How to Showcase a Small Business Owner's Experience on a Resume

Running a small business is an incredible experience that often requires wearing many hats, from managing day-to-day operations to fulfilling customer needs. While it may not be as straightforward as listing positions at different companies, including your entrepreneurial journey on a resume is essential. Here are some tips on effectively showcasing your small business experience and how to choose the right job titles that can boost your resume and appeal to potential employers.

Highlighting Your Role as a Small Business Owner

One of the best ways to present your experience as a small business owner is by listing it as a job title. This not only emphasizes your role but also provides a clear indication of your responsibilities. Here are a few examples:

Manager - Use this title if your primary focus was on managing the business or team rather than being the sole owner. For instance, if you were in charge of overseeing daily operations and ensuring customer satisfaction, "Manager" would be an appropriate title. Freelancer/Contractor - If your business flexed between contract work and full ownership, listing your role as a "Freelancer" or "Contractor" can convey the nature of your work more accurately. Founder/Primary Focus - Clearly stating your role as "Founder" or highlighting your "primary focus" on a particular aspect of the business can help employers understand your responsibilities and achievements.

For a more detailed example, if you ran an electricians' business, you might list your experience as:

Electrician Manager, XYZ Electrician Services (2015-2023)

This combination of titles lets potential employers know that you were a skilled electrician who also managed the business, covering both the technical and managerial aspects.

Listing the Small Business as an Employer

Another important tip is to list your small business (or the main entity) as an employer, not just as a self-employed individual. This approach can lend more credibility to your resume and show that you have experience running a business, not just working in a specific industry.

Instead of writing "Self-employed," consider using your company name to highlight your entrepreneurial spirit. For instance:

Founder, ABC Electric Services (2015-2023) Managing Director, GreenTech Solutions (2018-2023)

By listing your company as an employer, you demonstrate your ability to handle various aspects of running a business, from financial management and hiring to customer service and marketing. This can be particularly appealing to companies seeking a candidate with a well-rounded skill set.

Details and Achievements

It's crucial to include specific achievements and details when describing your small business experience. This not only provides context but also showcases your contributions and the impact you made during your entrepreneurial journey. You can mention:

The number of clients your business served The increase in revenue over a particular period Any innovations or new services you introduced Difficult challenges you overcame and how you handled them

For example:

? Established and managed ABC Electric Services, growing the client base by 30% in three years.
? Successfully implemented a new mobile app to streamline service scheduling and improve customer satisfaction.
? Developed a diverse range of services, expanding from electrical repairs to installation of smart home technology.

Conclusion

By carefully selecting appropriate job titles and accurately representing your role, you can effectively showcase your experience as a small business owner on your resume. This approach not only highlights your skills and capabilities but also demonstrates your ability to successfully run a business, making you a strong candidate for a variety of roles.

Related Keywords

Small business owner Resume optimization Job title