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 by taking advantage of expertly-designed resume templates and easy-to-use resume builders such as the ones from Resume.io. We are a dynamic source of information, resume guides and resume samples for more than 350 professions that will help you get your business manager 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.
The demand for business managers is expected to grow 8% through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earnings and demand vary depending on the industry. Computer and information systems managers command the highest salaries, with a median salary of $127,530, preschool and childcare managers earn less a little more than one-third of that with a median of $47,310.
The combined median of all management careers in 2021 topped all other career salaries at $102,450.
How to write a business manager resume
The first step in the resume-writing process is understanding which elements your business manager 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 (ATS) 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
The summary of your business manager resume is the executive overview of your career. It’s here that you sell the product or idea and tantalize your audience with what is to come. Great managers are great communicators and your 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 and sets the tone and messaging from the start by imagining you are delivering your report directly to your future boss.
The summary can be the toughest section to write, so if you need a little extra guidance, head to our related Business & Management resume examples, including a manager resume example, or drill into your niche with a business marketing manager resume example or a business development manager resume sample.
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.
Experienced and self-motivated Business Manager with valuable industry experience and a passion for working toward company advancement. Results-oriented with a proven track record of working collaboratively with team members to achieve goals. Adept in managing staff, maintenance, vendors, and a multitude of business operations.
Employment history sample: manage your message
The employment history section of your business manager resume serves as the detail slides for your presentation. Business managers may rise through different paths and take on different aspects of the business. Here is your chance to describe your path through a listing of your business achievements.
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.
Using industry jargon is OK, but keep it to a minimum. Remember that your goal is clear, concise communication. Ask yourself whether your jargon means the same thing to everyone before you throw it in because you think you’ll sound more like an insider.
Below, you will find resume example text for a business manager employment history section.
Business Manager at Oradell, White Plains, NY
September 2014 - Present
- Serve as a successful leader, promoting and achieving company success.
- Identify and maximize sales opportunities, and work to increase customer retention rates.
- Successfully handle the planning of visual merchandising and promote a unified company vision.
- Lead recruitment efforts and train new employees.
- Oversee the rhythm of business and ensure smooth and orderly processes.
- Effectively manage the relationship between budget and resources, leading to profitable outcomes.
Assistant Manager at Benson Computers, White Plains, NY
September 2012 — September 2014
- Provided optimal assistance to the General Manager while spearheading important tasks.
- Managed the recruitment and training of new employees, while also monitoring the productivity of current employees.
- Assisted with the development and design of company introduction materials.
- Coordinated client visits and key account calls.
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? Remember: Hiring managers have stacks of resumes to peruse.
Show that you have what they need by curating 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.
If you are fluent in more than one language, include the languages and your skill level. In a global economy, the ability to communicate across languages is a great skill to have.
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.
- Innovative Problem Solving
- Industry Knowledge
- Business Process Management
- Business Development Strategies
- Time Management Skills
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 the education section of your business manager resume, you should name 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.
Bachelor of Business Administration, Hunter College, New York
September 2001 - June 2005
High School Diploma, New Rochelle High School, New Rochelle, NY
September 1997 - May 2001
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 without 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.
