Alright, let's dive right into the dynamic and rewarding world of Business Development. A job packed with opportunities for growth, strategy building, and expanding market reach. As a recruiter, I often encounter CVs that lack the flair that truly reflects the candidate's potential. Key characteristics of a great business developer, like leadership, innovation, and strategic thinking, should shine through your CV.
Typically, folks in business development start in entry-level roles that gradually advance to leadership positions, all the while gaining crucial experience in strategy, operations, and partnerships. In 2023 and 2024, we're seeing a trend towards more emphasis on digital literacy and data-driven decision making. So, career progression in this role is not just climbing a ladder, it's a sure shot at widening your skill set. When crafting your CV, highlight your experiences and skills in alignment with these trends.
Speaking of CVs, I beg to differ with the confusing online views that CVs and Resumes are not the same. Of course, they are - at least in the Business Development arena. Decoding the jargon - when you're dealing with companies in the UK, Europe, or Australia, expect to see the term 'CV' used instead of 'Resume'. Just a simple renaming. Both should be a crisp, clear, 1-2 page account of your professional journey. A longer document might be relevant in academia or research roles, but in our industry, we love succinct and straight to the point.
Arm yourself with the right tools as we move further into this article. We'll reveal the 2024 CV templates that land interviews, skills to prominently feature on your CV, and much more elsewhere in this article. So, let's roll up our sleeves, and get you primed for your next big business development opportunity.
Jump to a template:
Business Development Representatives (BDRs) are the vanguards of a company's expansion efforts, establishing new contacts and creating opportunities. It's an exciting role, where each day offers unique challenges and opportunities to learn. In your CV, you're not only selling your skills, but your ability to sell - an intricate dance that requires a subtle touch. Recent trends spotlight the importance of tech-savviness for BDRs, as technology like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, and social media platforms become essential to modern business development. It's crucial your CV communicates not just your ability to create leads and close deals, but also your familiarity with these tools.
As a BDR, you're expected to be an excellent communicator and a quick thinker. Show potential employers your adaptability and negotiation skills by providing examples from previous jobs or projects where these skills were key to success.
A Business Development Representative (BDR) is often the first point of contact between a potential client and a company. Crafting a stellar CV for this role involves reflecting your knack for identifying sales prospects and building relationships. Industry trends favor candidates who demonstrate adeptness at utilizing digital tools for prospecting and communication, as remote work continues to be a trend. When writing your CV, understand that hiring managers seek out BDRs who can articulate their impact on the sales pipeline, and not just list their responsibilities.
BDRs are the lifeblood of many companies' sales funnels. As such, it's essential your CV showcases your ability to research, qualify, and develop leads into potential customers. Given that this role often involves working closely with sales and marketing teams, your CV should also reflect your skills in collaboration and teamwork.
Instead of just listing your job responsibilities, include specific figures that demonstrate your contributions to past roles. Show how you positively influenced the sales pipeline by increasing lead conversion rates, for example.
BDR roles often involve using a range of software tools for CRM, communications, and prospecting. Your CV should indicate your proficiency with these tools, demonstrating your ability to adapt to the digital landscape of contemporary business development.
Being a Business Development Manager is a unique position steeped in strategy, relationship-building, and negotiation. Your role is to identify growth opportunities and forge partnerships that benefit your business. Recently, the importance of adaptability has come to the fore, with businesses increasingly needing development managers who can pivot strategies to suit new market trends. When crafting your CV, understand that you're not only showcasing your past successes but also your ability to lead future growth. The current trend of remote work requires greater reliance on digital communication and project management tools, so be sure to emphasize your proficiency with these systems.
Illustrate your ability to identify opportunities and strategize plans for growth. Rather than just listing job tasks, detail the results of your initiatives, the challenges you overcame, and the value you brought to your previous positions.
As a Business Development Manager, you're expected to forge and maintain beneficial relationships with partners. Use your CV to provide examples where you have successfully networked, negotiated contracts, or managed stakeholders to achieve business goals.
Being a Business Development Manager is about more than just sales. It's about forming strategic relationships, understanding product-market fit, and staying ahead of industry trends. You're the bridge between a company and its potential customers, so your CV needs to convey a blend of interpersonal skills, industry knowledge, and strategic thinking. In recent times, companies look for candidates who are data-savvy and comfortable with digital spaces, as the business landscape is becoming increasingly digital and data-oriented. It's important to remember that your CV should reflect your expertise in these areas without getting too drowned in industry jargon.
As a Business Development Manager, you aren't just selling products or services, you're solving problems for your clients. In your CV, you should illustrate how you've used strategic problem-solving in previous roles. Share concrete examples of how you turned challenges into opportunities.
A Business Development Executive role, in nutshell, is all about creating growth opportunities. It's a job where you're often the glue that holds various teams together - marketing, sales, operations - each relying on you to put them in the best position to succeed. The business world doesn't stand still, and the same is true for this role. Currently, there's an increased focus on digital transformation and creating sustainable business models. So, when crafting your CV, consider how you've adapted to these trends and the impact you've made. It's not just about listing your job responsibilities, but more about demonstrating your value and showing concrete results.
As a Business Development Executive, your primary role is to drive growth. Whether it's boosting sales by 15% or securing a $1m client, tangible figures on your CV show your direct impact. If you can, use metrics linked to key business objectives too.
Business development isn’t just about closing deals. It's about seeing the bigger picture and steering the company in the right direction. Mention the strategic initiatives you've planned and led, and don't forget to explain their outcomes.
In the realm of business development, an executive's role is dynamic and demands an innovative mindset. This job is all about building relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and strategizing to meet targets. Recently, the need for BDEs with an understanding of digital platforms and customer behaviour trends has been on the rise. When creating your CV, you’ll want to cater to this shift, showcasing how you can drive growth in the modern business landscape.
Remember, your CV is your story. It needs to paint a clear picture of not only your proficiency in closing deals and fostering partnerships but also your ability to adapt to market changes and drive business strategy. Your potential employers will be interested in your ability to keep up with industry trends and your experience in leveraging digital channels for business growth.
As a Business Development Executive, you must have an in-depth understanding of the industry you are in. Mention instances where you used specific industry knowledge to win contracts or identify new avenues for growth. This will show you can offer specialized skills and are not just a generic business development professional.
As a Business Development Associate, you're playing a critical role in crafting and implementing the growth strategies for your business. It's a dynamic position that requires an understanding of market trends, competitors' strategies, and industry shifts. You're at the forefront of exploring new business opportunities and will need to demonstrate this on your CV. When it comes to crafting your CV, remember that this role is results-oriented; companies are interested in how you can help them grow. Stay focused on details that showcase your strategic planning, leadership, and negotiation skills, as well as your ability to deliver growth.
Negotiation is essential in business development. When creating your CV, ensure you provide real-world instances where you've successfully negotiated deals or partnerships that have contributed to business growth.
As a Business Development Associate, you're the engine that drives a company's growth. You're constantly hatching new ideas, forging fresh partnerships, and analyzing market trends. In recent years, businesses are increasingly relying on digital means for outreach, so having a knack for tech can be a big plus. When crafting your CV for this role, it’s crucial to convey not just your professional aptitude, but your personal attributes too. You must demonstrate your ability to develop and implement growth opportunities within and between organizations.
Your CV should also reflect your ability to stay on top of industry trends. Remember, businesses are shifting towards more sustainable practices, looking for ways to not just advance financially, but to also make a positive impact. As such, showcasing any experience or understanding in sustainable business practices can make you stand out.
Business Development Associates are expected to strategize for growth and expansion. Therefore, on your CV, include projects where you formulated and executed strategies that led to business growth. Provide measurable results where possible.
As an entry level business development manager, you'll be dipping your toes into the realm of strategic growth and customer acquisition, pretty much the driving force behind any company. It's a gig that has seen a lot of changes in recent years, with the trend moving towards a more data-driven approach. So when you're getting ready to write your CV, remember your main mission: to show you can scout new opportunities and turn them into growth. That's the real meat of it. It's not just about listing your qualifications, but demonstrating how they've helped you make real moves in the business world—even if you're just starting out.
If you've worked on any academic projects that involved strategic planning, market analysis or sales, make sure you include those in your CV. These projects will act as proof of your analytical skills and your ability to translate strategy into action.
Entry level or not, any prior experience in sales can be your golden ticket. Show how you helped improve sales in previous roles, even if they weren't in business development. It shows you understand the bottom line and can contribute to it.
Entering the world of business development as a manager right off the bat can be thrilling. This frontline role is all about strategizing and implementing growth opportunities within and between organizations. Over the past few years, the focus has shifted significantly towards digital tactics, so having a strong foundation in online tools and market trends is critical in today's business landscape. When writing your CV, remember to focus on your ability to identify opportunities and implement changes. Show your understanding of the digital sphere and how it can be used for business expansion.
Remember, your CV is your story. It needs to illustrate your potential to recruiters. As an entry-level manager, your CV won't be packed with vast experiences, but don't let that stop you. Focus on articulating your understanding of business dynamics and your ability to use digital strategies to navigate them. Any relevant projects, internships, or certifications you've accomplished can be a great addition to your CV.
The business world evolves rapidly, and you need to keep up. Detail any relevant certifications or courses you've completed independent of your degree, showing that you're proactive in expanding your knowledge base and staying ahead of the curve.
Navigating the job market as a prospective Director of Business Development can be an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. This role is all about sparking ideas, building strategic partnerships, and driving company growth. The business world has evolved in recent years, with an increased emphasis on digital transformation, data analysis, and innovative market solutions. It's a dynamic field, and your CV needs to mirror this dynamism. Showcase your ability to drive business forward through innovative tactics, strategic partnerships, and a result-oriented mentality. More than ever, companies are looking for leaders who are agile, adaptable, and bring a fresh perspective to traditional business practices.
As a Director of Business Development, you're expected to shape and guide the strategic direction of an organization. Use your CV to showcase your ability to spot trends, identify business opportunities, and craft strategies that drive growth. Examples could include successful partnerships you spearheaded or new markets you opened up.
As a Director of Business Development, you're in charge of forming the business strategies and expansion plans. You need to present a well-crafted CV that mirrors your ability to build strategic partnerships, steer major projects, and lead cross-functional teams. Given the recent market trends, many companies are on the lookout for candidates who can manage remote teams effectively. Thus, your CV should touch upon your experience with remote management and technology-enhanced collaboration. Remember, your CV isn't just a list of accomplishments but a testament to your ability to drive growth and improve company performance.
As a Director of Business Development, strategy is at the heart of your role. Therefore, show how you have formulated effective business plans, created growth strategies, or transformed insights into action. Use numbers where possible to quantify your achievements.
Your CV should demonstrate your ability to lead, inspire and collaborate with diverse teams. You could, for instance, narrate how you directed a cross-functional team on a major project or collaborated with partners to open new revenue streams. Remember, it's about showing your listening, motivation, and team-building skills.
The role of a Vice President of Business Development requires a unique blend of strategic and tactical acumen in identifying and pursuing growth opportunities. In recent years, it's become even more crucial for these VPs to have a strong background in digital transformation, as companies increasingly pivot towards digital platforms to drive their growth. When crafting your CV, it's essential to showcase your leadership in steering business development initiatives, leveraging digital platforms, and driving significant revenue growth.
Moreover, this role is about making connections, building partnerships, and negotiating deals. In your CV, your ability to cultivate strategic relationships and lead negotiation efforts should be prominent. It's not just about your past achievements, but about demonstrating the value you could bring to this role.
In your 'Skills' section, evidence your strategic thinking, especially in digital transformation projects. You might also want to mention any successful digital partnerships you've established, or digital platforms you have leveraged to drive growth.
In your 'Work Experience' section, emphasize your roles in leading teams and negotiating critical deals. This could be business partnerships that drove revenue growth, or deals that opened new market opportunities for previous employers.
Sales Development Representative (SDR) roles are a crucial part of the sales pipeline. They're the people who provide the initial human touch, sorting the wheat from the chaff in terms of potential leads. The pandemic has shifted the industry landscape, with more emphasis on remote interactions and digital savvy. When you're crafting your CV for these roles, remember the key is showing how you create connections and generate growth.
The best SDRs are not just proficient sellers, they also have a knack for research, understanding their prospects, and personalizing their approach to yield results. So, in this digital transformation era, it's essential to showcase your mastery of modern sales tools and techniques alongside your interpersonal skills on your CV.
Sales Development Representatives often use tools like Salesforce or HubSpot to manage leads, so showing proficiency with these is crucial. You should list the sales software you've used and mention any certification or training you've undertaken.
SDR roles revolve around lead generation and qualification. You should outline specific strategies you've used to secure leads and how they translated into sales. Include numbers where possible to back up your claims.
In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of business development, intern roles are pivotal in supporting the strategic growth of a company. As a Business Development Intern, you're often the one tasked with identifying new opportunities, researching trends, and supporting deal negotiations. Recently, there's been a shift towards requiring more digital proficiency given the surge in virtual operations. When crafting your CV, it's important to demonstrate a blend of industry knowledge, adaptability, and initiative.
Remember, this isn't a role for wallflowers. Companies are looking out for assertive, proactive individuals who aren't afraid to step up and contribute fresh ideas. Show them that you've got the knowledge, drive, and skills needed to meet the challenges head on.
Since you're applying for an intern role, it's fine not to have a lot of professional experience. Instead, focus on relevant university courses or projects that you've undertaken. This could include subjects like market research, strategic planning, or project management. Be specific about your role, the skills you gained, and the project outcome.
In the dynamic field of Business Development, your CV is your sales pitch. The main job is to net growth, whether in revenue, client base, or market share. Recruiters will be looking for evidence of these core skills in your CV. Make a good impression by tailoring your skills section to the job description. Make sure important catchwords like 'relationship building', 'negotiation', and 'market strategy' find their way into your CV.
The CV screening stage may seem daunting, but don't fret. To get through an Applicant Tracking System, use relevant skills as your secret password. You may list them in your "skills" section or show them in action through your work history. For example, 'Boosted regional sales by 15% using Salesforce CRM'.
Simple and effective, that's what a winning Business Development CV looks like. Keep it focused and precise. Remember, that CV isn't just a sheet of paper, it's the story of your career journey.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Business Development job descriptions and CVs. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.
In the world of business development, you're a skillful builder, shaping deals and partnerships that invite growth. Your CV is a showcase of your knack for forging these connections, and the right action verbs can paint a vivid picture. They can shout of your abilities without sounding like you're blowing your own horn.
Consider words like 'negotiated,' or 'orchestrated.' They show you in action, making things happen. "Negotiated key contracts with new partners" sounds much better than "worked on contracts." Or you might say, "Orchestrated a plan to increase sales," instead of "helped boost sales." These verbs present you as the lead actor, not just an extra.
Imagine your CV as your own billboard, shouting to hiring managers about your skill set. The right action verbs put you center stage, showing them the kind of player you'll be for their company. They ensure your CV doesn't just sit on a desk - it does the work for you.
For more related action verbs, visit Sales Action Verbs.
For a full list of effective CV action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs.
You should use bullet points to describe your achievements in your Business Development CV. Here are sample bullet points to help you get started:
Designed merchandising strategies for grocery retailers based on regression analysis identifying key store attributes to increase traffic and conversion; resulted in a 25% sales lift
Analyzed data from 25000 monthly active users and used outputs to guide marketing and product strategies; increased average app engagement time by 2x, decrease drop off rate by 30%, and increased shares on social media by 3x over 6 months
Executed four branch openings, including location selection, P&L development, and task coordination for 5 functional areas, resulting in $9MM of incremental revenue over 2 years
Developed materials for sales team to articulate value of an unique new platform; performed competitor analysis and customer calls to inform product positioning and pricing
Analyzed global opportunities for the company's different membership tiers; designed and introduced a new membership tier which is projected to generate 300k new users in its first year
For more sample bullet points and details on how to write effective bullet points, see our articles on resume bullet points, how to quantify your resume and resume accomplishments.
Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.
