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Ultimate Guide: Startup Experience on a Resume (5 Best Examples)

The best startup experience shows how you made a direct impact on the company’s growth. They’re also telling of your personality and job skills…

In this article

Here’s what your experience at a startup company might’ve looked like: 

• You founded and ran a startup yourself
• You worked at a startup and supported its growth
• You worked at a startup and it’s now out of business

It can be worth writing about any of these experiences on a resume because they’re telling of your character aside from your level of technical skills in your role. 

Now, there are 10 steps to write about startup experience on a resume properly. Read this ultimate guide to stand out in your next job application! 

Note: If the startup you worked at failed, it’s not necessary to mention it unless you’re asked by recruiters. But even then, you’re still able to draw from valuable experiences or insights. 

The Difference Between Job Experience in Startups and Big Companies

Here are a few main differences between working at a startup and a big company: 

• Company Culture: Startups are more entrepreneurial-focused, where innovation and creativity are strongly encouraged. On the other hand, big companies would have a more established structure and procedures to follow. 
• Job Responsibilities: Employees are typically given more admin tasks and autonomy in startups because they’re often bootstrapped. In contrast, employees in big companies will have more specialized roles and specific responsibilities. 
• Professional Development: You’re in the trenches of innovation when working for a startup. This means you’ll have to learn new skills and technologies quickly to execute projects that directly impact the startup’s bottom line. In contrast, big companies will have established training and skills development programs. 

Important Reminder: Not all startups are the same. There are different stages of company growth to consider that affect the culture and workflow structure. 

5 Best Resume Examples With Startup Experience 

We listed the top startup resumes below, including why they secured a job interview. 

Chief Product Officer Resume

Why Hiring Teams Love This Resume

The Chief Product Officer resume template has an aligned work and academic background. All of these can link back to growing startup companies and building products. 

Here are the top reasons why this resume with startup experience works: 

• Founder Experience: The candidate was once a founder, meaning they have firsthand experience running a company. Their background in startup companies gives potential employers confidence that they have a strong sense of business acumen.
• Certifications: All certifications listed apply to startup companies. This, alongside their experience, shows they have industry knowledge in building a startup.
• Transferable Skills: This resume showcases transferable skills and traits that are beneficial across all industries. One example is the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Key Business Tasks: Securing funding, preparing reports for investors, market research, and so forth. This all implies the candidate is conscious of company goals and objectives.  

Director of Global Partnerships Resume

The Director of Global Partnerships resume template tailors their startup experience in a way that’s relevant to the job they’re applying for. 

Here are the top reasons why this resume works: 

• Career Progression: The professional development arc is clear. From professor to director, the reader can see that the candidate has continuously developed their skill set. 
• Quantitative Achievements: Statistics are used to highlight achievements. Numbers are also used to describe job responsibilities. This emphasizes the impact the candidate has made. 
• Tailored Summary: The summary is concise and tailored to the company they’re applying for. All it includes is the candidate’s area of expertise, followed by an objective. 
• Strong Communication: Interpersonal skills are essential for the position they’re applying for. In this resume, they highlight various achievements and job responsibilities from startup work experience that demonstrate a high level of communication skills. 

Financial Analyst Intern Resume

The Financial Analyst Intern resume example does a great job of highlighting the candidate’s character with the extra resume sections. What’s also impressive is how the startup experience is tailored to the company’s needs. 

• Relevant Experience: The candidate’s career timeline revolves around the analyst role, positioning themselves as a good fit for the job.
• Startup Consultant: Experience as a startup consultant indicates expertise in startups. The description has also been tailored to fit the job description, further positioning the candidate as the type of analyst hiring managers are looking for. 
• Quantified Job Responsibilities: Professional work experience is limited but compelling, thanks to the numbers used to specify key tasks. 

Strategy Analyst Resume

The Strategy Analyst resume example is focused on startup experience. This is effective when applying specifically for startup companies.  

• Startup-Focused Summary: Provides a clear overview of the candidate’s track record, core competencies, and goals.  
• Relationship Building: Experienced in cooperating with clients, teams, and company directors. This is an ability that startup companies value.
• Stakeholder Communication: The candidate’s experience in startups shows they can communicate effectively with stakeholders. 

Startup Founder Resume

Why This Startup Resume Is Perfect 

This Startup Founder resume example has the perfect startup experience mainly because it’s results-oriented. 

The bullet points under the candidate’s experience as a CEO and founder are impressive, as is their experience as an independent startup consultant. 

• Entrepreneurship: The candidate has hands-on experience growing a startup company from the ground up. 
• Desirable Achievements: Achievements such as “securing over $650,000 in investment” and “$8,000,000 in valuation” are compelling. These are results that other startups are aiming for, which makes the candidate look like the ideal fit. 
• Focused Work History: The candidate has consistent work experience in technical roles. This highlights their areas of expertise. 
• Expert Positioning: The additional section of “consultancy” reinforces their positioning as an expert in the realm of startup companies. 

How to Write About Startup Experience on a Resume Step-by-Step

Here’s a general resume sentence formula to follow: 

• Use an action verb related to the skills you applied
• Mention an achievement or project outcome you worked towards
• Include the timeframe of the achievement or project outcome
• Share details related to the tasks you executed  
• Mention further details related to business goals or responsibilities

Focus on showing startup-related skills by writing about the impact of your contributions. To be specific, we’ll go through the exact steps below. 

1. Focus on Impact-Driven Action Verbs

Impact means how your efforts made a positive change at a company. 

Every bullet point typically begins with a resume action verb that describes the impact you made. 

You could use an adverb to start a resume bullet point but use these sparingly. Otherwise, it may look like another resume cliché. 

Once you know what action verb to use, write about what you did to make an impact. 

Quantify your responsibilities when you can to emphasize the significance of your efforts. Make the before and after results clear to the reader. 

Examples of Impact-Driven Resume Action Verbs 

• Accelerated
• Conceptualized
• Facilitated
• Spearheaded
• Streamlined
• Transformed

Examples of Resume Adverbs

• Exponentially
• Independently
• Meticulously
• Progressively
• Successfully
• Tenaciously

2. Specify Key Tasks You Performed 

Key tasks are duties that are tied in with business goals and objectives. Use concrete language when describing key tasks to clarify how you provided value. 

Compare the two following resume sentences:

• Handled customer inquiries.
• Managed a high volume of customer inquiries via email and phone, providing timely and effective solutions.

See the difference? 

Both have the same meaning, but the latter resume sentence example specifies the exact situation the candidate dealt with. This highlights their skills to the hiring manager. 

Specify key tasks and responsibilities by writing about the exact situation you handled. It makes your startup experience on a resume look twice as powerful, especially because you’re working in a more fast-paced environment under pressure. 

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3. Mention Admin Job Responsibilities 

If you’ve had any experience in a startup, you’ve probably held multiple admin job responsibilities. 

Writing about admin tasks on a resume shows a degree of technical proficiency, which many companies value in candidates. So, use your startup experience to describe how you improved processes or resolved technical issues. 

Here are a few examples: 

• Managed office logistics, including scheduling meetings, coordinating appointments, and overseeing office supplies, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations.
• Handled travel arrangements, expense reports, and accommodation bookings for the executive team, optimizing travel efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Streamlined document management by implementing a digital filing system, reducing retrieval time by 40%, and enhancing data accessibility for the team.
• Resolved scheduling conflicts and optimized the calendar by implementing a shared calendar tool, resulting in a 25% reduction in double bookings.

4. Use Numbers to Specify What You Did

Having the exact numbers or data would be ideal. An estimated figure also works. Including an accurate estimate is better than nothing. 

Still completely unsure about the data? Then, skip this step. An alternative is to mention the goal or objective you worked towards. However, using numbers to specify the result or responsibility is ideal. 

Here’s how to use numbers on a resume: 

• KPIs: Include metrics for specific achievements and outcomes. This includes percentages, dollar amounts, time saved, or other relevant figures. 
• Baseline Numbers: Share a baseline or starting point that sets the context for the impact you made. 
• Heavy Workload: Include a number to specify large volumes of work completed in a project. 

5. Focus on Job Achievements 

A list of job achievements in a previous role shows more about your skill level than writing about your to-do list. 

Achievements serve as a preview of the expertise you have to offer. The candidates capable of making a tangible difference are the types of workers hiring teams are keen to interview. 

Here are some examples of job achievements on a resume: 

• Maintained a 99% accuracy rate in data entry tasks, minimizing errors and ensuring data integrity.
• Achieved a 20% reduction in response time to customer inquiries, improving customer satisfaction.
• Created an organized email management system, reducing email backlog by 30%.
• Implemented inventory control measures that reduced overstock by 15% and stockouts by 10%.
• Managed and updated company social media profiles, increasing online engagement by 25%.

Best Types of Job Achievements for Startups

• Project Objectives: Reaching or exceeding the project goals and objectives.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring work meets quality standards and expectations.
• Risk Management: Mitigating project risks to prevent issues and delays.
• Budget Adherence: Staying within the allocated budget.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Timeline Adherence: Meeting deadlines and being timely at work.
• Innovation: Unique solutions or ideas that lead to further company growth or competitiveness.
• Client or User Feedback: Positive testimonials from clients or end-users.
• Resource Management: Making the most use of project resources accordingly.
• Documentation and Reporting: Creating project documentation and reports.
• Problem Solving: Resolving complex roadblocks.
• Knowledge Transfer: Sharing knowledge and best practices with fellow team members.
• Compliance and Regulations: Meeting regulations and compliance standards.
• Job Awards: Recognition of excellence as an employee or startup. 

6. Include Business Achievements  

The difference between job and business achievements is that the latter focuses on the bigger picture. This means looking at your impact across stakeholders and overall company goals or objectives. 

Let’s say you’re writing a mid-level marketing resume. 

You could mention project outcomes, like how you completed tasks ahead of deadlines and mentored new employees. Or, you could take it a step further by mentioning the project's impact on the company by bringing up revenue figures. 

Here are a few examples of business achievements on a resume: 

• Generated $1.2 million in new business revenue through effective client relationship management and successful cross-selling of services, exceeding annual sales targets by 25%.
• Increased website traffic by 50% within 6 months by optimizing SEO and implementing content marketing strategies, boosting online sales by $500,000.
• Reduced customer wait times by 30% through process improvements, leading to a higher customer satisfaction rating of 95% and a 20% increase in repeat business.
• Led a team of 10 engineers in completing a project 2 months ahead of schedule, saving the company $100,000 in development costs and enabling an earlier product launch.
• Founded Rezi at the age of 22. At 23, successfully globalized into South Korea, growing to be South Korea's leading English resume company, the most awarded global startup in South Korea, and securing over $650,000 in investment, grants, and awards.

Best Business Achievements for Startups

• Company Goals: Hitting or surpassing company targets. 
• Revenue Growth: Increasing the startup's monthly or annual revenue. 
• User Acquisition: Mention the number of new customers or users you brought in.
• Cost Reduction: How you optimized processes to increase efficiency and savings. 
• Team Productivity: Positively influencing the team's performance and productivity.
• Funding and Investment: Raising funds for the startup and winning over investors.
• Customer Satisfaction: Improving customer satisfaction or retention rates. 
• Partnerships: Strategic partnerships you established.
• Scalability: How you helped a startup become more scalable. 
• Time Savings: Executing initiatives that save time, allowing you to focus on the more important tasks at hand.
• Market Penetration: Entering new markets to expand the startup's reach. 

6. Mention the Timeframe of Results or Tasks 

Achieved something in less time than expected? Mention it by including a timeframe of the result. 

On top of saying that you helped a company achieve something like more website traffic, share how long it took to get those results. 

• Secured $1.5 million in seed funding for the startup within a 6-month timeframe through strategic investor outreach and persuasive pitch presentations, enabling rapid growth and product development.
• Tripled customer base from 10,000 to over 30,000 active users in 3 months by spearheading targeted email marketing campaigns, resulting in a 200% increase in monthly revenue.
• Implemented cost-saving initiatives that led to a 15% reduction in operational expenses within the first 4 months of tenure.

7. Further Relevant Details 

The next step is to add further relevant detail by bringing up other factors involved in the task or achievement you’re writing about. 

Think of it as sharing the secondary factors of a core responsibility you carried out. 

If necessary, start another sentence within the same bullet point to expand on the primary task or achievement you want to highlight.

• Analyzed data from 10,000+ monthly active clients on Salesforce, SAP, and Excel and used outputs to advise pricing and marketing strategies, helping sales representatives better understand their clients' needs and tailor their sales approach.
• Assisted with identifying investment opportunities in the market, reviewed investment opportunities, and acted on the recommendations of the investment committee.
• Selected into a Global Expansion Program in China, receiving funding and support from accelerator partner Hanwha. Exploring territory in Beijing and Shanghai, extending company reach to universities, recruiters, and incubators.

8. Don’t Forget About Collaboration Skills 

Being able to work at a fast pace requires good collaboration skills. 

Writing about tasks, projects, or accomplishments you were solely responsible for is ideal. But what’s also ideal is showing that you’re a team player. 

Here are a few things to write about on a resume to show collaboration skills: 

• Mentoring new employees
• Successful group projects
• Cooperating with different departments
• Working closely with a particular person such as the content manager or CEO
• Implementing given feedback
• Building rapport with clients and customers 

Or, you could start a resume bullet point with an action verb that indicates how you worked with other team members. The words “collaborated” and “liaised” are good examples.

Here are a few more resume sentence examples to highlight your ability to collaborate: 

• Collaborated seamlessly with cross-functional teams, including product development, marketing, and sales, to ensure alignment and successful product launches.
• Promoted knowledge sharing within the startup by conducting internal training sessions and workshops, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Identified and cultivated strategic partnerships with other startups and industry stakeholders, enhancing collaboration opportunities and expanding the company's network

9. Edit Your Resume for Job Description Keywords

Job description keywords are essential for getting past the applicant tracking systems . 

Companies use applicant tracking systems to assess large volumes of applications and find qualified candidates. This is based on whether or not your resume matches the company’s job description. 

To match the job description, you need resume keywords . 

Let’s say you’re applying for a startup marketing position. On the company’s job description, you may find sentences similar to the following: 

• Develop and execute innovative digital marketing campaigns to drive brand awareness and customer acquisition through various channels, including social media, email marketing, and content marketing.
• Analyze marketing data and performance metrics to identify trends and opportunities, optimize marketing strategies for better ROI, and report regularly to stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with the sales team to generate and nurture leads, create sales-enablement materials, and develop marketing strategies that align with sales goals and objectives.

Keywords are the words related to the core responsibilities of your role. That said, here are potential keywords for each job description sentence above: 

• Digital marketing, campaigns, brand awareness, customer acquisition, social media, email marketing, content marketing.
• Marketing data analysis, performance metrics, trends, ROI optimization, reporting, stakeholders.
• Sales collaboration, lead generation, lead nurturing, sales enablement, marketing strategies, sales goals.

Our AI Keyword Scanner Finds Keywords Instantly

Tell us the job title you’re applying for. Then, copy and paste the job description into our AI Keyword Scanner to curate a list of the top job resume keywords employers from the company are expecting.  

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See an example of how this looks below! 

10. Tailor Your Resume Based on Company Pain Points

Take your resume up a notch by tailoring it to the company’s needs. 

Write resume bullet points that prove you can solve the problems that the company is looking to solve. Make it clear that you’re the person with the specific expertise they need to help them reach their goals and objectives. 

For example, instead of just writing the following: 

• Managed product development from concept to launch, ensuring adherence to timelines and budget constraints.
• Led a small team in a fast-paced startup environment, ensuring project deadlines were consistently met.

Tailor it to the company’s needs by refining the resume sentences like so: 

• Orchestrated the end-to-end product development process, consistently delivering high-quality products ahead of schedule which led to substantial cost savings of 20% below budget, enabling the company to seize market opportunities swiftly.
• Led a small team of 6, consistently meeting project deadlines by implementing efficient workflows and proactive communication strategies to streamline project delivery. 

Refine Incomplete Resume Sentences 

Feel like the sentence you wrote could be better? Optimize it by highlighting the bullet point and using our AI Bullet Point Editor to rewrite it for you. 

Try AI Bullet Point Editor for free. 

Or see the example of how this looks below: 

The Best Startup Skills to Showcase on a Resume

The top startup skills to write about on a resume that’s applicable to almost all job seekers include the following:

• Adaptability
• Critical thinking
• Data Analysis
• Digital Marketing
• Project Management
• Stakeholder Communication

Tip: While the below skills are universally applicable, select the ones that are most relevant to the job description you’re applying for! 

Examples of the Best Startup Hard Skills

• Programming Languages: Technical proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, and C++. 
• Data Analysis: Your ability to analyze data and form actionable insights to improve decision-making. 
• Project Management: Organizing multiple things at once. You could also include tools for this such as Asana, ClickUp, and Trello.
• Digital Marketing: The ability to promote a product or service to a target audience. This could include particular areas such as content marketing, SEO, and social media. 
• Financial Modeling: Monitoring costs and forecasting revenue. 
• Research: Good research skills are paramount to all startups. This includes competitor research, interviews, market research, and product research.

Examples of the Best Startup Soft Skills

• Adaptability: The ability to meet arising needs or challenges in a timely manner. 
• Critical Thinking: Analyzing potential risks and opportunities to put together an effective strategy.  
• Teamwork: Cooperating with team members to ensure success. 
• Stakeholder Communication: Liaising with various stakeholders such as customers and investors. 
• Leadership: Taking the initiative to lead projects with minimal supervision. 
• Problem-Solving: Finding new ways and methods to solve a complex problem. 

Why Companies Value Startup Experience on a Resume

Hiring managers value candidates with a positive track record and strong work ethic who can take the initiative. 

Qualities such as self-motivation and creativity are also desirable. 

Above all, startup experience shows you can work in a flexible environment and take on more responsibilities when needed. 

Use startup experience on a resume to stand out from other candidates by focusing on the following:

• Career Storytelling: Tell a story by describing what you did and the context of your role. Highlight your challenges, how you faced those, and the outcomes achieved. 
• Results-Oriented Approach: Emphasize accomplishments by highlighting the results of a task you carried out. Prioritize business achievements you were significantly responsible for. 

These are things that hiring teams love to see in candidates with startup experience. A few more of the main things they would love to see include the following:

• Practical and diverse skill set
• Self-driven character
• Full ownership and accountability
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Experience in fast-paced environments 
• Industry knowledge
• Team player

Practical and Diverse Skill Set

Show that you have practical skills and expertise in specific areas. Make it clear that your skill set extends to other key tasks, not just your main job responsibilities. 

• Practical Experience: Focus on core work responsibilities that you had hands-on experience with. Use the right action verb that depicts how you directly contributed to a meaningful outcome. 
• Diverse Skill Sets: Startup workers often wear multiple hats, which means they gain a wide range of skills and experiences. For example, admin and leadership abilities. Both of these are transferable skills to almost every job position. 

Self-Driven Character

Personality traits typically matter more to startups who are considering their next hire. They need someone committed to helping them hit the ground running. That said, a work history of startup experience means you’ve demonstrated some desirable traits. 

Here are a few examples:  

• Customer-centric focus
• Resourcefulness

Full Ownership and Accountability

Companies want candidates who take full ownership of their roles. This is especially true in startup environments since workers typically have more autonomy. 

Now, this doesn’t mean taking full responsibility for whether the startup fails. That’s ultimately the fault of those in executive job positions . However, that doesn’t mean you can’t adopt a similar mindset. 

Startup experience allows you to show that you’re the type of person to go above and beyond. You can highlight that you care about the company’s overall success by showing that you take full accountability and contribute to the overall business strategy. 

Entrepreneurial Mindset 

An entrepreneurial mindset is often shown by workers in startups. Here are some main qualities that startup employees can emphasize:

• Innovation: Coming up with new ways to reach goals and objectives. 
• Risk-Taker: Identifying potential consequences and taking calculated risks.  
• Self-Starter: Being driven and ambitious enough to take the lead. 

Most companies value a culture of innovation and growth. Highlighting any of these qualities can help you stand out in a competitive job market. 

Experienced in Fast-Paced Environments 

Working in fast-paced environments requires a few things: 

• Adaptability: Wear multiple hats and adjust when needed. 
• Time Management: The ability to organize your schedule and prioritize your workload. 
• Handling Pressure: Completing tasks to a good standard despite the pressure of deadlines and customer expectations. 

It’s not out of the ordinary for startup environments to feel chaotic. Being able to work your way through the chaos is telling of your character and adds to your unique selling points as a candidate. 

Industry Knowledge 

The advantage startup companies have over big companies is that they’re quicker to adapt to trends. But, adapting to those trends and consumer sentiments requires industry knowledge in the first place. 

Your advantage from having startup experience in the industry is that you understand what it takes to grow from scratch. Even if the startup failed, you’ll understand why it failed. These lessons can be translated into the company you’re applying to for further success. 

Team Player 

Team players are those who can cooperate with colleagues, contribute skills or ideas, and communicate openly to meet company objectives. 

Whether it’s a small company with a small team or a large company with multiple departments, the ability to work as a team is always going to be an important skill.  

Use Cover Letters When You Don’t Have Enough Space On a Resume

Cover letters are an option when you don’t have enough space to talk about everything on a resume. 

After all, resumes should only include what’s most relevant to the job description. 

It makes sense to list all startup experience on a resume when you’re applying for a startup company. If that’s not the case and you’re applying to a large company but have startup experience, then only include what’s most relevant to the job description. 

If you’re interested in writing a cover letter to expand on certain details, check out our cover letter writing guide here. 

Use Startup Experience to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market

Startup experience on a resume gives you more room to talk about job responsibilities directly tied to company growth. 

And business achievements you were solely or significantly responsible for are impressive to any company looking to make their next hire. Whether your efforts helped secure funding from investors or scale customer growth, these are things that can make your application stand out. 

If you’d like to try our AI resume builder to speed up the process of creating tailored resumes, you can sign up here at resumA.I. for free . 

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The Ultimate Guide To Creating a Startup Resume

In This Guide:

How to make a startup resume that will stand out.

With so many competitors in the pool of applicants fighting for a limited number of jobs, you’ll quickly recognize the need to stand out.

This is especially true for startup companies, which necessitate dedicated, capable workers to ensure their longevity and success.

If you’re looking to join one of these initiatives, then you can expect an incredibly competitive screening process.

Luckily, with a well-constructed startup resume , you can get the attention of recruiters so you can show them just what you’ve got.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Key factors you should emphasize in your resume
• What makes you a desirable candidate
• How to show prospective employers you care

Upload & Check Your Resume

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Here are some tips to help you create a stellar startup resume and get noticed by hiring teams:

Show that you understand startup culture and work dynamics

You want to show employers how well you’ll fit into a new work environment.

That means exemplifying skills that highlight your ability to adapt and assimilate into a specific company’s work dynamic.

This is important for startup companies, which are typically searching for a specific skill set in hirees because there is a higher pressure on the capabilities of their employees.

The success of this type of business is usually heavily reliant on the individual.

When creating your resume, try incorporating these key skills:

• Adaptability
• Critical thinking
• Interpersonal skills
• Working under pressure

Browse from over 300 other relevant tech skills.

Experience Trumps Education (For the Most Part)

If you have any experience in a field, you should focus on that in addition to highlighting your education.

While education is a valuable asset, real-life experience will almost always triumph over it and can prove advantageous for newer companies.

You should still include any education you have as there are still many merits.

For example, studying at high-ranking schools such as Ivy League universities can show that you’ve developed a network of relations that could prove beneficial to you and the company.

Learn how to craft a memorable resume experience section by following our guide.

Add a link to your portfolio

Depending on the nature of your work, you may want to include a link to your portfolio. This is especially true for those in more creative lines of work, such as a dev or designer.

Portfolios help recruiters learn more about your craft and give you the opportunity to show off your skills.

Show that you’ve researched the company

Show that you’ve taken the initiative and done in-depth research about the company.

Exhibit your knowledge of the company’s startup, such as going through Crunchbase research reports and keeping track of new milestones such as funding rounds.

As an applicant, you should display your undivided interest in a company. The best way you can do that is by showing how well you know the startup.

Remember, startup resumes are a little different than regular resumes.

Employers here are looking for people who can help them succeed through innovation and creativity, not just everyday Joe’s who can juggle mundane tasks day to day.

Follow the tips in this article, and you’ll be on your way to impressing any potential employers for a startup company.

Want to learn more about resume formatting? Then read our guide on the topic of resume formats. Need help creating your ideal resume? Check out enhancv.com .

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Startup Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

Creating a standout startup resume is like crafting a business pitch — presenting your skills and experience in a way that captures the interest of fast-paced startup recruiters. 

With practical tips and real-world examples , we're here to help you navigate this task with ease. So, let's turn your startup resume into your career launchpad!

Read on and learn all about:

• Resume summary and objective for your startup resume
• Including top skills in your startup resume
• Writing a compelling work experience section
• Listing your education in an impactful way
• Highlighting relevant projects in a dedicated “Projects” section
• Boosting your prospects with an 'Awards and achievements' section
• Formatting your resume properly
• Startup resources for job seekers
• Understanding the differences between a resume and cover letter
• Average salary and job outlook for business & financial professions

Looking for more samples? Find inspiration among  1,700+ resume samples  belonging to real people who got hired with the help of Kickresume.

1. Choose between a resume summary or objective for your startup resume

In the world of startups, the top lines of your resume play an even more critical role than in traditional corporate settings. 

While corporate recruitment mainly focuses on necessary skills, startups usually hunt for the full package — skill set, experience, personality, drive, and boldness to embrace the startup roller-coaster ride. 

This short text is your first and best chance at convincing them you bring all this and more. 

Now, you can choose to craft either a resume summary or resume objective — but which is right for you?

A resume summary is ideal when you have significant experience in the industry or role you're applying for. Imagine it as your 'elevator pitch' to potential employers, a quick snapshot of your relevant skills, achievements, and career background. 

A resume objective works best for those with limited professional experience or making career changes. It focuses less on past work and more on your current career goals and dedication to applying your set of transferable skills to the intended role.

Let's have a look at some examples...

Example of resume summary for a startup

Driven technology specialist with a 5-year track record in startup environments. Successfully launched two software products, boosting annual revenue by 70%. Led three major projects from idea to market. Expert at managing cross-functional teams and delivering ahead of schedule. Equipped with a blend of tech savviness and business acumen, ready to drive further startup success.

Example of resume objective for a startup

Proactive and adaptable professional, eager to apply my strong academic foundation in marketing and technology to the exciting startup environment. Despite limited industry experience, I have a proven record of managing social media campaigns and increasing online traction by 40% for a university project. Enthusiastic to bring my creative skills, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to a progressive startup aiming for robust growth.

If writing is not your strong suit, you can try our AI resume writer tool, which utilizes GPT-4 to help you write sections for your resume.

Try our AI Resume Writer and have your resume ready in minutes!

2. include the best hard and soft skills for your startup resume.

When it comes to your startup resume, selecting the perfect combination of hard and soft skills is crucial for standing out in the competitive startup landscape.

Hard skills showcase your technical expertise, industry knowledge, and proficiency in specific tools or technologies.

Soft skills demonstrate your interpersonal abilities, adaptability, and leadership qualities.

Striking the right balance between the two can paint a holistic picture of your capabilities and potential. So, whether it's coding wizardry, data analysis, exceptional communication, or a knack for problem-solving, carefully curate your skill set to align with the demands of the startup world.

Best hard skills for your startup resume

• Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript)
• Web and app development
• Data analysis and visualization
• Digital marketing and SEO
• Project management
• Financial modeling and analysis
• UI/UX design
• Product management
• Content creation and copywriting
• Social media management

Best soft skills to put on your startup resume

• Adaptability and flexibility
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Communication and presentation
• Leadership and initiative
• Creativity and innovation
• Time management and multitasking
• Resilience and perseverance
• Emotional intelligence
• Networking and relationship building

3. Write a compelling work experience section

The work experience section of your startup resume is your chance to showcase your accomplishments, demonstrate your impact, and highlight the value you can bring to a startup environment.

It's not just about listing job titles and responsibilities; it's about telling a compelling story of how you've made a difference in previous roles.

In the work experience section, remember to include:

• Results you've achieved
• Challenges you've overcome
• Quantifiable achievements (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, or user engagement metrics) 
• Action verbs (these are verbs like developed , implemented , or executed , which bring a level of confidence to your resume)
• Powerful adjectives 

By painting a holistic picture of your experience and emphasizing your entrepreneurial mindset, you'll make your startup resume shine and prove that you're the ideal candidate to help a startup achieve its ambitious goals.

Example of how to list your work experience in a startup resume

Sales Manager, XYZ Startup April 2019 - April 2021

• Led a high-performing sales team in driving revenue growth of 150% within the first year of operation.
• Developed and executed strategic sales plans, identifying key target markets and forging partnerships with influential clients, resulting in a 50% increase in customer base.
• Implemented a streamlined sales process, leveraging CRM tools and automation, resulting in a 30% reduction in lead-to-close time 

4. Showcase your education in an impactful way

When it comes to listing education on your startup resume , it's important to highlight relevant academic achievements that showcase your knowledge and skills.

While startups often prioritize practical experience and a proactive mindset, education still holds value and can be an asset in demonstrating your foundation in a particular field.

Include your highest level of education , such as your degree, university name, and graduation year. If you have any academic honors, such as Dean's List or scholarships, be sure to mention them.

Additionally, highlight any coursework or projects that are directly relevant to the startup industry or the position you're applying for. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

While education may not be the sole determining factor for success in a startup, it can still contribute to your overall profile and showcase your dedication to personal and professional growth.

Example of how to list education on your startup resume

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science XYZ University May 2018

Relevant Courses

• Software Development: Built several web and mobile applications using programming languages such as Java, Python, and JavaScript.
• Database Management: Designed and implemented a database system for a startup, optimizing data storage and retrieval processes.

Find out your resume score!

5. Highlight relevant projects in a dedicated “Projects” section 

A 'Projects' section not only provides concrete examples of your technical skills, it also showcases your ability to initiate, execute, and successfully complete tasks — a must-have attribute in the world of startups. 

In short, it allows you to tell your story in a way that a list of job roles may not. 

Relevancy is key — pick projects closely related to the role you're applying for. 

If you're applying for a technical role , examples of coding projects, product designs, or data analysis would be relevant. You can even include your GitHub on a resume .

If it's a creative/marketing role , you might want to include designs, marketing campaigns, content creation, etc. 

The secret is to tie these projects back to the key responsibilities and required skills of the job you're applying for. 

Each project should provide the following information: 

• The goal/task of the project
• The tools or technologies you used
• The outcome of the project. If you can, quantifying the impact of your role (e.g., "increased web traffic by 30%") will make your resume more compelling. 
• Respective links

Projects section example for a startup resume

Social Media Campaign for Local Charity (2022) 

• Successfully designed and launched a 4-month-long social media campaign to increase the charity's brand reach and fundraising. 
• Tools: Canva, Buffer, Google Analytics
• Outcome: Increased the charity's social media followers by 35%, resulting in a 20% increase in donations.
• [insert campaign URL]

E-commerce Website Development (2021)

• Constructed a user-friendly and responsive website interface for a local retail store transitioning to online sales.
• Tools: JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Shopify
• Outcome: The new platform improved user experience, leading to a 40% increase in online sales within the first three months.
• [insert website URL]

Use artificial intelligence to create your resume — FAST!

6. boost your prospects with an 'awards and achievements' section.

Adding an awards and achievements section is a great way to easily showcase your excellence. 

Here's why: It's one thing to say you're good at what you do and entirely another to show that recognized organizations have recognized your ability. 

See, some people like to say whatever they want on a resume, without it actually being the truth. However, if you have tangible proof of your excellence, you're providing tangible proof of your skills , resilience, and high performance — qualities every startup craves.

For a tech job, coding competition or tech innovation awards will allow you to flaunt your skills. For a marketing job, successful campaigns or writing competition wins echo your creativity and impact. 

What to list in your "Awards and achievements" section?

• The award or achievement name
• Who awarded it (eg., name of institution)
• The year you earned it
• Description of the purpose of the award / what you did to earn it

Example awards and achievements entries

First Place in Data Science Competition

• Awarded by: TechFest 2021 Organizing Committee 
• Date: June 2021
• Led a team to design an algorithm using machine learning to streamline supply chain processes.

Top prize at Meta Content Creation Contest

• Awarded by: Meta
• Date: November 2020
• Crafted a digital marketing campaign for a local business that increased their online visibility by 50%.

7. Nail the presentation with a stellar format and design

You've got the content, now it's time to make it shine. 

Here's the thing — your resume's format isn’t just about creating a visual treat. It's about ensuring that the right information gets noticed and remembered. 

It aids readability, helps emphasize your strongest points, and ultimately makes your application more effective.

For a startup resume, go with:

• Combination resume format. As the name suggests, it combines both chronological and functional resume formats . By highlighting your skills at the beginning, you draw attention to your abilities right off the bat. Follow this up with a chronological listing of your work experience to cement your credentials and gives weight to your listed skills. 
• Color scheme. Choose a professional color scheme that matches the tone of the startup (it adds a nice touch). Vibrant startups might appreciate a splash of color, while more conservative ones may prefer a traditional black & white resume.
• Template. If you choose one of our Kickresume templates, we suggest Ladder or Red . These templates have a great visual separation of chapters and offer many color combinations. Red is particularly suited for making your skills section pop.

If you can't be bothered with formatting, our resume builder takes care of it for you, plus it gives your letter a stunning design. 

8. Understand the differences between a resume and a cover letter

While both resumes and cover letters play a crucial role in your job application, they each serve different functions and should be approached accordingly. 

A resume provides a concise summary of your educational background, work history, and skills. It is typically more factual and direct, focusing on your qualifications and experiences.Resumes require specific formatting, typically with bullet points under each section.

A cover letter , on the other hand, is your opportunity to tell your professional story. It provides context for your resume, enabling you to delve into specific experiences and explain how they’ve prepared you for the potential role.

Cover letters can (and should) be tailored to each specific job application, showing how you are a fit for this particular role and the company.

While they have distinct purposes, both your resume and cover letter should weave together to present a comprehensive picture of your professional persona. Creating synergy between the two is your ticket to catching the hiring manager's attention.

9. Average salary and job outlook for business & financial professions

For those considering a career path in business and financial professions, the forecast is encouraging. Based on the most recent data, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS ) projects overall employment in this sector to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.

This robust growth means that job opportunities in this industry abound. An estimated 911,400 openings are projected annually on average in these fields.

Financial rewards in this profession are also relatively high. As of May 2022, the median annual wage in business and financial occupations reached $76,850 . This salary is considerably higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, which stood at $46,310. 

With a healthy job outlook and attractive salary, business and startup professionals certainly hold a lot of promise for aspirants in the coming years.

10. Startup resources for job seekers

Startups present unique opportunities and challenges. Therefore, equipping yourself with the right tools and resources can give your startup job hunt a competitive edge. Here's a list of useful resources to aid your startup job search:

• AngelList: This is a top platform for startups, where they post job listings frequently. It offers in-depth information about potential employers. 
• Startupers: An exclusive job board for startup opportunities. It's an easy-to-use platform with diverse job listings.
• CrunchBoard: This is the official job board of TechCrunch , a leading technology media platform. It's rich with tech-oriented startup job listings.
• LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to network with startup founders and employees, and to discover new job opportunities.
• VentureLoop: VentureLoop works with venture capital firms to list portfolio job postings. It's an insider resource for job seekers interested in startup careers.
• Learn: It's important to continuously upgrade your skills and knowledge. Websites such as Coursera can help with obtaining relevant skills sought by startups.
• Startup networking events and meetups: Attending industry-specific startup events, seminars, or meetups can provide fantastic networking opportunities. These get-togethers, often listed on platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup , allow you to connect face-to-face with startup founders and like-minded professionals, gain insights about the industry, and possibly even meet your future employer!

Remember, the startup world can offer a dynamic and challenging work environment, fostering accelerated learning and growth. These resources will put you in the driver's seat when hunting for startup jobs.

Key takeaways: Startup resume

To sum everything up, here's how you turn youn average resume into one that scores you a job in an exciting start-up in 7 steps:

• Write either a compelling resume summary or objective, depending on your experience level for the specific role
• Include the best hard and soft skills for your startup resume.
• Make your startup resume shine with a compelling work experience section containing powerful action verbs. 
• Showcase your education in an impactful way by highlighting relevant coursework and projects.
• Highlight relevant projects in a dedicated "Projects" section and include the URLs.
• Boost your prospects with an "Awards and achievements" section to provide tangible proof of your skills.
• Nail the presentation with a combination resume format and a design that matches the start-up energy.
• It’s always beneficial to take advantage of various resources. These may include job listing websites specifically catered to startup positions, networking events focused on the startup community, and educational materials to improve skills relevant to startup culture.

Startup Resume FAQ

Should a startup resume be innovative and unconventional.

While creativity can be appreciated in many startup environments, it's crucial that your resume remains professional and easy to understand. Keep it simple, clear, and focused on your most relevant skills and experiences.

Is it necessary to use startup-specific jargon on my resume?

It's beneficial to show that you understand the startup industry. However, avoid using buzzwords or jargon excessively, and make sure that your experiences and skills can be understood by anyone reading your resume.

How long should my startup resume be?

Typically, a resume should be one to two pages long. For those targeting a startup job, it can be beneficial to keep it on the shorter side, highlighting only the most relevant skills and experiences, as startup recruiters are often pressed for time. 

Should I include my failures or unsuccessful ventures in my startup resume?

The startup industry recognizes that failures are part of the learning curve, so it's not necessarily a drawback to include such experiences. Instead, emphasize the lessons you learned and how they made you a better professional.

How can I show that I'm adaptable and flexible, which is often required in a startup environment?

Highlight experiences where you have taken on multiple roles or adapted to changing situations quickly. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to learn new skills on the job or handle unexpected challenges.

Klára Červeňanská

Klara recently graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she got an opportunity to write full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

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• Business Development
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• Procurement

All startup resume examples

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How to Include Startup Experience on Your Resume

Having startup experience on your resume can show potential employers that you’re a go-getter and a problem-solver.

But how do you make sure it stands out?

I’ve got some tips to help you showcase your startup experience in the best light possible.

Let’s dive in!

Highlight Relevant Skills

When it comes to including your startup experience on your resume, it’s all about showing off the relevant skills you developed while working there.

Think about what skills you honed while working at the startup and make sure to highlight them on your resume.

For example, if you worked on a small team and had to wear a lot of different hats, make sure to highlight your flexibility and adaptability .

If you had to work under tight deadlines, emphasize your ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure.

The key is to make the connection between the skills you developed and how they’ll benefit your future employer.

Quantify Your Accomplishments

When it comes to your startup experience, it’s important to quantify your accomplishments as much as possible. Numbers help to give context and make your achievements more tangible.

So, if you were able to increase sales by a certain percentage or bring on a certain number of new customers, make sure to include those numbers on your resume. This will help potential employers to better understand the impact you had at your previous startup.

Not only does quantifying your accomplishments make them more impressive, but it also helps to paint a clearer picture of your skills and experience.

So, don’t be afraid to get specific and let your achievements speak for themselves!

Showcase Your Passion for Startups

When you’re including your startup experience on your resume, it’s important to show that you’re passionate about startups and the work you did there.

Employers want to see that you have a genuine interest in this type of work and that you’re not just using it as a stepping stone to something else.

One way to showcase your passion for startups is to include any relevant extracurricular activities or projects you’ve worked on.

For example, if you’re a member of a startup accelerator or have attended any startup-related events, make sure to include those on your resume. This shows that you’re actively involved in the startup community and are committed to growing your skills and experience in this field.

Another way to demonstrate your passion is to highlight any projects you worked on that you’re particularly proud of.

Talk about what you learned and how you contributed to the success of the project. This not only shows your passion for startups but also your problem-solving abilities and dedication to your work.

Showcase the Impact of Your Work

One of the biggest reasons to include your startup experience on your resume is to show the impact of your work.

Employers want to see that you’re not just putting in time but that you’re making a real difference in the companies you work for. So, when it comes to showcasing your startup experience, make sure to focus on the impact you made.

Think about what problems you solved, what challenges you overcame, and what you accomplished while at the startup. Was there an issue with the product that you helped fix? Did you help the company reach a new market?

Make sure to highlight these types of accomplishments on your resume.

The goal is to demonstrate how your time at the startup has made you a valuable addition to any team. So, make sure to showcase the impact of your work and how it has helped the company grow and succeed.

Highlight Your Transferable Skills

While your startup experience is unique, it’s important to also highlight the transferable skills you’ve developed while working there.

These are skills that are valuable in a variety of different industries and can make you a more competitive candidate for a variety of positions.

For example, working at a startup often requires you to wear many hats and be able to handle a variety of tasks. So, make sure to highlight your versatility and ability to adapt to new challenges.

Were you able to successfully manage multiple projects at once? Did you take on new responsibilities outside of your job description? Make sure to highlight these types of achievements on your resume.

Additionally, startups often require employees to work in fast-paced environments, which can help you develop strong time management and delegation skills .

Did you have to meet tight deadlines while at the startup? Did you have to balance multiple responsibilities at once?

Make sure to showcase these skills as well.

Overall, the goal is to show how your time at the startup has helped you develop valuable skills that are in high demand across many industries.

Emphasize Your Leadership Experience

If you held a leadership role at your startup, make sure to emphasize this experience on your resume.

Startups often require employees to take on more responsibilities and make decisions that can impact the entire company. As a result, you may have developed strong leadership skills that can set you apart from other candidates.

When highlighting your leadership experience, make sure to focus on the specific responsibilities you held and how you helped the company succeed.

Did you manage a team of employees? Did you make important strategic decisions that impacted the company’s success?

These are the types of achievements you should highlight on your resume.

Additionally, make sure to showcase your ability to collaborate and work effectively with others. Startups often require employees to work closely with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, partners, and investors.

So, make sure to emphasize your ability to build strong relationships and work as part of a team .

Overall, your leadership experience can help demonstrate your ability to take on new challenges and succeed in a fast-paced environment.

Showcase Your Entrepreneurial Spirit

Working at a startup can help you develop a unique entrepreneurial spirit that sets you apart from other candidates. Make sure to showcase this spirit on your resume and highlight how it can benefit a potential employer.

For example, startups often require employees to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to difficult problems . So, make sure to highlight your ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions.

Additionally, working at a startup can also help you develop a strong sense of ownership and accountability . You may have had to make decisions that directly impacted the company’s success.

So, make sure to showcase your ability to take ownership and be accountable for your actions.

In short, your entrepreneurial spirit can demonstrate your ability to think creatively, take ownership, and succeed in a fast-paced environment.

The Bottom Line

Including your startup experience on your resume can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your ability to succeed in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Make sure to highlight your specific responsibilities, achievements, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial spirit.

By doing so, you can showcase the valuable skills and experiences you gained while working at a startup and demonstrate why you would be an asset to any company.

So, take the time to carefully craft your resume and highlight your startup experience in the best possible way.

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Applying at Startups? This is the Resume You Need

Whether you’re applying at startups or using your startup experience to leverage a new job offer, here’s how to write the perfect startup resume.

a year ago   •   6 min read

The startup industry is a competitive field with its own culture — including what recruiters are looking for in your resume. Whether you’re trying to break into the field or have extensive startup experience under your belt, your resume needs to be a clear reflection of who you are — and who startups need you to be.

In this guide, we’ll cover exactly what your startup resume should look like, from how to slide in keywords like you’re not even trying to how to prove you have soft skills like adaptability , creativity , and a willingness to take on multiple roles that are essential to succeeding at a startup.

But first, let’s look at an example of what we’re talking about.

Sample resume with startup experience

Here’s a sample resume that does a great job of showcasing startup experience.

You can jump right in by downloading this template from our resume templates page, or keep reading to learn how to craft your own.

How to include working at a startup on a resume

Whether you’re applying at startups or aiming to use your startup experience to pivot to a larger company, having startup experience looks great on a resume. We’ll discuss the “why” in a little more detail below, but here’s the “how.”

• Start with a simple resume format, like the one above. Unless you’re applying for executive roles, keep your resume to one page.
• Start with a resume title and summary. This is optional, but recommended if you’re going from a startup to a larger company (or vice versa) or if you’re changing careers.
• Always lead with your work experience section unless you have none. List your previous roles in reverse chronological order — that is, with your current or most recent position at the top.
• Don’t neglect internships. Counterintuitively, startups often care more about big names than other companies, so even if you briefly interned at a well-known company, it may be worth mentioning it somewhere.
• Include the name of the company, your title, and the dates you worked. If you ran your own startup or filled more than one role at a time, choose a title that accurately reflects what you did and is relevant to the positions you’re applying for now.
• Be specific about your accomplishments. Startups, even more than larger companies, need people who can get things done, so your bullet points should focus on exactly what you did and what the result was.
• Briefly list your education and other qualifications. Degrees or other certifications in business, marketing, and technology are particularly relevant to startups, as are shorter, skills-based courses.
• Highlight any personal, volunteer, or educational projects that show relevant hard (or soft) skills. You don’t need to have founded your own startup to show entrepreneurship — even smaller projects can help.
• Include technical skills and other keywords in an easy-to-skim section at the end. Using subheadings here can help break down exactly what skills you bring to the table.
• Finished? Before you hit “apply,” quickly run your resume through a free ATS resume scanner for last-minute tips.

Keep reading as we break down the steps above and look at some more examples.

Highlighting startup experience on a resume

Not all startup experiences look alike, but they should all have a few things in common on your resume. Here are the main things to keep in mind when writing a startup resume.

Start with an action verb

Startups need employees who can get things done. Starting with an action verb keeps the focus squarely on what you achieved in previous roles — and what you can do in the next one. Choose action verbs that align with the qualities or skills you want to emphasize, such as:

• Transformed
• Spearheaded

Focus on specific tasks

In a lot of startups, your role may not be as clearly defined as it would be in a larger company — which is why it’s important for you to define exactly what you did. You don’t need to stick to what your main responsibilities were or what your job title implies that you did — instead, choose 3-6 accomplishments that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for now and focus on those.

For example:

• If you were a graphic designer but you’re applying for jobs in marketing or brand management, talk about the logo you designed as part of a company-wide rebranding campaign.
• If you were officially an administrative assistant but you also planned events or were the go-to person for exhibitors at a company fair, you can focus on those tasks if they’re more relevant to your new career path and leave out the more mundane tasks like sending emails and answering phones.
• If you worked at (or founded) a small startup and did a little bit of everything, hone in on the tasks that are most similar to what you’ll be doing next, whether that’s relationship management, accounting, or software development.

I recommend uploading your resume to the tool below — it’ll help you determine whether you’ve included the right accomplishments and skills for the startup job you’re interested in. The tool also scans your resume for mistakes and provides personalized suggestions for improvement.

Include concrete metrics

The best way to prove that you can get the job done is by letting the results speak for themselves. Focus on metrics like:

• How much revenue you generated or money you saved
• How many investors you secured or capital you raised
• How many projects you successfully completed or how quickly you got things done
• The size of the team(s) you led
• The budget you worked with
• The number of followers you engaged on social media

Managed a portfolio of Fortune 500 companies and 1.4K clients in the food, healthcare, and entertainment industries.

Launched 7 brand initiatives that delivered $45M in NPV and $91M in revenue (representing +12 % brand growth).

Created 17 complex software applications using Spark SQL, Scala, Hadoop, and Sqoop tools for 700 clients and adhered to software development release processes.

Key skills for startup resumes

The nature of startups means that they’re looking for specific transferable skills — the kind that mean you’ll be able to get up to speed quickly and do what needs to be done. Use your resume bullets to talk about how you demonstrated qualities like:

• Adaptability. Startups often need to pivot or change direction quickly, so mention a time when you quickly adapted to a new software tool or worked with a new team.
• Creativity. Startups need to come up with innovative solutions to problems, so mention a time when you came up with an innovative marketing campaign or suggested an outside-the-box solution that actually worked.
• Ability to hit the ground running. Things move fast in startups, so mention accomplishments or milestones that you hit within your first month or two in a new role. Startups often have lean teams and require employees to wear multiple hats, so mention a time when you helped out with tasks outside of your job description.
• Growth mindset. A growth mindset demonstrates a willingness to learn, adapt, and improve — important things at any company, but absolutely essential in startups. Mention a time when you learned a new skill to better perform your job, sought feedback to improve a project, or overcame a challenge (like a technical issue, a difficult client, or a tight deadline).
• Entrepreneurship. Even if you haven’t founded your own company, startups want people who share in their entrepreneurial spirit — people who are willing to take risks, to think outside the box, and to pursue new opportunities. Mention a time when you took the initiative to create a new product, process, or system, or a time when you implemented an innovative idea that had a positive impact on the company or product.

You should also aim to include enough hard skills and relevant keywords for the startup role you're applying for. Use the skills search tool below to find the right ones.

Does working for a startup look good on a resume?

Yes, startup experience looks good on a resume. Working for a startup allows you to gain experience in different roles and industries, where you’ll often be expected to work miracles with limited resources — which can be both a positive and a negative.

If you’re familiar with both sides of working for a startup, you can use the negatives to accentuate the positives — for example, getting things done with limited resources demonstrates resourcefulness and a can-do attitude, while overcoming the inherent instability of many startups shows that you’re adaptable, resilient, and not afraid of a challenge.

Key takeaways

These are the keys to writing a startup resume​​:

• Be clear about what you accomplished by focusing on specific tasks or projects and including positive results.
• Highlight in-demand transferable skills by including concrete examples of times when you demonstrated qualities like creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to take on multiple roles.
• Your resume is your opportunity to brand yourself, so try emphasizing core startup principles like growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Next steps: After following the tips above to create a winning startup resume, try reaching out to an industry mentor or networking with people in the startup industry. Use our networking email templates to get you started.
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• Career Development

Entrepreneur Resume Sample & Guide (2024 Update)

10 min read

If you’ve owned your own business and now find yourself returning to the workforce, there are certain things you need to do to maximize your odds of landing a great job. Of course, creating a great resume is at or near the top of that list.

Most entrepreneurs are uncertain about how to include their entrepreneurial skills within their resume. Sure, you’ve undoubtedly developed and used skills as a business owner that would provide great benefits in any company setting. But how do you convey those skills to an employer without scaring them away?

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. In the following guide, we have the 10 steps you need to write a good resume after being a business owner or entrepreneur. As if that wasn’t enough, we’ve also got a stellar example of an ATS-compliant resume.

10 tips on writing a resume after being an entrepreneur 

If you’ve had a business before now, you may be concerned that it will hold you back in the working world. However, you needn’t worry. Starting a business requires a diverse skill set and an enormous amount of drive. Hiring managers are well aware of that fact. So long as you position your entrepreneur resume correctly, you will be certain to win them over. 

Chances are, it’s been a while since you last wrote a resume. You may not have a clue where to start when it comes to putting pen to paper. Here at ZipJob, we have the advice that you need to create an interview-winning application. Follow our expert tips below. 

1. Familiarize yourself with the resume layout 

First, you need to make sure that you’re clued up when it comes to the layout of an entrepreneur's resume. There’s a standard format that hiring managers expect to see when they are reviewing applications. Nail that, and you’ve done half of the job already. 

You need to include the following sections (typically in this exact order): resume header, professional summary, core competencies (e.g., skills), work experience, and education. 

These elements make up the basic structure of a resume, but it doesn’t have to end there. You can include additional sections – such as volunteer experience, freelance work, and activities – to bolster your application. Whenever you are considering including a specific section, ask yourself whether it adds real value to your entrepreneur resume first. 

2. Select the right format for the job

Did you know that there is more than one resume format you can use? You are likely familiar with the standard approach. That is the reverse chronological format. For this structure, you start with your most recent job positions and qualifications and work your way back in time. In most cases, this format works well and efficiently highlights a candidate’s expertise. 

However, it is by no means the only option. As an entrepreneur, your professional life will have been anything but linear. For example, you may have hopped from startup to startup, supplementing your income with freelance work or other gigs along the way. 

If that’s the case, you might find that using a functional resume format is the best way to accurately showcase the lessons you’ve learned. This approach puts the spotlight on your talents and expertise while your work experience takes something of a back seat. 

Of course, there may be times when you want to fuse both a reverse chronological format and a functional format, using elements of both. This approach is known as a hybrid resume format and can work well if you have had a nontraditional career before now. 

Take the time to decide which resume format works for you. Every entrepreneur has a unique journey, and so there’s no cookie-cutter solution. Figure out which of the available formats best conveys your value to the hiring manager. You might want to try out a couple of the approaches and see which one is right for your job search. 

Looking for some more inspiration? View 200+ more professional resume samples for all industries, along with a free template and expert-backed writing guides. 

3. Focus on your (selective) achievements

We won’t beat around the bush. Writing a compelling business owner’s resume can be challenging, but you can create a truly stellar document by focusing on the things that matter , namely, filing your resume with notable experiences and achievements. 

Hiring managers are less interested in where you’ve come from than in what you did while you were there. Learn as much as you can about the company you want to work for and identify its most pressing concerns. You can then use your resume to describe achievements that addressed similar problems in the past.

For example, 

Is the company having problems with decreased sales? 

Is it experiencing an unusually high level of turnover? 

Is it perhaps confronted with a company culture that is creating a negative atmosphere for employees?

If you had success growing sales at your own company or proven expertise in team-building, you can highlight examples of those achievements in your business owner resume. The goal is for the employers to recognize that you’re the solution to whatever problems their company is trying to solve.

4. Showcase the valuable lessons learned as a business owner

Starting a business is far from easy – and don’t you know it? If you’ve built something from the ground up, talk about what you learned along the way on your entrepreneur resume. 

Demonstrate your ability to learn and adapt to new situations and challenges. Describe specific problems that you encountered, how you resolved them, and how that impacted your future strategies. While companies are focused on ensuring that employees can follow directions, they also want innovators and people with leadership skills. The hiring manager needs to know that you’re a problem-solver and someone who learns from every experience.

When sharing your accolades, make sure that you are clear and concise. The hiring manager only has a matter of seconds to determine whether you may be the right fit for the position. Put simply, they don’t have the time to read long, meandering sentences. When detailing your business experiences, keep them short and to the point. That way, the reader can quickly and easily gain the information that they need from your entrepreneur resume.

Try using the STAR method on your resume!  

Everything you write needs to make a strong point. To help you avoid writing unnecessary sentences, you can use the STAR method. That means that you outline the Situation and Task you needed to complete, followed by the Action you took and the Result .

5. Describe your achievements using quantifiable numbers

When you’re describing accomplishments, use hard numbers to demonstrate real value. You want to paint a picture in the reader’s mind, so the hiring managers can easily imagine you adding that sort of value to their company if they hire you. For example:

Designed and executed customer acquisition strategy that increased daily customers by 20%

Implemented sales strategy that increased monthly sales by $100,000

Launched customer appreciation bonus plan that increased client retention by 80% in six months

Quantifying your experiences gives them color. Since the hiring manager won’t be able to speak to a former boss (as that’s you!), they need evidence of your work. The more facts you include when making bold claims, the stronger your application will be. It’s all about giving the reader verifiable evidence of your experiences up until this point.

6. Emphasize your teamwork skills 

Your ability to work as part of a team is critical in pretty much any role. If you want to be taken seriously, your business owner resume must emphasize your teamwork skills. Should the hiring manager have any concern that you won’t gel with the wider company, now is the time to dispel that. 

You can do so by discussing projects and strategies in your own company that saw you work with others to achieve common goals. Those efforts may have been in collaboration with clients or your own employees. The important thing is that you convey to the hiring manager that you are a real team player.

7. Highlight how you progressed over time

Your company didn’t just magically achieve success overnight – if at all. It’s most likely that you started with limited success and small sales or projects and progressed to larger deals as time went on. As your business grew and developed, your own responsibilities and role almost certainly grew as well.

Your entrepreneur resume should include challenges that you encountered at different stages of your growth. Describe the actions that you took to address those challenges and the results that those actions achieved. This will showcase your ability to take on more responsibility and greater challenges in any job role.

8. Make a statement in your summary 

You need a powerful summary statement at the beginning of your resume. This short blurb about you tends to be one of the first things that people read. You only have around three to five sentences to play with, so you need to make them count. Lead with your biggest achievement to date and, if possible, quantify it. This approach means that the hiring manager will instantly understand what value you could bring to this new position. 

The wording that you choose here matters greatly. You need to make a real statement and stand out from the crowd. As you craft this short, yet compelling, paragraph about your professional life, make sure that you are using powerful action verbs and interesting language. 

9. Include the right keywords 

Before the hiring manager reads your entrepreneur resume, it needs to get past the Applicant Tracking System, or ATS . The software scans incoming applications to see how well they each meet the criteria of the vacancy. You can increase your chances of beating the bots by including the right keywords and phrases in your document. To do so, go back to the original job advert and take a look for any industry-specific words. Using these in your resume could make all the difference when it comes to whether you land that interview. 

10. Proofread, proofread, proofread

By this point, you may feel prepared to write and submit a stellar entrepreneur resume. However, there is one last thing that you need to consider. That is, proofreading. Spelling mistakes or grammatical errors will be looked upon poorly by the hiring manager. You don’t want to destroy your chances by failing to do this final thing. With that in mind, make sure that you reread your resume before you send it off to a prospective employer. You can also use a program, such as Grammarly , to double-check your resume content too.

Bonus: don’t forget to cover the basics

Our 10 tips can help you focus on the right elements while you create your entrepreneur resume. However, it’s important that you cover all the basic elements as well. That means reading your entrepreneur resume and making sure that everything is on point. Check the dates, the names of companies, and ensure that everything is correct. 

ATS-compliant entrepreneur resume example

Ready to get started on your next application? You’ve come to the right place. Take a look at our ATS-compliant entrepreneur resume example below: 

Tricky but doable

Creating an entrepreneur resume can be tricky. However, as a former business owner, you most certainly have the expertise that will blow the hiring manager away. By focusing on your skills and achievements, de-emphasizing your role as a company owner, and talking about your desire to work with a team once again, you can land more interviews and make the right impression on hiring managers. 

Make sure that your application is hitting the mark by using our free resume review tool . Find out what changes you could make to supercharge your next application. 

Recommended reading: 

How To Include A Failed Startup On Your Resume (+ Example)

Small Business Owner Resume (+ Example)

How to Add LinkedIn to Your Resume (+ Key Examples)

Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer, Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer

Charlotte Grainger is a freelance writer living and working in Sheffield, UK. She has a passion for career development and loves sharing tips and advice. Follow her on Twitter

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How to Put Startup Experience on Resume

Professional researchers from Zety confirmed in one of their studies , “Every job offer attracts around 250 resumes on average. Between 4 and 6 people get the interview invitation and only 1 person on average gets the job”. The question is – will you be that person?

Do you have some entrepreneurial experience? It doesn’t matter if your business was effective or not, putting a startup on a resume can raise your chances of getting a job. Many people do not do that as they consider that startup experience does not count as work experience.

Leveraging your startup experience in your CV can give you a competitive edge. For those in the tech industry, crafting a CV for professional engineer positions requires finesse. Our guide will equip you with valuable insights and tips to build an impressive CV that speaks volumes about your skills and experience.

However, you should highlight everything that confirms your expertise and describes your personality.

Unfortunately, just like for everything in life, there are certain exceptions. That is the reason why we invite you to read this article until the very end and learn how to put the startup on your resume. Let’s go!

Should I Put Startup Experience on My Resume?

You could probably understand from the intro of this article that putting startup experience on a resume is a good choice. The same rule counts in case you failed to become a successful entrepreneur. Employers are aware that 90% of startups fail, so they would not consider that as your shortcoming.

Many people do not know how to put a failed startup on a resume. It is pretty simple – you should try to turn the negative outcome into an advantage. Having enough courage to become a startup owner confirms that you are a true leader that possesses good critical thinking skills and creativity.

That is the reason why you should describe the tasks you were handling while running your startup and confirm your expertise. Check out the example below.

Source: workshiphq.com

Are There Certain Moments When I Should Not Put Startup Experience?

Indeed, there are certain scenarios when you should not include startup experience in your resume. For starters, do not do that if your business is still active. The employer may believe that you are only trying to get certain money for a couple of months. After you manage to improve the performance of your business, you could potentially leave.

If you were an entrepreneur, then you know that no one wants to hire new employees that quickly. Hiring new people, again and again, is an expensive and time-consuming obligation.

Also, you should not put startup experience on your resume in case you ran a company in the same niche. Some employers may think that you only want to gain additional knowledge and improve your skills. That would mean that he or she is training someone who can become a direct competitor one day. Would you have the desire to hire someone like that?

Now that we made everything clear, the next thing you probably want to know is how to add startup to your resume. Answering that question requires in-depth analysis. Let’s find out some useful tips together and help you write a startup resume appropriately!

How to List Startup on Resume?

Can you put startup experience on your resume? Yes. However, another concern that you will probably have is how to do that properly. The entire process is not as tough as you think, but you will need to go through a couple of stages to reach the final goal.

Start with the Basics!

Starting with the basics is the first useful piece of advice you should apply. Start with your first and last name, add your role in your previous business, and how long you successfully ran the startup.

Speaking of the role, it is going to be enough to say that you were a founder, co-founder, or CEO. You can start this section like in the sample below.

Source: Resumekraft.com

Now Highlight All the Relevant Points

Writing the entire history of your startup is going to be unnecessary. The development process is not something that hiring managers want to know. They only want to know more information about the tasks you handled while you were working and your work experience.

Before we move to the main point, there is another thing that we have to say. You do not even have to mention the reason why your business failed. That is another piece of information that is going to be irrelevant to the potential employer.

If you highlight all the good things that you have done in the past, the hiring manager will know what your expertise is. He or she would potentially assume that lack of entrepreneurial experience is the main reason why you failed.

So, what exactly should you talk about here? First of all, you need to remain realistic and talk only about facts. Writing things like “I worked hard on my goals” or “It was not a problem to stay in the office 20 hours a day” is useless. Let’s focus on another example of a startup resume and analyze it together.

Source: blog.penelopetrunk.com

  The document above is a good example of how to put startup experience on a resume. As you see, this candidate didn’t even hesitate to mention that he tried to become a business owner three times in only 14 years. However, the candidate did not mention the reasons why his business field. Instead of that, he turned his failure into an advantage!

For instance, mentioning the amount of money you raised on the investors is a pretty good thing. That piece of information only confirms that you truly possess certain skills.

On the other hand, don’t forget to mention the collaborations you established as a startup owner. That confirms your communication and negotiating skills are at the highest level.

Additionally, you can talk about the skills that were necessary to complete the tasks you had. You can also talk about the rewards you managed to earn as a business owner. If you have a copy of a certain certificate, you can apply that together with your resume.

Everything Else Can Be Written In a Cover Letter

As you could see, all the relevant points were short. In case you want to add something, your resume is not the right place to do that. Write a cover letter where you can say a few more words about your achievements, skills, and tasks.

Once again, do not talk about the entire history of your business, and do not mention the reason why you failed. These are all irrelevant pieces of information!

Key Takeaway

After reading the previous part of the article, you will probably understand how to list startups on the resume. Talk only about the positive side of your startup experience and focus on your skills and achievements. However, before we end this part, there are a couple of things that every candidate should know.

What Do Startups Want?

The young entrepreneur council published a useful article on Forbes for all job seekers. They said – “Startup owners appreciate six different qualities such as willingness to take risks, adaptability, and others”.

However, when you closer, there is a simple answer to this question – startup owners want someone who they can trust. Find here how to add side projects to your resume.

So, what exactly does that means? For starters, your entrepreneurial experience can mean a lot to them. That sort of experience doesn’t only confirm your expertise; it also confirms your personality. You will be the type of person that can adapt to different challenges, take the risks when necessary, etc.

What Can You Do to Make Startup Want You?

No one says that you need to highlight everything you did in your previous startup. Knowing how to add a startup to a resume won’t mean a lot if you do not know which information is relevant for the potential employer.

However, to know which points are good, you will have to research the company before applying for a job.

You should primarily check their website and try to figure out their core values. It is also good for you to know whether you possess the personality that will help you adapt to a new team easily.

After you do that, try to prove through your cover letter that you are ready to take responsibility and cover all the gaps that your future company has. Check out closely which skills you can offer to help them out. Read more here about a resume with entrepreneurial experience.

What Do Startup Companies Want in Resumes?

They do not want confusing phrases and terms, that’s for sure! The resume needs to be clear for the person that reads it. Many candidates would try to prove their expertise by using professional terms and phrases throughout the cover letter and resume.

Instead of that, startup companies want to see proof of expertise. The CEO or hiring managers do not necessarily have to be familiar with the tasks you handle.

Because of that, your work experience and entrepreneurial experience (achievements and rewards) would be a lot more interesting to them.

How to Put a Family Business On Your Resume?

The simplest way to answer this question is – don’t overthink it. Use all the previous tips that we provided you with. Talk about the tasks that you handled, the achievements you had with your family business (if there are any), etc.

The example below is the way how you should do it. You will see there are big differences from the basic startup resume.

Source: online.resumehelp.com

However, don’t forget that a family business on a resume won’t always be a reliable reference for the employer. Instead of mentioning your parents, aunts, and cousins, you should say a couple of words about the clients or suppliers that your family business collaborated with.

If the employer wants to find out more about your entrepreneurial experience, he/she will have the opportunity to get more information from the people you worked with.

You now know how to list startup experience on your resume. As we said, it doesn’t matter if you managed to expand your business or you failed after a year or two.

A more relevant fact for the potential employer is the tasks you handled and the achievements you had as an entrepreneur. Your entrepreneurial experience is going to say a lot about your habits, personality, and way of thinking.

Do not write confusing phrases and long stories in your resume. Make a bullet list with all the relevant facts about your experience and keep it simple. Do not do that only if your business is still active or you worked in the same industry as your future employer.

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Startup Founder Resume

Startup Founder Resume Example & Tips for 2023

If you're reading this, you're probably on a mission to craft the perfect resume that'll catch the eye of a dynamic, fast-paced startup. You've come to the right place. In this guide, we're going to dive into the world of startup resumes, with real-life examples and expert tips to help you stand out in the world of innovation and disruption.

Here’s we’ll cover when writing a resume fit for a startup found:

• Include experience in startups
• Highlight startup-specific skills
• Populate with ATS keywords
• Discuss impactful achievements
• Include a tailored resume summary
• Mention any networks and connections
• Share your side projects

How to Create a Founder Resume 

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur with multiple successful ventures under your belt or a budding startup enthusiast looking to make your mark, one thing remains constant: the need to effectively communicate your entrepreneurial journey and accomplishments. That's where a well-crafted founder resume comes into play. It's not just a traditional CV; it's your entrepreneurial narrative, a story of challenges conquered and successes achieved.

We'll explore the art of crafting a founder or co-founder resume that not only showcases your unique journey but also positions you as a compelling candidate for future entrepreneurial endeavors, partnerships, or investment opportunities.

1. A Tailored Resume Summary 

In a competitive field like Startup Founder, hiring managers sometimes review hundreds of applications for a single position. Writing a resume that stands out is difficult, so solve that problem by including a compelling introduction for your resume. Begin your resume with a resume objective, which is a 2–3 sentence paragraph about your job-relevant skills and career goals.

         CEO & Founder with 8 years of experience in Design, Business development, Marketing. Designed and developed the Rezi platform over a period of 8 years to enable cross-functional teams to collaborate seamlessly. Successfully won 4,220,000 new customers by developing a corporate strategy to achieve aggressive growth goals.

           CEO & Founder at Rezi with 7 years of experience in business development, product development, marketing, and sales. Started the company in 2013 with $5K. Company valuation is now $5B. Oversaw 2.1M new user acquisition in the last quarter. Leading a 70-person team.

          CEO & Founder of Rezi with 12 years of experience in business strategy and web content. Proven ability to create and test new revenue models and business models. Successful track record of working in an entrepreneurial environment, developing products, and guiding product development from conception to launch.

You can read more about how to create a resume summary with artificial intelligence here.

2. Your Relevant Professional Experience 

Employers will want to know what you’ve done in your previous job position to get insight into your skills and expertise. Knowing what you’re familiar with will help them make a decision and to see if you’re more of a good fit compared to the other applicants.

However, you should also be including any positive results you’ve accomplished on your founder cv.

3. Business Certifications

Emphasize your credentials. Include mention of all Important Skills for Business Jobs , Professional Certified Marketer(PCM), IT Information Library foundations Certification(ITL), Certified Scrum Product Owner(CSPO), Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, MBA or other Business methods or processes.

4. Skills for a Startup Founder Resume

We suggest adding the categorized skills section at the end of your resume. Be sure to include those that are specifically mentioned in the job ad; these are the most important “keywords” that will help rank your resume highly when it is scanned by an automated applicant tracking system during its first round of review.

Hard skills usually include transferable abilities with software, tools and or other professional resources. But don’t forget to include soft skills like teamwork and communication skills, which are necessary to coordinate with an agency, designers, marketing people, business owners and clients. 

Here are more key hard and soft skills that look great on a Startup Founder resume:

Hard skills to consider

• Business programs: Business development, Web content, Web design, Business Strategy, Pricing Strategy, Marketing, SEO, Blog, SEA, Facebook, CRM, Email, SMS, Instagram, HTML
• Industry credentials: Professional Certified Marketer(PCM), IT Information Library foundations Certification(ITL), Certified Scrum Product Owner(CSPO), Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, MBA 

Soft skills to consider

• Communication
• Responsibilities and Organizational
• Multi tasking
• Writing skills
• Time management

5. Formatting a Startup Experience on Resumes

Reverse chronological structure: Recent experience first

Reverse chronological resume is the most popular which almost all job seekers should be using. This format means listing out the most recent and relevant things first. It starts with the most recent timeline and you work your way backward, e.g. the latest job position comes first in your work experience section, not the oldest. Structuring your resume this way makes your career timeline more established. 

Startup Founder Resume Length

Stick to 1 page.

Most Startup founders have found that their best shot at landing an offer is by having a one or two-page resume. This includes a collection of sections that cover relevant past experiences. Your resume should be no longer than three pages. The risk of going beyond two pages is including irrelevant content that could distract from your qualifications.

6. Avoid Common Startup Founder Resume Format Mistakes

1. Resumes must include as much content as possible.

2. Uniform and labeled section headers

When it comes to creating an ATS-optimized resume, it’s good to know how it will be read by the software. Like most human readers, the ATS will read from left to right and top to bottom. 

3. Minimal white-space

9 Expert Business Resume Examples To Use For Business Related Jobs (Including Writing Tips)

Best Practices for Startup Founder Resumes

Using metrics to quantify experiences.

Don’t simply fill your resume with lists of your Startup Founder job responsibilities. To impress the hiring manager, put your experience in context with specific examples and hard numbers that prove you’re an accomplished Business Specialist.

Describe how you accomplished something from your previous corporate role. Showcasing the achievements that took place as a result of your contribution will keep the reader engaged. It’s also effective in creating a strong impression and demonstrating your level of ability by highlighting the impact you’ve made.

Without any evidence, it’s hard to trust everything that someone might say. Be factual and take an objective approach. Numbers, figures, and statistics are your best friend. These will make your statements and points a lot more credible. 

Optimizing Resume Content with Business Keywords

How to tailor your resume to a job . Many hiring managers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter applications based on resume keywords they write in their job ads. The more Startup Founder-related keywords you can use, the higher the chances your resume gets past the ATS and onto the hiring manager’s shortlist of applications.

The ATS keyword research process doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it’s a straightforward process if you’re doing it with Rezi. Our AI Keyword Targeting feature allows you to upload a job description and instantly see which keywords should be included in your resume's content.

Instantly Generate Startup Founder Resume Content

Job seekers can now use AI to create the perfect application with minimal effort. How long does it take to make a resume writes tailored content instantly and prevents writer’s block completely. It’s that simple yet highly effective in helping you get more job offers and interviews faster. 

All you need to do is enter a few details such as:

• Experience level

Learn more about Rezi AI Resume Writer here

Include a Startup Founder Cover Letter

Many job seekers today overlook the importance of a cover letter . The significant impact it can leave on your recruiters will play its part in the decisive moment for whether you’re going to get hired or not.

To put it simply, cover letters can be your gateway to improving your overall job application and a higher chance of getting the job.

Unless your resume is absolutely perfect with no flaws, why settle for less? A cover letter can greatly increase your odds of getting hired for the company you want to work for, even if it’s a competitive job posting.

Learn more about Rezi AI Cover Letter Builder here

Our most Recommended resume templates

Professional, clean, effective. These templates get your message across, no matter your industry or experience level.

Ultimate readability and well-organized layout. Highlights what matters the most. A safe pick for all jobs across all industries.

Negative space gives readers breathing room and guides their eyes to where you want them to go. Simplicity = sophistication.

A design familiar for recruiters and hiring managers. Good for corporate positions where you’ll need to paint within the lines.

Maximizes page space for dense information. Ideal for seasoned professionals with a lot to say in a limited area.

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Rezi is an awesome ai-based resume builder that includes templates to help you design a resume that is sure to check the boxes when it comes to applicant tracking systems. this is a great jumping off point to kickstart a new resume..

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Everything you need to know about using Rezi's AI Writer.

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Rezi partnered with OpenAI to use their GPT-3 neural network. GPT-3 is an innovative and powerful new neural network. We trained it to understand best resume writing practices from our experience and database of resume content. Integrating this AI into Rezi, we are able to transfer expert-quality resume writing at almost no cost.

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10 Things to Add to Your Resume When Applying at Startups

Ever wondered what startups look for when they’re hiring? Here are ten things to make sure you include on your resume!

So you want to work for a startup (a company in the first stages of operations) or a small business? Have you ever wondered what a startup founder wants in the people who work for her?

What goes on your resume is the deciding factor when applying for any job, but with startups it can be even more important.

Ultimately, what the CEO wants is what’s going to result in a successful job search. Understanding her perspective is critical to acing your startup resume and breaking into this world.

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You Will Learn: If a career in tech is right for you What tech careers fit your strengths What skills you need to reach your goals

What Do Startups Want?

The Googles of the world, with giant HR departments full of hiring managers and armies of engineers with years of experience, can afford to hire for pure potential and then polish that potential through extensive training.

Startup founders can actually be pickier than, yes, even Google. They’re hiring the one perfect new employee who can make or break their organizations — and they need that person to contribute immediately.

No pressure, right?

What Do Startups Want on Your Resume?

So what does all this mean for your chances of getting a startup job?

Startups want it all in their early employees, so it’s up to you to give it to them!

The best way to do that is to strike a balance between these five tensions inherent in a startup’s hiring wishlist:

1) Big Company Experience vs. Startup Experience

Startups tend to fetishize big company experience even more than big companies themselves. Why? Because so much of a startup’s future is unpredictable, they’re routinely evaluated on their only known asset: their employees. Many Silicon Valley pitch decks start with a description of the team’s background (“Ex-Apple, Ex-Google, Ex-Facebook”) before they even get to the startup’s product.

Being able to list a well-known brand name on your resume is like catnip to a status-hungry founder. Even if it was just an internship or a freelance project, being able to say that “My new developer cut her teeth at Amazon” lets her bask in the halo of your former employer.

The totally ironic thing about this big company idolatry is that big company working styles are dead wrong for startups. If a former employee of a tech giant walks into a startup, expecting to specialize in one very focused area and then delegate her work to a giant team of underlings, she’s in for a rude awakening.

Startups tend to run crazy lean at first, meaning that everyone wears multiple hats and there’s no one else to do the work except for the person staring at you in the mirror.

Startups also want to see that you’ve got experience with entrepreneurship on your resume and in your cover letter. Think of it as evidence that you’ll actually be willing to work the long, stressful hours that startups require. Whether you helped start a club in college or launched some cool projects on the side, founders and co-founders want to be sure that you haven’t gotten too soft in your cushy big company environs.

2) Results vs. Personality

Startups need someone to come in and hit the ground running. They want to see a track record of results in a candidate’s work experience — not just potential. The very best startup resumes are going to include detailed proof of what you’ve actually accomplished.

Here are two ways to demonstrate your past success:

Quantify the accomplishment : List specific, numerical outcomes that came directly from your work (“shipped an app three months ahead of schedule,” “increased page views 27%”)

Brand the accomplishment : Even if you don’t have a specific number to share, you can increase your bullet point’s impressiveness by dropping a fancy brand name or title into the story (“partnered with Disney to roll out the new site,” “worked with the CEO to develop a content strategy”)

At the same time startup founders seek result-generating mercenaries who match their lofty job descriptions, they also want to hire job seekers with a little personality. If they’re going to be to elbow-to-elbow with you in the startup trenches, just talking about work is going to get old.

Showcasing your passion during your job hunt — whether for organizing a kickball league or collecting rare tequilas — is critical for making this case: “Hey, you wouldn’t mind spending more time with me than your significant other!” Make sure that the Additional section on your resume is just as robust and interesting as your Experience section, not a cliched afterthought: “Interested in books, tech, and long walks on the beach.”

3) Clarity vs. Chaos

We’ve already discussed how time-starved startup employees are. That means when it comes time to review resumes and job applications, no potential employers are going to spend hours trying to decipher your resume and figure out exactly what “Configured the DJI protocol for the alpha launch” really means.

The onus is on you to be crystal clear with your bullet points. No jargon from a different industry, no weird acronyms specific to your former employer, and pretty much nothing that your mother wouldn’t understand. If the startup recruiter doesn’t get it in ten seconds, she’s already gone.

A startup company also doesn’t want someone who’s too straight and narrow. If all your bullets are super orderly from a template (“I downloaded the data, applied the preset algorithm, and uploaded the results”), that can be suggestive of a person who’s not equipped to handle the potential chaos of the startup experience.

The most predictable thing about startups is just how unpredictable they are — you never know when a bug will wipe out your database or a major new deal will change your company’s whole business.

As much as startup recruiters look for clarity and easy-to-follow logic, they also need someone who can deviate from the plan, should the circumstances call for it. That means including bullets about times that you’ve made sense of ambiguous data, worn different hats to help your team out, or even led major changes yourself — because all those stories speak to your ability to thrive under full-time entropy.

4) Keywords vs. Portfolio

Remember that big company hiring process we mentioned at the beginning? A recruiter there has the luxury of looking for general talent (e.g., someone with a background in CS but not necessarily expertise in the company’s specific language) because she can always have them trained in the new language, post-hire.

Unfortunately for the startup recruiter, she doesn’t have access to the same window of time or training resources — she needs someone who can commit code on Day 1 of her new job. And that means she needs to be incredibly precise with her resume search (e.g., looking specifically for Bootstrap or AngularJS).

Which means that you, the aspiring startup employee, need to list those specific keywords on your resume. Even if you only have basic knowledge of the particular skill, make sure it’s listed — because its mere presence can be the difference between getting an interview and getting stuck in resume limbo for eternity.

Even if you get past the initial keyword screen, you’re not necessarily destined for startup greatness yet. That’s because startups can afford to be picky with their one hire. Even if you’ve got the right keywords, a startup recruiter may dig a little deeper and check out the actual quality of your work.

If your work lives only on your hard drive, you’re out of luck. But if you’ve taken the critical step of bringing it online — be it through GitHub, Behance, LinkedIn, social media, or your own personal site — you’re back in the game. Make sure that you include a link to your portfolio on your resume to provide depth beyond the mere mention of the right keywords.

5) Functional Expertise vs. Industry Passion

Another thing that gives startup recruiters some peace of mind is knowing that you’ve already done the exact job they’re hiring for. Just like startups themselves, your future performance is unknowable except through extrapolating your past performance. For better or worse, your past titles become mental shortcuts to your past performance.

For example, if your most recent title said “Programmer — Level 1,” a recruiter may not be sure what that actually means relative to her “Front End Developer” role. But if your last title said “Front End Developer,” well, bingo! You’ve clearly done the job before, so there’s no reason to believe that you couldn’t do it again. She can quickly check the “Functional Expertise” box in her mental checklist and move on to other questions.

While demonstrating functional expertise is a great start to the hiring process, it’s often not enough for a startup that’s holding out for the whole enchilada. That means you want to complement it by also demonstrating passion and knowledge for the startup’s specific industry.

Let’s say a recruiter at an educational technology startup is considering two candidates for a front end role. Both candidates have prior experience here. But only one listed this on their resume: “I help run my local EdTech Meetup, given my love for all things education.” Who do you think the recruiter is going to choose? That’s why it’s critical to demonstrate both functional expertise AND industry passion — not just one or the other.

What You Can Do to Make Startups Want You

Clearly, that’s a lot to ask for in one resume. Startups have everything riding on this decision. Unlike their big company peers, who can afford to hire 100 pretty-good-but-not-perfect candidates, a startup’s fate really does hang in the balance with each of their early hires.

Your job search goal shouldn’t be to include every single item listed above on your resume. Instead, sympathize with the plight of the startup founder and recruiter. Understand what they really care about so that you can speak their language and assuage their concerns.

If you can show them that you appreciate the stakes of their decision and that you can bear the responsibility of being that make-or-break hire, then chances are they’ll start to see you as part of the tribe: the few, the crazy, and the brave who are willing to risk it all to build something new!

Understanding the Startup Hiring Process

Many people assume it’s easier to get a job in startups than big companies — after all, everyone knows about Google but a small startup may fly under the radar

However, in practice, startups may actually be choosier than their big company brethren for three reasons:

• They’re only hiring one person, not 100 — so can they hold out for the perfect candidate
• That one person will have an outsize impact — if it’s the company’s first product manager, they’ll directly control the startup’s fortunes vs. one PM in an army of hundreds
• They don’t have the time or resources to train the person — so they need someone who can hit the ground running

As a result, it’s critical that you optimize your resume to win against these steep odds.

10 Things Startups Want to See on Your Resume

1. Big Company Experience

Startups are very brand conscious because their own brands are still nascent. Thus, they love nothing more than to flaunt their team’s pedigree: “Led by engineers from Google, Facebook, and Apple” — leveraging the halo effect from your past employer

2. Startup Experience

At the same time, startups are suspicious that people who’ve spent too much time in big companies have become soft, unwilling to put in the long hours required of a brand-new launch. So they also want to know that you’ve got the entrepreneurial spirit to carry you through the Trough of Sorrow! :)

3. Track Record of Results

Especially with big company hires, startups are concerned that you’ve just been riding the coat-tails of your fancy pants employer, not actually rolling up your sleeves and accomplishing anything.

So they specifically look to see what did you really do — both the exact work and the outcomes that directly came from what you did (shipped ahead of schedule, earned $XXX revenue)

4. Visual Portfolio

Because seeing is believing, especially for a cynical startup recruiter on their seventh rodeo, the best way to prove your impact is to have a publicly-accessible portfolio. Whether that’s embedded media on your LinkedIn profile, your GitHub repository, or a Behance collection, startups want a tangible way to assess your work.

5. Identical Job Titles

Another thing that gives startup recruiters some peace of mind is knowing that you’ve done this specific job before.

And the surest-fire way to demonstrate that is to have the exact same job title that they’re hiring for. For example, if the recruiter is looking for a “Front End Developer” and your resume lists that identical title, you’re golden.

A big company recruiter is likely to give you the benefit of the doubt when reviewing your bullet points because they need to find diamonds in the rough in order to meet their quotas (100 engineer hires this quarter!). Whereas a startup recruiter, tasked with finding only the one perfect candidate, has the luxury of passing anyone who’s not crystal clear.

So if your recruiter has to work hard to understand what you’re talking about (e.g., you’re using acronyms or jargon from another industry), she’s already gone.

7. Industry Knowledge/Passion

Again, the big company recruiter can’t afford to hold out for engineers interested in a specific vertical — she just needs lots of people who can code. Whereas her startup counterpart can wait for someone with both relevant skills and knowledge.

Thus, the perfect startup resume shows that not only can you do the job (“I know Ruby, Python…”) but that you’re passionate about this specific space (“I help run my local EdTech Meetup, given my love for all things education”).

8. Ultra-Specific Keywords

A big company recruiter may search for general talent in an area (“Computer Science”) with the plan to get them up-to-speed post-hire, while the startup recruiter, who can’t hope to train someone through a six-month onboarding process, needs to be incredibly precise with her search (Bootstrap, AngularJS).

So when the recruiter programs her applicant tracking system, she’ll be rejecting some generally qualified candidates if they don’t have the exact skills she needs.

In spite of the workaholic nature of startups, they want someone who actually does something outside of work every now and then. And the reason for that is how intense the working environment is.

If you’re going to be elbow-to-elbow with your teammates for 14-hours every day, you’re going to need to talk about something besides code.

Which means that showcasing your passion — whether for organizing a kickball league or collecting rare tequilas — is critical for proving that, “Hey — you wouldn’t mind spending more time with me than your significant other!”

10. Chaos Lover

Perhaps the most predictable thing about the startup experience is just how unpredictable it is — you never know when a bug will wipe out your database or a major new deal will change your company’s whole business. So as much as recruiters look for the above nine things, what they really need is someone who can basically do anything, should the circumstances call for it.

So including bullets about times that you’ve made sense of ambiguous data, worn different hats to help your team out, or even led major changes yourself all speak to this ability to thrive under entropy.

Closing Thoughts

Startups do, indeed, ask for a lot — after all, their very existence depends on making the right hires.

But the goal isn’t to have every possible thing from the above list, but to understand what a startup truly cares about — as evidenced by their resume preferences.

So that way, when you go after your dream job, you do it with an understanding of your audience and a fluency in their crazy, native language!

Jeremy Schifeling is the Founder + Chief Nerd at Break into Tech , a website for anyone who wants to land a rewarding tech job, no matter their background. Skillcrush readers can get free access to the tech resume checklist Jeremy used to screen candidates at LinkedIn and startups.

Jeremy Schifeling

Category: Blog , Get Hired in Tech , Job Resources , Resumes and Portfolios

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7 Business Resume Samples Proven To Work in 2024

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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How to Make a Business Resume

Some college degrees provide limited options, whereas pursuing a business degree opens endless doors. From overseeing the operations of a business to recruiting top talent, business occupations can be highly rewarding. 

Writing the perfect resume  and tinkering with a cover letter maker may seem like the least fun way to spend your time, but like your career choice, if you invest in some upfront work,  your resume will work hard for you, and the rewards can be limitless . 

We’ve done the heavy lifting, so you can spend more time hunting for that ideal job. 

Take advantage of our seven business resume examples and our proven writing tips that will set you up for success. Your resume, we’re sure, will stand apart from the competition, ushering you into your dream job in 2024.

Business Resume

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Show a preference towards powerful verbs (e.g. “revamped”, “established”, and “analyzed”) when firing up your bullet points. There’s no better way to flaunt proactive behavior while illustrating your competencies.
• Leapfrogging your opponents calls for demonstrating value and credibility. How? Add numbers! Strategically weaved into your work history, quantified achievements like “reduced manual work by 117 hours each month” and “$660K in incremental sales” are proof that you don’t just make promises but deliver desired results.
• Don’t fall into the one-size-fits-all trap with your business resume. Customize it with phrases plucked right from the job description. Examples include “pinpointing underperforming paid acquisition channels” and “worked with engineering to launch tools.”
• And don’t forget the tech side of things. You see, recruiters are on the lookout for candidates handy with the digital toolkit. So, drop in stories of how you rocked essential software like Salesforce and Tableau in the past. It’s all about showing you’re ready to digitize, analyze, and optimize right from the get-go.

Business Student Resume

• You already have a track record in increasing traffic, boosting brand visibility, and using analytics to grow brands. Leverage past success to propel your potential in your business student resume.

Experienced Business Analyst Resume

• It’s a good idea to include abilities that are mentioned in the  business job description  of the position you’re applying for (if you’re honestly skilled in those areas). Don’t fib, but don’t sell yourself short either!
• For example, if you’re skilled with SQL, try writing about the impact you made using SQL in a previous position.

Experienced Business Development Manager Resume

• Reverse-chronological formatting displays your most recent or current position at the top, which will likely be most similar to the position you’re seeking. 
• This format also shows the evolution of your career history naturally. Your latter work history may detail more basic duties and less responsibility, and you’ll want the job you’ve listed first to clearly showcase your advanced expertise. 
• Choose a template that’s both professional and eye-catching. 
• Be consistent with your  resume formatting . Headings, font, and even punctuation (or lack thereof) should be consistent. 

Business Administration Resume

• Display how you helped cut costs, increased productivity, automated processes for optimal performance, etc.

Business Management Resume

• Avoid personal pronouns, adjectives, or non-active verbs. Instead, start with strong verbs, such as “defined” and “beat.”
• Make your way over to our free  resume checking tool  for more on using active verbs, getting your grammar just right, and ensuring your resume’s spit-spot. 
• While optional, a well-written, concise couple of sentences highlighting your best self, coupled with a few impressive metrics, can be a slam dunk for an interview.
• Keep each bullet point’s content fresh and varied.

HR Business Partner Resume

• Many times, adjusting the spacing, margin size, or even rearranging the sections can do just the trick. 
• Accomplish this with a  resume career summary  if you boast at least 10 years in your field. It’ll set you apart from the rookies! You can leverage your summary to remind the employer that you want this position and are aiming to contribute to the rise of the company with any noteworthy specializations you have under your belt. 
• A final formatting tip—prominently display your contact information close to your name, so a busy employer can readily and easily contact you; don’t give them a reason to trash your resume.  

Related resume guides

• Business Development
• Operations manager

Stay tuned for a quick step-by-step guide on how to make your own business resume. Use this guide and a business resume template above to get your foot in the door. 

Choose a professional resume template that compliments the company’s tone. A business degree opens the door to a myriad of jobs, which range from casual to formal roles. As a business development manager in the healthcare industry, you might choose a more traditional resume template. On the other hand, if you plan to your use your business degree to be a project manager in the travel industry, a creative resume template could work well.

Within your resume’s contact header, add the business title you desire beneath your name. Get this information directly from the job description. For instance, a business development specialist might also be called a business development associate or business development representative. Adding this professional touch is one way to show the company you care about getting the details right.

If you have a master’s degree in business, list that first. Follow that with your bachelor’s. If you’re freshly graduated, consider adding relevant coursework, such as Principles of Operations Management or Business Finance, beneath your most recent education as well as your GPA if it’s above a 3.5 and any academic awards that are relevant to your degree.

Ask yourself how your work tangibly impacted a company or further developed its operations and processes. Did you identify gaps in reporting, which led you to oversee the development of more robust documentation? Did you experiment with pricing to improve customer lifetime value? Did you increase annual revenue through a referral program you created?

Your resume’s job description bullet points are a chance to share quantifiable business accomplishments rather than daily responsibilities. And your business cover letter is the perfect place to dive into the details of how you made those accomplishments happen.

Your business background means you could be skilled in communication, CRM, negotiation, employee onboarding, or even technical abilities like SQL, Python, or data analysis. It depends on the direction you’ve gone and the company’s job description that’s caught your attention. Try jotting down your skills. In a new column, jot down the skills mentioned in the job listing. Which ones are the same? Those are the business skills to include in your skills section.

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11 Business Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Business Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

Most popular business resumes.

• Business Development
• Business Systems Analyst
• Business Development Representative
• Director of Business Development
• Business Administrator
• Business Analyst
• Business Manager
• Business Owner
• Resume Text Examples
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Business Development Resume Example

Business Systems Analyst Resume Example

Business Development Representative Resume Example

Director of Business Development Resume Example

Business Administrator Resume Example

Business Analyst Resume Example

Business Manager Resume Example

Business Owner Resume Example

Business Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Miguel Fernandez (098) 765-4321 | [email protected] | Syracuse, NY 13207 | LinkedIn

Business graduate with strong recent entrepreneurial and internship experience. Naturally curious and committed to gaining and applying new expertise. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

• Complex Problem-Solving
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Product Sourcing
• Reporting & Documentation
• Supplier Relations
• Team Collaboration

Bachelor of Business Administration, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY | 2022

Competed in New York State Business Design Competition

Select Coursework :

• Basic & Advanced Statistics
• Finance for the Corporate World
• Marketing & Advertising

Professional Experience

Business Owner, Syracuse T-Shirt Designs, Syracuse, NY | September 2021 to Present

• Launched and run all aspects of this local-themed T-shirt company
• Reached a positive cash flow within second month of operating
• Coordinate with suppliers and screen printers
• Source unique and creative designs via social media

Intern, Byrne Dairy, Syracuse, NY | June 2022 to August 2022

• Learned about placing orders with suppliers and addressing delivery issues
• Attended monthly meetings with district manager to review goals and progress
• Stocked shelves and assisted customers as needed
• Helped develop and launch targeted marketing campaigns

Fluency in Spanish | Proficiency in Italian

Jacob Smithe, MBA (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Columbus, OH 43035 | LinkedIn

Collaborative Business Leader with 4+ years of experience in the grocery industry. Strong knowledge of grocery store staffing needs, product mix, and pricing practices. Recent achievements include motivating a team to grow yearly sales by more than 10%. Master of Business Administration.

• Project & Program Management
• Revenue & Profit Growth
• Team Leadership & Motivation

Store Manager, Columbus Food Market, Columbus, OH | June 2020 to Present

• Grew annual sales 10%+ and surpassed all store goals from June 2021 to May 2022
• Revised product mix to improve store’s competitive positioning and reflect consumer trends
• Launched community outreach program to help local residents and raise brand visibility

Assistant Store Manager, Nichol’s Grocer, Columbus, OH | March 2019 to May 2020

• Helped hire, train, and performance-manage 40 employees
• Actively addressed product or delivery issues with suppliers as needed

Master of Business Administration, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH | 2020

Bachelor of Business, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC | 2019

Essie Warren, MBA (243) 354-4657 | [email protected] | Deadwood, SD 68574 | LinkedIn

Business Manager with 10+ years of advancement and experience. Confident leader who sources and develops high-potential talent. Strategic planner with a talent for finding and capturing business opportunities. Adapt readily to new work challenges and industry conditions. Master of Business Administration.

• Change Management
• Client Relations & Retention
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Performance Management
• Strategic Business Planning

Business Change Manager, Assurant, Deadwood, SD | January 2017 to Present

• Analyze performance metrics to identify areas for business growth and improvement
• Set ambitious yet attainable team goals, and relay new initiatives to staff

Highlights :

• Worked with senior managers to optimize procedures and initiatives, increasing revenue by 23% in 2020
• Mentored and motivated a 25-person team to increase productivity by 32% last year
• Introduced service best practices that raised client satisfaction score by 30% in 3 years

Business Sales Development Manager, SelectQuote, Deadwood, SD | July 2012 to January 2017

• Performed market research to find opportunities for growth and service diversification
• Trained ~14 new hires per year on effective sales methods
• Held focus groups with key clients to gauge their evolving business needs

Highlight :

• Spearheaded projects to branch into new sales areas, increasing revenue ~15% YoY

Master of Business Administration, University of Sioux Falls, SD

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of South Dakota, Vermillion

Certification

• Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute, 2017

How To Write a Business Resume

In today’s competitive business landscape, your resume is your introduction to potential employers, opening doors to new career opportunities and advancement. To stand out among the many qualified candidates, align your resume with your goals and the specific job you want. This guide will equip you with practical insights, writing strategies, and strong examples of business resumes. You’ll learn how to craft a dynamic resume that shows your unique business achievements and expertise, increasing your chances of securing your dream job.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your business qualifications

Your resume profile should be concise and persuasive. In just two to three sentences, you need to catch recruiters’ attention and entice them to keep reading. Start by thoroughly analyzing the job post and extracting keywords that reflect the company’s desired skills and qualifications. Then customize your profile to align with the position and highlight your top accomplishments and experiences. In a business resume profile, the general focus should be on your leadership powers, strategic thinking, solution-finding skills, and record of success in driving revenue and profit growth.

Senior-Level Profile Example

Business manager with over 10 years of advancement and experience. Confident leader who sources and develops high-potential talent. Strategic planner with a talent for finding and capturing business opportunities. Adapt readily to new work challenges and industry conditions. Master of Business Administration.

Entry-Level Profile Example

2. add your business experience with compelling examples.

Instead of writing a long list of your past job duties, create bullet points to feature what you achieved as a result. By showcasing your results and contributions, you can demonstrate your potential for future success.

Quantify your experience wherever possible to highlight the tangible impact you’ve made as a business professional. Use numbers, percentages, or specific metrics that align with your target job to emphasize your ability to drive growth. For instance, you could display the percentage increase in sales or profits you achieved, the cost savings you implemented, or the number of clients you successfully managed.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example

Business Change Manager, Assurant, Deadwood, SD | January 2017 to present

Highlights:

• Introduced service best practices that raised client satisfaction score by 30% in three years

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

Business Owner, Syracuse T-Shirt Designs, Syracuse, NY | September 2021 to present

3. Include business-related education and certifications

Highlight your pertinent degrees, coursework, and certifications – this information provides evidence of your expertise, which can be a differentiating factor in a competitive business landscape. Certificates like the Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) reflect specialized knowledge. Six Sigma, Lean Management, or Agile methodologies can give you a competitive advantage as well.

Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details:

Certifications

• [Certification Name], [Awarding organization], [Date]
• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation], [Date]
• Master of Business Administration, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 2020

4. Include a list of skills and proficiencies related to business

A key skills section calls attention to the many ways you can generate value for a business. When creating your list, include any skills that align with the demands of your target industry, and tailor it to the specific needs of the company you’re applying to. Here are some examples of skills you could include on your business resume:

How To Pick the Best Business Resume Template

When you’re ready to assemble your resume, it’s time to pick a template. The best one for business professionals is clean and organized. A simple design is key, ensuring the focus remains on your skills and achievements. Look for templates that provide clear sections with plenty of white space for easy readability. Choose one you can tailor based on your needs and the requirements of the business industry. Through a professional and cohesive resume aesthetic, you can make a great first impression.

Frequently Asked Questions: Business Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for business resumes -.

We understand the challenges that arise when crafting your resume's experience section, particularly when trying to describe your work. You may find you've exhausted your vocabulary as you attempt to convey your business responsibilities. To overcome this hurdle, we curated a list of common action verbs for your business resume. These dynamic verbs can energize your bullet points and allow you to express your achievements with precision. Consider using the following words to liven up your resume:

How do you align your resume with a job posting? -

Between 2021 and 2031, employment for business and finance occupations is expected to increase by 7%. Over the decade, the industry is projected to create over 715,000 new jobs . As business professionals compete for these new positions, you'll need to stand out from the crowd. Especially if you have a specific job opening in mind, it's crucial to tailor your resume.

Carefully review the job posting and extract keywords and phrases. Incorporate this language throughout your resume organically, especially in your profile, key skills section, and work experience bullet points. Also, emphasize your specific achievements and experiences directly related to the duties mentioned in the posting.

What is the best business resume format? -

Most business professionals should use the combination format. This blends elements of both the chronological and functional formats, allowing you to highlight your relevant skills while presenting your work history in a clear timeline. (For this reason, it’s the ideal format for business professionals with a solid work history.) However, there may be cases where a chronological or functional format is more appropriate. Ultimately, choose the format that will serve you and your situation best.

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Crafting a complementary cover letter for your resume increases your chances of an interview. The key to a strong cover letter is customizing it for the specific organization you're applying to. Read our business cover letter guide to learn how. For more specific cover letter examples, see our business analyst and MBA cover letter guides.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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How do you report "startup experience" on your resume? [closed]

Say you've spent a significant amount of time (5 years) serially starting up companies, with enough success to keep going for 5 years, but not enough to retire rich.

And now, with a mortgage and a serious relationship, burned out, you're trying to dust off your resume and get a regular, 9-5 job.

How would you record/report on your work experience at the startups?

Making a list of technologies sounds silly (it'll get out of hand on account of size), and very incomplete (with very small, early stage startups, there is a lot more work to go around than just hacking away at code). A regular programming job also seems like a waste (with all of the mix of experience that comes from working at a startup, giving up on the additional skills learned along the way doesn't feel quite right) so reporting on the experience as one would on a regular programmers' resume might not be the correct thing.

• 1 Even though not a start-up, it might still be be an 8-6 job ;) –  Job Commented Aug 23, 2011 at 21:41
• 1 If your potential employer won't like your enterpreneural experience, then shame on him/her. I am considering CV, not just as a part of selection process to find an employee by employer but also as a future employers' selection filter. As for me, I dont want to work for a company which doesnt appreciate my enterpreneural experience! –  user116148 Commented Jan 26, 2014 at 23:00

5 Answers 5

Things to Downplay

Firstly, a major concern for a lot of employers would be the "serially starting up"? Because one thing that worries employers is a lot of job changes in a short period of time. (For the obvious reason that they're worried about you jumping ship to a new job at an inconvenient point)

The other would be "burned out". Nothing says "hire someone else" like "I've done my best work, now I'd like to settle for you". You need to find a more positive way to describe what you're looking for in a company.

What to Emphasise

At the end of the day, CV's fall into two types. One is the one you put online for recruitment firms. In this case, just dump literally EVERYTHING on it. Every programming language you'd be willing to work in, every soft skill you possess, every place you've worked for. They're basically using a big ol' regex, and you want to catch as many jobs as possible so you get a good range of available jobs.

The other CV is the one you write for the companies you're actually seeking out yourself. These are the ones you tailor, for example emphasising that you've got very strong programming skills in the area the company you want to work for works with, and why you want to work for them.

Note that occasionally, a recruiting firm will contact you based on the former CV, and it's often worth drafting a CV of the latter type, in order to get past the far more stringent hiring department of the companies they send your CV on to.

The other thing that helps with either kind of CV is examples of how you've applied your soft skills.

For example: "Very Customer Focused" vs. "Customer Focus: During one project dealt with the client on a weekly basis, clarifying requirements and demonstrating prototypes over the entire project lifespan. This helped to build trust and contributed to being offered further work from this client."

The first will be picked up by the regex, along with every other CV on the internet. The second will prove that you actually did something they can talk to you about in interview, and will be picked up by the regex.

Basically, write something that hits the requirements so that it's listed when they look for it (programming languages, soft skills), but when you read it back makes you think, "I'd like to talk to this guy and find out if he's actually worth hiring". And for god's sake don't add anything that gives them an excuse to reject you. Any firm worth working for is getting multiple applications for each place. If they see something that makes them go hmmmm, that allows them to trim the stack of the CV's down by one.

• 1 +1, Good answer, but especially "The other thing that helps with either kind of CV is examples of how you've applied your soft skills." Nothing attracts me to a CV more than specifics, when so many are just lists of projects that others are equally responsible for. –  pdr Commented Aug 24, 2011 at 2:05

I report mine just like another job:

1/200X - 12/201Y - SuperCoolStartup - Co-Founder and Technical Lead Brief company description, including funding and other measurable forms of success Brief description of management duties Brief description of technical duties and technologies used

I also try to tailor my resume for each job. Sometimes I emphasize management duties, other time the technical solutions.

Show your work.

The point of a resume is to convey what you've done in the past and what you will be able to do for your prospective employer.

• List the startups that you've worked on just like you'd list any other job.
• Explain the products developed in each case and how you contributed to them.
• Talk about your responsibilities at each company, especially if they're relevant to the job that you're applying for.
• Include the experience that you gained and skills that you used in each case.

The cover letter that you include with your resume is a good place to add relevant details about your experiences that don't easily fit into a resume.

That is a very difficult question to answer without knowing exactly what you are looking for. First, identify the opportunities that really interest you. Then, once you have identified an opportunity that you want to pursue, tailor your resume to best fit that opportunity.

It sounds like you have a plethora of skills and experience that could fit many types of openings not just programming, but also on the project management and director/business side as well.

Therefore, adjust your resume according to the opportunity and highlight the best of the related experience for that job.

You can't, unless you're going for a managerial role.

But just because you can't explicitly include it in your resume, it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Your experience and knowledge gained from creating startups will be prevalent in any interview. The resume is just a necessary (small) step.

It'll feel silly to write a resume that, on paper, will look extremely different to what you've achieved and learnt in the last five years. But, it has to be done. It has to be done in order to show your prospective employers that you are capable of fulfilling the role. While you were creating startups, you've been on that side. You know what it is like to look for someone that will fill the gap and bring the best to the business.

Get an interview by showing you can do the job. Then let yourself shine from there. Oh, and please don't apply for jobs where you'll be performing menial tasks for more than 15% of the time because you'll just be dead bored.

• 2 You can't show experience in a startup on a resume? Why not? It's work, and interesting work at that. –  Caleb Commented Aug 24, 2011 at 3:11
• It's work but many companies will hold it against you because it indicates that you: A) Have run your own business and been your own boss so might have issues following somebody else, and B) Have ambition, which many companies seem to consider a bad thing instead of a good thing. –  Wayne Molina Commented Aug 24, 2011 at 13:34
• To be fair, it shows SELF ambition. It's understandable why companies can be reticent about someone who sees them as a stepping stone to GLORY. –  deworde Commented Aug 30, 2011 at 13:37

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