Business Manager Resume Example & Writing Guide

Business managers are the point people for the success of their company. They must think strategically and tactically about how the business operates, how it will grow and how to organize and maintain an efficient and productive workforce.

A successful business manager resume must show an understanding not only of business process, but of the industry vertical it is aimed at. You have the breadth and depth of knowledge you need to shine, now you have to pitch your skills to a hiring manager. How do you do it?

Start with resume.io, a dynamic source of information, resume guides and resume samples for more than 250 professions . Our resume example layouts and easy-to-use resume builder will get your resume into tip-top shape so you can grab that all-important interview! 

This resume guide and the business manager resume example that goes with it will cover the following topics:

• What does a business manager do?
• How to write a business manager resume
• The best format for a business manager resume
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

What does a business manager do?

So what does a business manager do? Great question! Business managers can work in any field and their job descriptions vary accordingly, however, they have general responsibilities no matter the industry in which they work. They may have more specific job titles such as business marketing manager or business development manager . Here below are some other related resume examples from the Business & Management field: 

• Chief officer executive resume example
• Senior business analyst resume example
• Grant writer resume example
• Consultant resume example
• Product manager resume example
• Project manager resume example
• Business analyst resume example
• Executive assistant resume example
• Program manager resume example
• Procurement manager resume example
• Executive resume example

Most business managers oversee employees and may be tasked with hiring and training as well. They also track the company’s financial goals as well as developing and implementing budgets. At large corporations, they may oversee one department and prepare reports on that department for higher-level executives . In small businesses, they may be the only person overseeing all departments.

Business managers are strategic thinkers who develop plans for increasing growth and productivity and design processes for daily operations, according to a LinkedIn sample job description. 

How to write a business manager resume 

The first step in the resume-writing process is understanding which elements your resume should include. Most resumes follow a standard format and should consist of the following sections:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

You have a bit of freedom within each section (the most in your summary, which we will get into detail about later), but the key to creating a winning business manager resume is the message you send and the style and tone you use to convey the message. It is a good idea to err on the side of formality (not stodgy or stiff), unless you know that the culture of the company you are applying to is very casual.

To that end, do your due diligence: Research the company before you finalize your resume and cover letter. Learn everything you can so that your resume speaks directly to the hiring manager and shows that you understand the company and its needs.

A company-targeted resume will show the hiring manager that you want to work for them, not just get a job. That strategy is much more effective and likely to get you an interview. Keep these tips in mind as you begin formulating your resume:

• Deliver your message directly to the hiring manager, using the optimal tone and style for each company.
• Analyze the job listing and use keywords and phrases that will optimize your chances of passing the Applicant Tracking System screening.
• Choose a resume template and layout that will make a professional visual impression.

Use your business acumen to beat the ATS

You know how to create business strategies that work to grow a business. You can apply those same strategies to elevate your resume’s ranking in the ATS. Before a human being ever has a chance of seeing the resume you worked so hard on, a software algorithm is judging whether your document contains the right information to get a second look. You can increase your chances by using the skills you already have.

Just as you analyze the competition and the needs of the market, you should analyze the job description and take careful note of what skills and attributes are listed. Try to use the exact words or phrases (if they are applicable) in your resume to cue the ATS that you have what your prospective school district is looking for. 

Choosing the best resume format for a business manager

If you have taken a steady path to success as a business manager , you should stick with the reverse chronological order resume. In this resume format, you use your employment history section to list your jobs starting with the most recent and going backwards from there.

However, if you have taken a more circuitous path to your current position, you may consider the other resume formats we suggest as chronological alternatives or hybrids. These alternatives are also useful if you are just entering the job market or are a mature job seeker.

Unless you are a scientist or work in a highly technical field, the functional resume format should not be your first choice. It offers a means to emphasize niche or highly complex skills by expanding the skills section and reducing the employment history section in exchange. 

For most business managers, a reverse chronological resume is the way to go.

Resume summary example: optimize for success

Your summary is the executive overview of your career. It is here that you sell the product or idea (that’s you!) and tantalize your audience with what is to come. You can’t be a great manager without great communication and your resume summary is the best place to show that off. The main idea here is to explain how you are going to fit into the organization and enhance productivity and profitability.

Loosen up a little here to allow yourself to tout your biggest and best achievements. Use a sentence or two to explain your business philosophy. Make sure you add in descriptive words that tell who you are as a professional. This section sits at the top of your business manager resume, set the tone and messaging from the start by imaging you are delivering your report directly to your future boss. 

The best summaries go beyond summarizing your career to expressing your personality, drive and expertise. Hiring managers aren’t simply choosing the most talented business manager, they want someone who fits into the organization and can inspire employees to do their best work.

See the resume example text below for ideas.

Employment history sample: manage your message

The employment history section serves as the detail slides for your presentation. Business managers may rise through different paths. Here is your chance to describe yours. Although this section is more strictly formatted than your summary, you still have an opportunity to craft your message. Try to show a progression of responsibilities and knowledge in your field by detailing your highest level achievements.

Focus each bullet item on a successful innovation, implementation or management technique. You’re a numbers person with an eye on the budget, so use data and dollar amounts to strengthen your case and show tangible outcomes rather than listing job duties. Space is at a premium, so if you detailed an accomplishment in your summary, you can be a bit briefer about it here or you can expand on something you merely mentioned earlier.

Highlight the accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to do the job you want. Leave out achievements, no matter how fabulous, that don’t directly relate to your future employment.

Below, you will find resume example text for a business manager employment history section.

CV skills example: the 10-second sell

The skills section of your business manager CV serves as the at-a-glance version of your report. If your management team had only a few seconds to hear your latest idea, what would you say to grab their attention?

Hiring managers are busy and have stacks of CVs to peruse. They want to know quickly if you have what they need. Curate this section carefully based on each job listing. Choose skills that will help you with the ATS, but also skills that show you read the job description carefully and understand what is expected in a great candidate.

SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management) list of top skills for managers includes problem-solving, prioritizing tasks for you and your staff, using making factors to make decisions, idea development, building trust, using emotional intelligence, and relationship-building with team members, customers and higher level management.

Consider adding some of these attributes to your list of 5-7 skills. Remember to include specific industry knowledge and finance and other business know-how. 

Use the resume example text below as a guideline.

Business manager resume education example

Business managers are generally expected to have a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field or the niche in which they choose to work. Some jobs may require an MBA or a specialty degree. In your education section, you should list all your degrees. You may also include any certificates you have earned or seminars and other professional development courses you have completed.

Unless you are looking for your first job after graduation, your education section should serve as a listing of your degrees and should fall below your employment history section. In the case that you are looking for your first job, you may add impressive academic achievements and bump this section up above your work history section. If you do have an MBA, you can eliminate your high school diploma from your listing.

Below is resume sample text for your education section. 

Resume layout and design: first impressions

Don’t underestimate the need for a professional-looking layout and design. We all know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but first impressions do count. Take the opportunity to wow your future boss by creating a polished, easy-to-read layout.

Here are some key tenets of resume design:

• Make sure your contact information stands out. You want that hiring manager to be able to contact you with a hunt.
• Yes, you have a lot to say, but leave your margins ample and avoid big blocks of type. If it’s not easy to read, it may not be read at all.
• Go for eye-catching, but stay on the conservative side of flashy. You want to be remembered -- in a good way.

Consider using one of our resume templates to save you the tedious task of formatting for perfection.

Key takeaways for a business manager resume

• Business managers can work in many different fields, so make sure you highlight your industry expertise.
• Look toward your presentation and reporting skills as you compile the different sections of your resume.
• Freshen and personalize your resume for each job application.
• Cut the time and frustration of starting from scratch by using the online resume builder and get your job hunt going faster!