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Entry-Level Business Operations Resume
This resume example effectively demonstrates the essential skills and achievements of career changers, making it an ideal choice for those transitioning into business operations roles.
Why this resume works:
A skills-focused resume format is beneficial for professionals new to business operations, returning after a break, or changing careers.
Mid-Career Business Operations Resume
This business operations resume example is perfect for professionals with experience aiming to elevate their careers through leadership roles and strategic operational improvements.
Why this resume works:
Mid-career business operations professionals can highlight achievements such as increasing operational efficiency by 20% through process improvements or saving $1M annually by leading cross-functional initiatives.
Experienced Business Operations Resume
Ideal for experienced professionals seeking leadership roles due to its strong focus on strategic planning and process optimization achievements.
Why this resume works:
Leadership roles and advanced certifications underscore the ability to manage complex scenarios.
Looking for something else?
Create Your Standout Resume Today
Use our resume examples for inspiration on organization, color, and design—and learn how to effectively summarize your business operations skills and experience with confidence.
How to Write a Business Operations Resume
Understanding how to write a resume is important for effectively showcasing your unique value in business operations, rather than merely listing your credentials. By emphasizing your skills and experiences, you can create a narrative that stands out to potential employers.
The upcoming sections will guide you through each step of the resume-writing process. You’ll receive essential resume tips on formatting, highlighting achievements, and tailoring your content for business operations roles to ensure your resume captures attention.
Start with your contact info
The header section contains all your contact information, displayed prominently at the top of your resume. Start with your name in a large, bold font to catch the recruiter's eye. You might also use a unique font or subtle color to improve visibility without compromising professionalism.
Next, include essential contact details such as your email address, phone number, and general location; just city and state will suffice. This information is vital for recruiters to easily reach you and helps applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter job seekers based on their geographic relevance.
Lastly, consider incorporating links to relevant certifications or any professional training you've completed, along with an online portfolio if applicable. These optional resources can significantly bolster your application by demonstrating tangible evidence of your skills and expertise in business operations, setting you apart from other job seekers.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is a brief overview of your qualifications and skills, typically located just below your contact information on a resume. This section serves as the first impression for hiring managers, showcasing who you are at a glance.
In crafting your summary, it's essential to highlight key achievements and tailor the content to fit the specific job you're targeting. Customization not only demonstrates your interest but also aligns your profile with the employer's needs.
To refine your own summary, consider exploring resume summary examples that illustrate effective formats and language. These resources can inspire you to create a compelling introduction that stands out.
Strong vs weak business operations summary
Strong
"Results-driven business operations manager with over eight years of experience in optimizing processes and improving productivity. Proven track record in implementing cost-saving initiatives that have reduced operational expenses by 15% annually. Skilled in project management, data analysis, and team leadership, holding certifications in Lean Six Sigma. Recognized for driving cross-functional collaboration to achieve strategic goals."
Why this example works: This summary effectively highlights the applicant's extensive experience, showcases measurable achievements like cost reductions, emphasizes essential skills relevant to business operations, and incorporates key terms commonly found in job descriptions for this role.
Weak
"Business operations professional seeking a position to use my skills in a company. I have experience in various roles and enjoy working with others."
Why this example doesn't work: This summary is vague and lacks specific information about the job seeker's experience, achievements, or relevant skills related to business operations.
Highlight interpersonal skills such as collaboration and effective communication on your business operations resume. Use specific examples that illustrate how these skills led to improved project outcomes or improved team performance, demonstrating to potential employers your ability to foster positive workplace relationships.
Share your work history
Your work history is a important component of your resume. Listing your roles in reverse-chronological order allows employers to quickly see your latest experiences and career advancements. This format highlights the relevance of your background for the position you’re applying for.
When detailing your work experience, focus on:
- Job title and organization name
- Employment dates (month and year)
- Daily responsibilities (What tasks did you perform regularly?)
- Key achievements (Did you improve operational efficiency or reduce costs?)
- Quantitative results (For instance, "increased revenue by 25%.")
Finally, ensure to use action verbs to vividly describe your contributions.
Strong vs weak business operations work history
Strong
Business Operations Manager, Tech Solutions Inc.
2018–2023
- Streamlined operational processes that increased efficiency by 25%, resulting in annual savings of $200,000.
- Implemented a new project management system that improved team collaboration and reduced project delivery times by 15%.
- Led a cross-functional team to launch a product line that generated over $1 million in revenue within the first year.
Why this example works: A strong work history for a business operations role highlights measurable achievements and specific contributions. This detail not only showcases your expertise in optimizing processes but also reflects your ability to drive results and lead initiatives effectively.
Weak
Business Operations
Generic Corp
- Managed daily tasks and coordinated activities.
- Handled paperwork and assisted team members.
Why this example doesn't work: This entry is ineffective because it lacks specificity regarding the role's scope, doesn't mention any measurable outcomes or projects, and uses vague language that could apply to various positions. Without details on achievements or specific responsibilities, employers cannot assess the applicant's true capabilities or contributions.
If you have over 10 years of experience in business operations, a chronological resume format is your best bet. This format effectively showcases your professional growth and highlights your extensive expertise, allowing employers to easily see your career trajectory and key accomplishments.
Highlight your key skills
The skills section of your resume is essential for showcasing your strengths in business operations. Here's a rundown of various skill types and their significance in improving your candidacy:
- Soft skills are personal attributes that show how you collaborate with others—such as critical thinking, communication, and adaptability. In business operations, skills like negotiation and team coordination play an important role in driving efficiency and ensuring smooth processes within the organization.
- Hard skills in business operations refer to specific abilities acquired through education or hands-on experience. Examples include data analysis, project management, process optimization, and financial forecasting.
- Technical skills for business operations include skill in ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, CRM platforms such as Salesforce, and data analysis tools like Tableau.
For those starting in business operations, place your skills section near the top of your resume to highlight your strengths despite limited experience. If you have a wealth of experience, position this section after your work history to showcase how your background reflects those abilities.
Top 15 skills for your business operations resume
When building your resume, it's essential to select skills that align with the demands of business operations. Include a mix of soft skills like teamwork and leadership, as well as hard skills such as data analysis and project management. Highlighting transferable skills will demonstrate your ability to adapt to different roles within the industry.
Here is a list of the 15 most popular skills for business operations, gathered from JobHero users. Employers highly demand these skills, which can improve your resume and make it more appealing in today's competitive job market.
Build your education section
The education section's prominence on a resume varies with your experience and industry. For seasoned professionals, work history often takes precedence over educational details. You may choose to minimize this section by placing it at the bottom or omitting it entirely if your roles do not demand specific qualifications.
In contrast, recent graduates or individuals entering specialized fields should prioritize their education. Position this section prominently near the top of your resume, as it may be a key factor in securing interviews. Highlight relevant coursework, internships, and certifications to strengthen your candidacy.
In industries that value ongoing learning, consider including professional development such as workshops and training programs. This approach demonstrates your commitment to staying current in your field while improving the overall impact of your resume.
20 action verbs to add to your resume
In business operations, using action verbs significantly strengthens your resume by clearly conveying your experience and achievements while creating a captivating tone. This approach ensures that hiring managers quickly grasp the impact of your contributions.
Select action verbs that resonate with key skills highlighted in job postings for business operations. Tailoring your language helps demonstrate alignment with the role's requirements, showcasing your suitability to potential employers.
- Optimized
- Streamlined
- Facilitated
- Analyzed
- Directed
- Executed
- Orchestrated
- Led
- Spearheaded
- Improved
- Reviewed
- Cultivated
- Generated
- Guided
- Trained
- Coached
- Integrated
- Promoted
- Assured
- Engaged
Consider additional resume sections
While your core resume provides the most critical information, adding targeted sections can showcase your unique qualifications. These sections help hiring managers quickly identify your operational expertise, certifications, and achievements beyond standard resume sections.
- Process improvement initiatives: Outline projects where you've optimized workflows or increased efficiency within the organization.
- Certifications and licenses: Detail any relevant certifications such as Six Sigma, PMP, or Lean Management that demonstrate your skill.
- Performance metrics: Include key performance indicators (KPIs) you've influenced or managed to illustrate your impact.
- Leadership experience: Highlight roles where you led teams or projects to showcase your management capabilities.
- Professional affiliations: List memberships in industry-related organizations that reflect your commitment to professional development.
5 Tips for Formatting Your Resume
Proper resume formatting is important for job seekers aiming to catch the attention of recruiters. Using AtS-friendly resume templates improves engagement and increases the chances of passing through automated screening processes seamlessly.
1. Watch your line spacing and margins
Proper spacing helps your resume look clean and organized, making it easier for hiring managers to read. A well-spaced resume conveys professionalism and attention to detail. Here's what works best:
- Keep margins between 0.5" to 1.0", depending on how much space you need.
- Use single spacing between paragraphs and bullet points.
- Increase the space to 1.5" or double-space between sections.
2. Use a professional font
Selecting the right resume font is important as it impacts readability and first impressions. Here are some professional font options to consider:
- Helvetica
- Garamond
- Cambria
- Verdana
- Trebuchet MS
- Tahoma
To make your name stand out, choose a slightly bolder or larger font in the header. This adds a personal touch without being overpowering.
3. Organize your resume sections
A resume for business operations should be clear and easily digestible. Use bullet points to present your achievements and responsibilities in a straightforward manner. Begin each bullet with a strong action verb, such as "Optimized supply chain processes, resulting in a 20% cost reduction," which showcases both your initiative and the quantitative impact of your work.
Highlight measurable accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to drive results. For instance, "Implemented a new project management tool that increased team efficiency by 25%" not only details what you did but also emphasizes the positive outcome of your actions.
To ensure your resume is ATS-compliant, use an ATS resume checker. This tool will help you identify potential issues related to formatting or keyword usage, ensuring that your application passes through automated systems smoothly.
4. Use colors and design
Incorporating color and design elements into your resume can significantly improve its impact and help you stand out in the competitive field of business operations. A visually appealing resume not only captures attention but also emphasizes key qualifications.
Begin by selecting a suitable template. Look for pre-made designs that allow you to effectively organize your information. The combination resume format is particularly useful, as it typically features a colored sidebar to highlight essential skills next to your work history.
Next, choose an appropriate color scheme. Opt for professional colors like deep blue or charcoal gray, which convey reliability and sophistication. Using these darker shades for headers or section breaks can add structure while maintaining a clean look.
Avoid bright or neon colors that may distract from your content, as well as any colors associated with competitors that could undermine your unique brand. Strive for a balance between creativity and professionalism to create a memorable and effective resume that reflects your expertise in business operations.
5. Keep your resume length to 1-2 pages
Keeping your resume to one page is typically the best approach. Hiring managers often review resumes quickly, and a concise layout helps them find key information swiftly. Focus on including only the most relevant experiences that align with the position you’re targeting. Highlight achievements and skills that directly relate to the job.
There are exceptions to this rule. If you have extensive experience—like over ten years in senior roles—two pages may be necessary to illustrate your contributions fully. Similarly, academic positions often require a CV, which can include more detailed information about publications and research.
Ultimately, clarity and relevance should guide your resume’s length and content choices.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my resume?
Even if a job listing doesn’t specifically request it, writing a cover letter can set you apart from other job seekers. It’s an opportunity to provide further insight into your skills and experiences, making your application more compelling.
If you're unsure where to begin, explore our collection of cover letter examples for ideas tailored to various fields. Once you've found inspiration, use our Cover Letter Builder to guide you through the writing process step by step.
What is the best resume format?
Choosing the right resume format depends on your unique situation. The three main formats are chronological, functional, and combination, each serving specific needs for job seekers at various stages in their careers.
The chronological format is ideal for those with extensive experience as it showcases employment history prominently. The functional format emphasizes skills and qualifications, making it suitable for recent graduates or career changers. Lastly, the combination format offers a balanced approach, perfect for mid-career professionals looking to highlight both their work experience and skill set effectively.
How long should my Business Operations resume be?
For business operations professionals, a one-page resume is often the best choice, especially for those with less than 10 years of experience. Hiring managers typically sift through multiple resumes quickly, so keeping it concise helps highlight your most valuable skills and achievements.
Emphasize relevant experiences in project management, process improvement, and strategic planning. Focus on recent roles that showcase your ability to drive efficiency and results. Remove any outdated skills or unrelated job descriptions that do not add value to your application.
Consider a two-page resume if you have extensive experience in business operations or are applying for senior-level positions such as operations manager or director. In these cases, more space allows you to illustrate your accomplishments and leadership capabilities effectively.
Do I need to include references on my resume?
Including references on your resume is usually not required. However, if you have particularly strong endorsements from industry leaders or former supervisors, consider adding them. This can improve your application and provide an extra layer of credibility to potential employers.
Build a custom resume in minutes with our professional templates and expert tips.
Natalia Merced
CPRW, Career WriterNatalia is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches and has worked in the career industry for more than two years providing comprehensive guidance on resume writing and job search strategies for individuals across diverse career paths. She holds a master's degree in counseling psychology and a bachelor's degree in public relations and advertising and is passionate about helping job seekers present their professional story effectively through well-crafted resumes and cover letters that demonstrate their value, skills, and experience to potential employers. Some of her work has been featured on JobHero's resume examples career center.
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