Learn about the important requirements, skills, and keywords that should be included in a business resume.
Whether you're applying for your first job or your dream job, an eye-catching resume can help you land job interviews. Crafting a solid business resume is ideal if you're pursuing a career in the business world. A business resume is full of personal information, including education and experiences, that help you stand out from other job applicants.
This article walks through what to include (and not include) in a business resume, where you can get help to build an attractive resume, and where to look for open positions in the business field. If you need expert resume help, check out our guide to the best resume writing services.
If you want to land a business job, start your search on ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter makes it easy to upload your resume and apply to jobs with a single click! Get started today!
What Is Unique About A Business Resume?
A business resume isn't necessarily unique from other types of resumes. Typically, business resumes follow a chronological resume format, starting with the most recent experiences and progressing backward. A business resume focuses on the experiences and skills necessary for a business career.
Whatever format you choose, keep your resume updated with the latest information to attract the right hiring managers and recruiters.
Related: Highest Paying Business Jobs
What Should Be Included On A Business Resume?
Your business resume should highlight your best attributes and experiences relevant to open positions. Try to fit everything on one page if possible, but you can make a two-page resume if necessary. Your resume should include the following sections.
Header
A resume header contains personal information like your name and contact information. It's typically the first thing recruiters see on your resume and how they will identify you as a candidate. Your header should include your name, location, email, and phone number. It's unnecessary to include your physical address since most correspondence with recruiters will likely be online or through email.
Summary
Including a short resume summary is another way to quickly highlight your experiences and how they relate to the desired position. There's no need to go into great detail here. The rest of your resume can elaborate on your experience and education. Stick to a short, three to four-sentence summary showcasing some of your more pertinent education and career experiences.
Work Experience
List your work experience in chronological order, starting with your most recent experiences and working backward. Stick to current and relevant work experiences that apply to working in a business role. If you've completed any internships, include them in this section if it makes sense.
With each position, list several bullet points detailing primary duties and work achievements.
Education
Next up is your education experience. List any college degrees earned, starting with the highest degree earned. When listing your education experience, include the college or university name, location (city/state), the years attended, and the degree earned. If your major relates to business, include that too.
If you're currently in school, include the same information, listing your anticipated graduation fate. This is another place where you could list internship information if desired. You can also list any academic achievements earned or relevant clubs or associations that fit your business profile.
Skills
A skills section is beneficial when looking for a business role. Include hard skills directly related to business and soft skills transferable to any work environment. Your skills section doesn't need to include every possible skill. List your top ten skills or so that are relevant to the desired position.
Certifications
If you've earned any relevant certifications to the desired position, add them in a separate certification section towards the bottom of your resume. Include the certification title, the issuing organization, certification date, and expiration date if there is one.
Related: How To Get A Job In Business
What Should Be Left Off A Business Resume?
Be selective when it comes to what you include in your business resume. Stick to experiences and information that support your case as a good candidate for the position. You can include other work information if your resume is lacking or there's a massive gap in your work timeline without it.
There's no need to include a photo of yourself or your mailing address. Since most employers follow up via email or online, they won't need your address unless you are hired.
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Important Job Skills For Business Resume
A skills section can help set you apart from other candidates, especially if you possess essential skills related to the applied position. Include hard skills related to business and soft skills that make you an ideal candidate.
Some of the business skills you might include on your resume include:
Hard Skills
- Accounting
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Business and data analysis
- Cashier skills
- Copywriting
- Database management
- Digital communication
- Foreign languages
- Google Analytics
- Google Drive Suite
- Graphic design
- Macro/Micro economics
- Marketing
- Marketing campaign management
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Pivot tables
- PMP certification
- Presentations
- Project management
- Risk management
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Smart Contract Development
- Social media
- Strategic planning
- Zoom
Soft Skills
- Active listening
- Administrative skills
- Customer service
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal skills
- Management
- Multitasking
- Organization
- Problem-solving
- Public speaking
- Research skills
- Storytelling
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Writing skills
Where To Get Help With Your Resume
Now that you know all of the components that make up a business resume, you may be ready to craft your resume on your own! However, if you still have questions and need extra help, we would recommend working with a resume writing service. Resume writing services are an affordable way to make sure your resume isn’t holding you back from any career opportunities! Here are some resources for you to check out:
- Best Resume Writing Services
- Best Executive Resume Writing Services
- Best Federal Resume Writing Services
When your resume is polished, you can start applying for jobs. We recommend checking out the best job posting sites to explore where employers are listing jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a business resume?
A business resume is designed to include information and experiences related to working in a business career.
Can I put my small business on my resume?
You should list any relevant work experience, including owning a small business.
Is there such a thing as a business resume?
A business resume is like other resumes but geared towards individuals pursuing a career in business.
How do I write a business resume?
A business resume should include pertinent information related to the business role you are pursuing, including work and education experience, a summary, contact information, and related skills. Follow a chronological order starting with your most recent experiences.
The Bottom Line
Spend time crafting a business resume that will stand out from the rest of the applicants. Keep your resume concise, highlighting your best accomplishments and experiences. If you need help crafting your business resume, a resume writing service can work with you to craft the perfect resume that delivers. Once your resume is complete, you can personalize it as needed for each prospective employer. Use an online job search board like ZipRecruiter to find and apply for desired business jobs.
