Are you a small business owner looking to update your resume? As a small business owner, you face unique challenges when it comes to showcasing your skills and experience on a resume. It can be difficult to know how to effectively highlight your entrepreneurial experience and accomplishments. In this blog post, we will dive into tips and examples on how to put small business owner on your resume. We will explore the importance of tailoring your resume to the job you are applying for, as well as the different ways you can showcase your small business experience. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of how to effectively navigate the resume writing process as a small business owner.
Key Takeaways:
- Include your small business ownership experience on your resume to showcase your entrepreneurial skills and experience.
- Highlight your achievements and successes as a small business owner, such as revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and business expansion.
- Use specific and quantifiable metrics to demonstrate the impact of your small business on the company’s success.
- Emphasize transferable skills gained from owning a small business, such as leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.
- Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
- Include any relevant certifications or training related to small business ownership, such as business management courses or financial planning workshops.
- Be honest and transparent about your small business experience, including any challenges or failures and how you overcame them.
- Use action verbs and concise language to describe your small business experience, making it easy for hiring managers to understand and appreciate your skills.
- Consider creating a separate section on your resume specifically for your small business experience, or incorporating it into your work experience section.
- Proofread your resume carefully to ensure it is error-free and presents your small business ownership experience in a professional and impressive manner.
Example:
Small Business Owner
ABC Consulting Services, LLC | City, State | 2015-Present– Successfully launched and managed a small consulting business specializing in marketing and branding strategies for small businesses.
– Developed and implemented effective marketing plans for clients, resulting in a 20% increase in sales and a 15% increase in brand awareness.
– Managed all aspects of the business including budgeting, client acquisition, project management, and team leadership.
– Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in a 90% client retention rate.
– Utilized social media and digital marketing techniques to expand the business’s online presence and attract new clients.
– Conducted market research and analysis to identify new business opportunities and stay ahead of industry trends.
– Collaborated with clients to identify their needs and provide customized solutions to help them achieve their business goals.
– Managed a team of 5 employees, providing training, guidance, and support to ensure high-quality deliverables and client satisfaction.
– Maintained accurate financial records and prepared monthly reports to track business performance and make strategic decisions.
– Continuously sought out professional development opportunities to enhance skills and stay updated on industry best practices.
As a small business owner, I have gained valuable experience in marketing, project management, client relations, and team leadership. I am highly adaptable, resourceful, and able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. My entrepreneurial mindset and strong business acumen have allowed me to successfully grow and sustain my own business, and I am eager to bring these skills and experiences to a new organization.
How to Put Small Business Owner on Resume: Tips and Examples
As a small business owner, you have a unique set of skills and experiences that can make you stand out in the job market. However, effectively showcasing these qualities on your resume can be a challenge. In this article, we will provide you with tips and examples on how to put “small business owner” on your resume to make it stand out to potential employers.
1. Highlight Your Entrepreneurial Skills
As a small business owner, you have likely developed a wide range of skills that are valuable in any job setting. These skills include leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, and adaptability. Make sure to highlight these skills on your resume by using action verbs and specific examples.
For example, instead of simply stating “responsible for managing a team,” you could say “led a team of 10 employees, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity.” This not only showcases your leadership skills but also provides tangible results to support your claim.
2. Emphasize Your Business Achievements
Employers are always looking for candidates who have a track record of success. As a small business owner, you have likely achieved many milestones and accomplishments that can impress potential employers. Make sure to include these achievements on your resume, such as increasing revenue, expanding the business, or winning awards.
For example, you could say “increased annual revenue by 30% through strategic marketing initiatives.” This not only showcases your business acumen but also demonstrates your ability to drive results.
3. Use Relevant Keywords
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords before they are even seen by a human. To ensure your resume gets past the ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager, make sure to use relevant keywords throughout your resume.
Research the job description and company to identify keywords that are commonly used in the industry. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, keywords such as “digital marketing,” “social media,” and “SEO” may be relevant. Incorporate these keywords into your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections.
4. Include Your Business Experience
Your experience as a small business owner is valuable and should be included on your resume. However, it is important to tailor this experience to the job you are applying for. Instead of listing every task you performed as a business owner, focus on the ones that are most relevant to the position.
For example, if you are applying for a sales position, you could highlight your experience in sales and customer service, rather than your accounting or administrative tasks. This will show the employer that you have the necessary skills and experience for the job.
5. Showcase Your Adaptability
As a small business owner, you have likely faced many challenges and had to adapt to changing circumstances. This is a valuable skill that employers look for in candidates. Make sure to highlight your adaptability on your resume by providing examples of how you have successfully navigated through difficult situations.
For example, you could say “successfully pivoted business strategy during the pandemic, resulting in a 50% increase in online sales.” This not only showcases your adaptability but also demonstrates your ability to think creatively and make strategic decisions.
6. Provide References
As a small business owner, you have likely built strong relationships with your clients, suppliers, and employees. These individuals can serve as valuable references for your resume. Make sure to ask for their permission before including them as references and provide their contact information on your resume.
Having references from individuals who have worked closely with you can provide potential employers with a better understanding of your skills and work ethic.
Examples of How to Put Small Business Owner on Resume
- Small Business Owner, XYZ Company, 2015-Present
- Increased annual revenue by 25% through strategic marketing initiatives
- Led a team of 10 employees, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity
- Successfully negotiated contracts with suppliers, resulting in a 15% decrease in expenses
- Small Business Owner, ABC Consulting, 2012-2015
- Developed and implemented a new business strategy, resulting in a 30% increase in profits
- Managed a team of 5 employees, providing training and guidance to improve performance
- Collaborated with clients to identify their needs and provide tailored solutions, resulting in a 95% client retention rate
Conclusion
As a small business owner, you have a unique set of skills and experiences that can make you a valuable asset to any company. By highlighting your entrepreneurial skills, emphasizing your business achievements, using relevant keywords, showcasing your adaptability, and providing references, you can effectively showcase your experience as a small business owner on your resume. Use these tips and examples to make your resume stand out to potential employers and land your next job opportunity.