How to Write a Great Business Development Resume

Hiring managers will be most interested in your previous work experience. If you’ve worked as a business development professional, then highlight any experience in strategic planning, relationship building, sales growth, lead generation, and market research.

 

Business development is results-driven, so use profitability and performance data to showcase your skills where possible. Various soft skills, as well as role-specific hard skills like negotiation and commercial awareness, should also shine through when discussing your experiences.

 

Above all, you must tailor your resume to the area of business and growth model of the employer. For example, expertise in inbound sales would not be relevant to a business development role at a traditional cold-calling company.

The structure of your business development resume will vary depending on your chosen resume format. You have three options:

• Chronological — This format emphasizes work experience
• Functional — This format focuses on skills
• Combination — This format balances skills and work experience

The chronological format is the format most hiring managers are familiar with. It’s also the format we use with the business development resume sample below, but keep in mind that all of these sections.

 

 

Add your contact details to the resume header. Include your:

• Full name
• Professional email address
• Phone number
• Professional profile, such as a LinkedIn profile link

Present this information clearly so that the recruiter can contact you should they wish to progress your application.

 

 

Pick between a resume summary or resume objective to include at the top of your resume. A resume summary covers your key skills and experiences. A resume objective is similar but also includes a statement of your career goals. 

 

If you already have several years of experience in business development, then a resume summary will work best.

 

 

When deciding on skills to feature in this section, tailor your resume depending on the job description. Pick out some of the required or desirable skills that you possess. Add between 8-12  skills to this section. Aim for a mix of soft skills and hard skills.

 

Here are some important soft skills for business development jobs:

• Communication 
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving
• Analytical skills
• Organizational skills

And here are some hard skills:

• Strategic planning
• Lead generation
• Marketing strategies
• Client retention
• Account management

You should also use this section to reference relevant IT skills (e.g., your competence with spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or CRM systems such as Salesforce).

 

 

The work experience section is your chance to explain your key skills in greater detail. Include all job titles held over the past ten years in reverse chronological order. For each position, list any tasks or accomplishments that are especially relevant to the role you’re applying for using bullet points.

 

Use examples and metrics to actively demonstrate your track record of helping businesses grow. Here are some KPIs to consider should you have the information at hand:

• Sales revenue
• Net profit margin
• Client satisfaction
• Sales growth
• Qualified leads

Education

 

The education section is an important part of your business development resume. Include your highest academic credential (e.g., master’s or bachelor’s degrees in business). List only your highest level of education. You can also add relevant certifications to this section.

Whether you’re applying to an entry-level role or a senior position, these tips will help you write the perfect resume.

 

Do:

• Quantify your experience. 
  Relevant performance data will show the hiring manager that you really can walk the walk.

• Tailor your resume to the role. 
  Always adapt the resume summary, work history and skills sections to fit the needs of the role.

• Use a resume template. 
  Our Resume Builder tool features hundreds of eye-catching templates ready for you to use.

Don’t:

• Forget to proofread. 
  Small details are key in business development. If the hiring manager spots a spelling mistake, then your application will be discarded.

• Include your GPA. 
  Unless your college GPA is exceptionally high, don’t include it on your resume.

• Stray from the truth. 
  You may be tempted to embellish some of your accomplishments on your resume. Don’t do this; it will likely come back to bite you later in the process.