10 Business Development Resume Examples for 2024

In this guide, we provide effective business development resume examples. Learn how to highlight your sales skills, market analysis, and relationship building. Get tips from a hiring manager's view. We cover the essentials: clear work history, key achievements, and necessary qualifications. The focus is on crafting a resume that demonstrates your value to potential employers in the business growth sector.

  Compiled and approved by Diana Price
  Last updated on See history of changes

  Next update scheduled for

At a Glance

Here's what we see in top business development resumes.

  • Show Impact With Numbers: The best resumes show real results. Include how you increased sales by 20%, grew client base by 35 new accounts, improved process efficiency to save 15 hours weekly, or boosted market share by 5 points.

  • Match Skills With Job Description: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned in the job description. Add skills like CRM software proficiency, market analysis, project management, negotiation, and strategic planning.

  • Tailor Your Language: Use simple words that match the job. For example, if the job is about finding new clients, say gained new clients instead of using complex or vague terms.

Where to place your education

As a hiring manager, I see many resumes. For those in business development, your education is key. If you are new to the workforce or just finished school, show your education at the top. This will tell employers about your latest training. If you have been working for some time, place your work experience first. This shows what you can do right away.

Always include relevant course work in business, sales, or similar areas that show you know the field. If you have extra certifications such as in negotiation or strategic management, list these to stand out.

Skills for business development

Business development roles are unique. You should show skills in building relationships and finding new business opportunities. Highlight specific results you achieved in past roles, like new markets you entered or partnerships you built. This shows you can grow a company's business.

Also, be sure to mention any experience with CRM software or tools used for business growth. These show you can use the tools of the trade to achieve results.

Best resume length

Keep your resume to one page if your work in business development is under 10 years. This makes your skills and experience clear and easy to see. Use a good template to fit all your information neatly.

If you have over 10 years of experience or you are at a senior level, a two-page resume works best. Make sure all the information you include is relevant to the job you want. Cut out older roles and less relevant details to keep it tight and focused.

Build a network-centric resume

In business development, your network is vital. Your resume should show your ability to create and maintain strong work relationships. Highlight work with different teams and success in collaboration.

Include any roles in professional associations or groups related to business growth. This demonstrates you're active in the field and connected to potential business opportunities and peers.

Beat the resume bots

When you apply for jobs in business development, your resume might first be read by software called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This system looks for keywords and phrases related to the job. It's important to get this right to move on to the next step.

Here are some tips to help your resume stand out:

  • Include words from the job ad that match your skills. For example, if the ad says 'client acquisition,' make sure you use this phrase if you have that experience.
  • Use simple job titles. Instead of 'Business Development Ninja,' say 'business development manager' if that's what you were. This makes it easier for the ATS to recognize your role.

Make your resume relevant

To catch the eye of a hiring manager, your resume should show how your skills fit the role of business development. We focus on results and growth. Show examples of how you've added value in previous jobs. It helps us see you're a good pick for our team.

  • Highlight skills like market research, client outreach, and sales growth strategies you’ve used to help your past employers.
  • Show numbers to prove your success like 'Increased sales by 20% in one quarter' or 'Grew client base by 15% in six months.'
  • If you're moving to business development from another field, find the shared tasks like relationship building or project management, and talk about your experience with them.

Key skills for business growth roles

When you build your resume, it's important to include skills that are a good match for the job you want. In business growth, certain skills can show you are a good fit for the role. Here's a list you may consider:

  • Market research
  • Sales strategy
  • Lead generation
  • CRM software
  • Financial modeling
  • Contract negotiation
  • Data analysis
  • Project management
  • SEO/SEM
  • Content marketing

Don't feel like you need to include every skill listed. Choose the ones that are best for the job you're aiming for. Place these skills in a dedicated section on your resume. This makes it easier for hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to see your qualifications quickly. ATS is a tool that many companies use to sort resumes, so having the right keywords is key.

For example, if you are good at finding new opportunities, include lead generation. If you can use software to manage customer relationships, add CRM software to your skills list. Always make sure that the skills you list are ones you have experience with or have been trained in. This will make you a more honest and strong candidate.

Show impact with numbers

When you talk about your business growth skills, it's important to show real success. Numbers make your impact clear. Consider these ideas when adding numbers to your resume:

  • Think about sales targets you've met or exceeded. For example, if you helped increase revenue, state the percentage of growth. Use revenue growth of 20% over six months.
  • Remember times you've brought in new clients. How many did you add in a year? Mention the number of new clients or the percentage increase in your client base.
  • If you cut down the time to close deals, include the reduction in sales cycle time, such as from 60 to 45 days.
  • Include the size of the deals you've worked on, like a $500,000 contract.
  • Mention how you improved client retention. If you increased it by 15%, that shows strong relationship skills.
  • Did you help reduce costs? State how much you saved the company, like cutting costs by 10%.
  • If you launched a new product or service, include the market share gained or the revenue it generated in the first year.
  • Think about your strategic partnerships. Quantify them by the number of partnerships or the revenue impact they had.

Use these numbers to show how you make a real difference. They help you stand out and prove your value in business growth.

Need more resume templates?

Quick links

Samples


Insights