One common challenge faced by business managers is effectively communicating their broad range of skills and experiences in a concise manner on their resume. Our guide can assist by providing clear strategies and examples on how to summarize diverse responsibilities and achievements, making your resume more impactful and engaging for potential employers.
Enhance your application for the business manager role with our concise guide on how to:
- Format your business manager resume, ensuring a balance between professionalism and creativity, in line with best practices.
- Align your resume with the business manager job requirements by incorporating relevant industry keywords.
- Utilize distinct resume sections to highlight your skills and achievements, making a case for why you're the top pick for the business manager role.
- Draw from leading business manager resume examples to effectively tailor your experience.
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Demystifying the business manager resume format
While a touch of creativity can be appealing, it's the clarity and relevance of your business manager resume format that truly resonates with recruiters.
To ensure your resume not only captures attention but also maintains it, consider these four streamlined steps:
- If your career boasts a wealth of pertinent and recent accomplishments, the reverse-chronological resume format is your ally. It naturally emphasizes your experience, placing your most recent roles at the forefront.
- Design a straightforward header: incorporate your contact information, a headline reflecting the position you're vying for or your current designation, and a link to your professional portfolio.
- While brevity is key, if you're targeting a senior position or have accumulated over ten years of industry-relevant experience, extending your resume to two pages is permissible.
- To ensure consistent formatting across various platforms, always save and submit your business manager resume as a PDF.
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Pro tip
If you don't happen to have that much relevant experience for the role, you could select a different format for your resume. Popular choices include:
- functional skill-based resume format - that puts the main focus on your skills and accomplishments;
- hybrid resume format - to get the best of both worlds with your business manager experience and skills.
Recruiters' top picks for business manager resume sections:
- A header with essential contact details and a headline showcasing your current role.
- A summary or objective that aligns your standout expertise with the role's demands.
- An experience section that delves into your key responsibilities and achievements.
- A skills section that intertwines job requirements with your unique capabilities.
- Education and certifications sections that bolster your professional credentials.
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Proven experience in strategic planning and business development.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, including team management and conflict resolution.
- Financial acuity, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
- Strong communication skills, including negotiation and presentation abilities.
- Experience in project management, demonstrating the ability to lead initiatives from conception to completion.
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Detailing your relevant experience on your business manager resume
Showcase your credibility in the resume experience section. For an effective business manager resume:
- Highlight measurable achievements.
- Scan the job advert for keywords and integrate them throughout your experience section.
- Emphasize your technical proficiencies and how you've applied them in various roles.
- Keep it simple: mention your responsibility, relevant skills, and the outcomes.
- Use this section to convey your unique value, soft skills, feedback received, and the type of company culture you thrive in.
Top professionals ensure their experience section offers a captivating look at their expertise. Check out our sample business manager resumes for guidance.
- Managed a team of 15 sales executives, achieving a 20% increase in monthly revenue.
- Implemented cost-cutting measures resulting in a 15% reduction in operational expenses.
- Developed and executed marketing strategies that led to a 30% growth in customer base.
- Led cross-functional teams in the successful launch of three new product lines, resulting in a 25% increase in market share.
- Implemented efficient inventory management system, reducing stockouts by 40%.
- Developed and managed key client relationships, leading to a 35% increase in repeat business.
- Designed and executed a comprehensive digital marketing campaign that increased online sales by 50% within six months.
- Spearheaded the implementation of CRM software, resulting in improved customer relationship management and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to identify new business opportunities, leading to a 15% expansion in international markets.
- Developed and implemented a training program for sales staff, resulting in a 30% improvement in product knowledge and sales performance.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, achieving a cost reduction of 12%.
- Led a cross-functional team in the successful execution of a company-wide rebranding initiative.
- Managed a portfolio of key accounts, generating $2 million in annual revenue.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes, resulting in a 15% increase in operational efficiency.
- Led the integration of a new CRM system, enabling streamlined communication and improved customer retention.
- Developed and executed a comprehensive market expansion strategy resulting in a 40% increase in international sales.
- Optimized supply chain processes, reducing lead time by 25%.
- Led a team of analysts in conducting market research, providing insights for new product development.
- Implemented a performance management system, resulting in a 20% improvement in employee productivity.
- Developed and executed strategic partnerships, leading to a 30% increase in market reach.
- Oversaw the financial planning and budgeting process, resulting in a 10% reduction in costs.
- Managed regional sales team, achieving an annual revenue growth of 15%.
- Developed and implemented a customer loyalty program resulting in a 20% increase in customer retention.
- Led the successful launch of a new product line, generating $5 million in sales within the first year.
- Implemented lean manufacturing processes, resulting in a 30% reduction in production costs.
- Developed and executed a sales strategy that increased market share by 25%.
- Led a team in the successful execution of a company-wide ERP system implementation.
- Developed and implemented a business continuity plan, ensuring uninterrupted operations during unforeseen events.
- Analyzed financial data and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities, resulting in a 10% increase in profitability.
- Led a team in the successful acquisition and integration of a competitor, expanding the company's market presence.
The following content includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top responsibilities present on the task lists for business manager professionals.
Top Responsibilities for Business Manager:
- Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
- Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
- Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
- Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
- Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
- Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
- Perform personnel functions, such as selection, training, or evaluation.
- Establish or implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, or procedures in conjunction with board members, organization officials, or staff members.
- Monitor suppliers to ensure that they efficiently and effectively provide needed goods or services within budgetary limits.
- Manage the movement of goods into and out of production facilities to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, or sustainability of operations.
Quantifying impact on your resume
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Writing your business manager experience section without any real-world experience
Professionals, lacking experience, here's how to kick-start your business manager career:
- Substitute experience with relevant knowledge and skills, vital for the business manager role
- Highlight any relevant certifications and education - to showcase that you have the relevant technical training for the job
- Definitely include a professional portfolio of your work so far that could include university projects or ones you've done in your free time
- Have a big focus on your transferable skills to answer what further value you'd bring about as a candidate for the business manager job
- Include an objective to highlight how you see your professional growth, as part of the company
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Pro tip
If your experience section doesn't directly address the job's requirements, think laterally. Highlight industry-relevant awards or positive feedback to underscore your potential.
Creating your business manager resume skills section: balancing hard skills and soft skills
Recruiters hiring for business manager roles are always keen on hiring candidates with relevant technical and people talents.
Hard skills or technical ones are quite beneficial for the industry - as they refer to your competency with particular software and technologies.
Meanwhile, your soft (or people) skills are quite crucial to yours and the company's professional growth as they detail how you'd cooperate and interact in your potential environment.
Here's how to describe your hard and soft skill set in your business manager resume:
- Consider what the key job requirements are and list those towards the top of your skills section.
- Think of individual, specific skills that help you stand out amongst competitors, and detail how they've helped you succeed in the past.
- Look to the future of the industry and list all software/ technologies which are forward-facing.
- Create a separate, technical skills section to supplement your experience and further align with the business manager job advert.
Find the perfect balance between your resume hard and soft skills with our two lists.
Top skills for your business manager resume:
Project Management Software
Financial Analysis Tools
CRM Software
Microsoft Excel
Data Analytics Tools
ERP Systems
Presentation Software
Budgeting Software
Collaboration Tools
Market Research Tools
Leadership
Communication
Problem-Solving
Time Management
Negotiation
Critical Thinking
Adaptability
Teamwork
Conflict Resolution
Decision Making
Next, you will find information on the top technologies for business manager professonals from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Top technologies for Business Manager’s resume:
- Oracle Eloqua
- Salesforce software
- Blackboard software
- Yardi software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Oracle PeopleSoft
Pro tip
When detailing your skills, always back them up with tangible evidence, be it quantifiable results or certifications.
Detailing your education and top business manager certifications on your resume
Your education section can reflect a variety of skills and experiences relevant to the position.
- List post-secondary qualifications, noting the institution and duration.
- If you're currently studying, mention your expected graduation date.
- Exclude qualifications unrelated to the role or industry.
- If relevant, delve into your educational background, especially if it was research-intensive.
Including both relevant education and certifications on your business manager resume can set you apart. It not only showcases your qualifications but also your commitment to the profession.
When listing these on your business manager resume, make sure to:
- Highlight degrees and certificates relevant to the role.
- Mention the awarding institution for credibility.
- Include the start and end dates, or if the education/certification is ongoing.
- If relevant, incorporate a few keywords from the job advert within the description of the certification or degree.
If you have additional certifications not directly related to the role, consider placing them towards the end of your resume. This way, they can be viewed as personal interests rather than core qualifications.
For a quick update, check out our list of popular business manager certifications curated by the Enhancv team.
Best certifications to list on your resume
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) - APICS
- Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) - CIMA
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - CFA Institute
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) - SHRM
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - ISC(2)
- Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA) - IIBA
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM) - GARP
Pro tip
If you have basic certificates, place them in the skills or experience section. This saves space for high-demand industry certificates.
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Choosing between a resume summary or objective
Many business manager candidates ponder whether to include a resume summary or objective.
Here's a breakdown:
- A Resume objective outlines your career aspirations. It tells recruiters why you're applying and the value you can bring.
- A Resume summary offers a snapshot of your significant achievements, giving a quick overview of your expertise.
New professionals might lean towards an objective, while seasoned experts might prefer a summary. Whichever you choose, ensure it's tailored to the role.
For inspiration, review examples from established business manager professionals.
Resume summary and objective examples for a business manager resume
With a strong background in technology and over 10 years of experience as an IT Project Manager, this professional leverages exceptional project management skills to deliver complex projects on time and under budget. Strategic thinker with a proven track record of reducing costs by 20% and increasing overall operational efficiency.
Armed with 7 years of experience in product marketing, this individual is eager to transition into business management. Recognized for successful leadership in team settings, creating strategic partnerships, and driving revenue growth. Notably launched an award-winning product line that increased sales by 35%.
Bilingual Operations Manager with 8 years of experience seeks to apply expertise in process optimization and team management in a business manager capacity. Has a knack for identifying areas for improvement and implementing successful solutions, leading to a reduction of operational costs by 25% within two years.
Accomplished educator with over 15 years of experience is seeking to leverage strong communication and organization skills in a business manager role. Known for developing and implementing successful educational programs and maintaining high standards of performance and quality.
Enthusiastic graduate with a major in Business Administration, eager to kickstart a career in business management. Demonstrated proficiency in market research and data analysis during academic projects, coupled with strong leadership capabilities from leading various student organizations.
A motivated finance professional seeking entry into business management. Successfully completed an internship with a focus on financial analysis and projections, while demonstrating excellent problem-solving capabilities and strategic decision-making skills.
How to include other relevant sections for your business manager resume
Apart from the standard sections listed in this guide, you have the opportunity to get creative when building your profile.
Select additional resume sections that you deem align with the role, the department, or the company culture.
Here are the ones we recommend:
- Language skills - use a profficiency framework to indicate your aptitude level;
- Hobbies and interests - you can share more about your favorite books or how you spend your time. It's great for culture alignment;
- Volunteering - helps you highlight the causes you care about and hints at people skills you gained such as teamwork, emotional intelligence, and organizational skills;
- Awards - the space for your most prominent business manager professional accolades and achievements.
Make sure that these sections don't take too much away from your experience, but instead build up your business manager professional profile. You can add them as a second column to your resume, or on a second page.
Key takeaways
- Format your business manager resume for clarity and coherence, ensuring it aligns with the role.
- Highlight key sections (header, summary/objective, experience, skills, certifications) within your business manager resume.
- Quantify achievements and align them with skills and job requirements.
- Feature both technical and personal skills across your resume for a balanced portrayal.
