL).

Here are some examples of other certifications that will help you secure a job as a business manager:

• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
• Certified Professional – Human resource (IPMA-CP)
• Certified Manager Certification (CM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

If you have multiple relevant certifications, list them in a separate section. Otherwise, include them in the skills section of your resume.