Business Resume Examples for 2023

Whether you’re a business administrator, CFO, or consultant, you’ll need a convincing business resume to differentiate yourself from other applicants.

Below you’ll find our top three tips for writing a business resume that stands out:

1. Catch hiring managers' attention with your resume summary

A resume summary is placed just below your resume header. Its purpose is to provide a concise introduction to your resume and convince hiring managers to read your resume from start to finish.

Writing a summary for your business resume is crucial because it allows hiring managers to quickly assess if you have the necessary skills and experience for the role. Use it to highlight your most relevant:

•  skills
• experience
• accomplishments
• years in the industry

The summary should be no more than five sentences long, so make sure it’s packed with information that proves you’d be an asset to the company.

Here’s an example of a good business resume summary:

Business Resume Summary

Certified Public Accountant with 4+ years of experience in internal and external auditing. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify areas of improvement and develop effective solutions. Comfortable working in fast-paced and dynamic environments, with a proven ability to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality results.

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This summary is both concise (three sentences) and compelling (drawing attention to the applicant’s greatest strengths).

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If you’re applying for your first job and don’t have much work experience to highlight, write a resume objective instead.

2. Spotlight relevant skills

Your resume doesn’t need to showcase your full skill set, instead, focus on abilities relevant to the role. To ensure you highlight the top skills employers are looking for, you should write a targeted business resume for each job application. A targeted resume is more effective because it shows employers you’ve taken the time to research the company and understand the employer’s needs.

Check the job listing for resume keywords to include on your resume, like the ones highlighted in yellow below:

By incorporating keywords, you make your resume more compelling and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

But make sure not to overuse keywords as this can come across as inauthentic and might be seen as a red flag by recruiters. Try to maintain a balance between using relevant keywords and writing a clear and concise resume that accurately represents your skills and experience.

3. Use the correct business resume format

The chronological resume format is the most common because it can be adjusted to suit both recent graduates and experienced applicants. This format places your work history (or education, if you’re writing a student resume) front and center, giving employers a clear overview of your professional accomplishments.

A chronological business resume typically follows this structure:

1. Resume introduction
2. Work history
3. Education
4. Additional skills
5. Other resume sections (foreign languages, certifications, etc.)

By using this format for your resume, you allow hiring managers to see at a glance how your experience and skills have developed over time.

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If you’ve got decades of experience in the business field, consider opting for a combination format instead. This format equally emphasizes your skills and work experience. Or, if you’re writing a career change resume, a functional resume that highlights your most transferable skills could be a better choice.