Keywords to Use on Your Entrepreneur Resume

Building a resume as an entrepreneur can be challenging as you often do so many different things to get the business up and running. These skills can be valuable to potential employers and to your clients. Crafting a well-written business owner resume starts with communicating your experience and accomplishments.

In this blog, we will guide you through the process, the keywords, and the best practices. Below you will find a comprehensive list of keywords to use for your achievements, responsibilities, skills, and everywhere else that will matter to build a perfect resume. So, let's dive in!

Crafting Your Entrepreneur Resume: An Overview

The first step to selecting the right keywords for your business owner resume is to build a strong foundation for those keywords. This means selecting the right resume templates, focus, and information so that you can include the keywords in all of the right places on your resume. Here's what you need to know to get all of those basics in place for your entrepreneur resume so that you can build an effective keyword strategy that will land you a new role.

The Importance of Tailoring Your Resume

A resume is a living document that will need to be customized for jobs in the current market. Think about it, when you have hired people for your own business, did you really want to see a bunch of stuff that had nothing to do with what you needed done in the role? Probably not. Instead, you were most interested in their recent experience and how it related to the role that you were hiring for. The same applies to you when you are ready to start pursuing a new role. You will need to tailor your resume to the specific job type to catch the attention of the hiring managers and to get through the ATS.

Although your business may not use an ATS, most companies do. These applicant tracking systems will scan the resumes of everyone who applies for the position looking for keywords, job titles, and other relevant information to determine if they match sufficiently with the job description. If not, your resume will be rejected automatically. So, to get past those bots, you will need to spend time customizing your resume to include the right keywords for the types of roles that you are pursuing.

Crafting Your Entrepreneur Resume: An Overview

The first step to selecting the right keywords for your business owner's resume is to build a strong foundation for those keywords. This means selecting the right resume templates, focus, and information so that you can include the keywords in all of the right places on your resume. Here's what you need to know to get all of those basics in place for your entrepreneur resume so that you can build an effective keyword strategy that will land you a new role.

The Importance of Tailoring Your Resume

A resume is a living document that will need to be customized for jobs in the current market. Think about it, when you have hired people for your own business, did you really want to see a bunch of stuff that had nothing to do with what you needed done in the role? Probably not. Instead, you were most interested in their recent experience and how it related to the role that you were hiring for. The same applies to you when you are ready to start pursuing a new role. You will need to tailor your resume to the specific job type to catch the attention of the hiring managers and to get through the ATS.

Although your business may not use an ATS, most companies do. These applicant tracking systems will scan the resumes of everyone who applies for the position looking for keywords, job titles, and other relevant information to determine if they match sufficiently with the job description. If not, your resume will be rejected automatically. So, to get past those bots, you will need to spend time customizing your resume to include the right keywords for the types of roles that you are pursuing.

Understanding the Entrepreneurial Skill Set

Your years of experience as an entrepreneur have provided you with a variety of skills that most people applying for jobs will not have. This breadth of skills will also make it challenging for you to focus your message for the position that you are applying for. In fact, many entrepreneurs will build a variety of resumes to pursue a variety of types of different jobs because they can and like to do a variety of things and they do not always want to pick just one type of job to pursue.

Decide what types of roles are best for your entrepreneurial skill set. Then, build the resume towards those types of roles. This could be sales, client relations, operations, or anything else that fits your unique skills. Your entrepreneurial mindset and skills are highly valued by employers. Your ability to take initiative, think creatively, and drive results will be strong skills for any type of role that you pursue. So, make sure to include those broader business skills on your resume as well. Understanding and effectively communicating these skills on your resume is key for potential employers to understand the unique value that you can bring.

Thinking About Your Audience

Building a perfect resume as a small business owner starts with defining what your audience wants to see on your resume. Although the resume reflects your experience and strengths, it is important to remember that you are not building the resume for you. Instead, you are crafting the message for the recruiters and hiring managers for the position that you are applying for. So, to land a new job, you need to remember this audience when you write your resume.

Job seekers who include key skills that are relevant and understandable to their audience will land a new job fastest. And, those that understand that the hiring process is different for every role and company and that the technology used may be as well. Just like when you build a sales process for your business, you should research your audience to understand the values of the company, the hiring manager, and the types of people that the organization hires. This will enable you to build a winning message to sell yourself as the best candidate for the open job. Incorporating language and keywords that align with the company's mission and culture can demonstrate your fit and commitment to their organization.

By thinking about your audience and customizing your resume accordingly, you can make a strong impression and increase your chances of landing an interview.

The Role of Technology in Your Job Search

Technology plays a critical role in the job search process as referenced above. Most employers are using applicant tracking systems to sort and filter the applicants for their open jobs. You will need to build a resume that works with those systems if you want to land a new job.

The ATS is built to read reverse chronological format resumes. This means that the systems will find and capture the data from your resume using company names, job titles, dates, and keywords. Some entrepreneurs may prefer to use a functional resume as they have done so many different things over the years of their business ownership. However, a functional resume is almost never read by the ATS properly. For those who like or are better served by a skills-forward resume, you should consider a hybrid-style resume. This will be a skills-forward resume that also has details under each of your recent roles. As a result, you will have the best of both resume formats and your message will work with both the computer systems scanning your resume and the people who will skim it in the hiring process.

Social media platforms like LinkedIn also play a big role in today's job search. Creating a strong LinkedIn profile will help you to be viewed as qualified for the jobs that you apply for through LinkedIn. It will also help you to be found by the recruiters that use the system to find people like yourself for their open jobs. More importantly, it will help you to connect with people at the company or in the industry that can help to advance your job search and career. In fact, those who tap into their network to get an employee referral for a position are often expedited through the HR processes to land an interview. Thus, networking for your job search is just as important in your job search as it is to apply for the jobs.

Keywords to Use for Your Entrepreneurial Achievements

Now that you have the basics in place, it is time to start picking out the right keyword for your entrepreneur resume. Using the right keywords in the right places on your resume is essential to getting through the HR processes. The following sections include lists of keywords that you can use to optimize your small business owner resume. It will also help you to crystallize your message and flesh out the details of all the things you have done as an entrepreneur. And, you should not merely include a laundry list of keywords on your resume. Instead, use the following lists of keywords to incorporate all of the relevant details from across your experience to strategically integrate them into your resume. This will help you to build an effective resume that makes you stand out.

Leadership Keywords

Leadership skills are often core to a strong entrepreneur resume. This is because you have led others in the operations and growth of your business. Even if you aren't looking to lead others in your next role, you will need to include leadership keywords on your resume to stand out as an applicant.

Incorporating leadership keywords can help demonstrate your ability to lead teams, make strategic decisions, and drive results. Some leadership keywords to consider including on your resume are:

• Team leader

• Visionary

• Strategic thinker

• Decision-maker

• Problem solver

• Mentor

• Coach

• Delegate

• Pioneer

• Collaborate

• Spearhead

• Direct

• Motivate

• Transform

• Pilot

• Spearhead

• Advocate

• Advance

• Accelerate

• Shape

• Influence

• Champion

You can use these words to start or to strengthen any bullets on your resume. Make sure to tie these to specific examples in your business whenever possible to provide you with the necessary talking points for the interview.

Results Keywords

Results-oriented keywords or phrases are powerful tools for showcasing your achievements and demonstrating your ability to drive outcomes. You can use the following phrases to increase the chances of success that your resume stands out. You can also incorporate the phrases from the job posting to identify particular results that you want to emphasize on your resume for a particular job or company.

Some results keywords to consider include:

• Increased

• Achieved

• Improved

• Boosted

• Enhanced

• Grew

• Secured

• Seized

• Captured

• Accelerated

• Amplified

• Innovated

• Revitalized

Results for your resume should be framed in a way that is relevant to the jobs that you are applying for. Think about times that you saved or made money, saved time, or expanded the reach of the business. All of these are accomplishments where you used the key skills that make you stand out.

Responsibilities Keywords for Small Business Owners

Results are essential on the resume for the people who will skim it, but they are not enough on your resume to get through the ATS. You must also include responsibilities, or the functional things that you do that are relevant to what you want to do next, to get through HR and the ATS. You will need to include this information in your experience section under the respective roles. You will also need to include the relevant details for each role to show relevant progression.

Here are some responsibilities to consider:

• Business development

• Client services

• Reporting

• Performance management

• Sales

• Pricing

• Business model

• Human resources

• Information technology

• Product management

• Data

• Vendor management

• Contract negotiation

• Quality assurance

• Employee training

• Financial management

• Operations management

• Marketing

• Customer service

The types of responsibilities to include on your resume will depend on the particular types of roles that you are pursuing. You will also want to include the specific hard skills that are relevant to the types of roles that you are pursuing. You should not include all of the different responsibilities that you had as a small business owner. Instead, the smart thing to do is to modify your resume for particular jobs or role types. Think about the types of roles that you are pursuing and include the relevant details in the description of your roles.

Industry Keywords

Showcasing knowledge in the industry that you are pursuing is key to building a resume that gets through the ATS as an entrepreneur. You will want to include the relevant industry keywords if you are pursuing a lateral move or trying to pivot industries. These keywords show potential employers that you understand the industry and are familiar with its trends, challenges, and opportunities.

The types of industry keywords that are right for your resume will depend on the particular industry that you are pursuing. In some cases, you will want to include highly specific industry phrases. In others, you will want to show the transferability of your industry experience and knowledge. You should also keep in mind that the HR professionals who will screen your application will not necessarily be industry experts. Instead, they will be experts in sourcing talent in that industry. Thus, you will need to make sure that you account for the varied knowledge of the targeted industry when selecting the keywords for your resume.

Examples of how industry-specific keywords can look different include:

• Healthcare

  • Patient v. Customer

  • Provider v. Employee

  • Improved Outcomes v. Client Results

• Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)

  • Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) v. Products

  • Merchandising v. Product Marketing

  • Incentives and Trade Spend v. Advertising

Do your market research to find the right industry keywords for your resume. There are some industries where it doesn't have to be specific to the industry, but an appreciation of how the industry functions (i.e. highly regulated, fast-paced, rapid growth, ambiguity). In those cases, you will want to incorporate your original research into the resume to stand out.

Specialty Keywords

Specialty keywords can help you to showcase your expertise in a specific area or niche. These keywords demonstrate your deep understanding of a particular field and can make a strong impression on hiring managers. This can be a list of keywords that illustrate your depth of knowledge in a particular segment or function that is essential to stand out for the role.

Some specialty keywords to consider including on your resume are:

• Regulatory Compliance

• Agile Methodology

• Sales Compensation Planning & Incentives

• Business Management

• Channel Development

• Deal Structuring

• Enterprise Sales

• Data Analysis

• Project Management

• Financial Modeling

• Supply Chain Management

• Market Research

• User Experience (UX) Design

Incorporating specialty keywords into your resume can also demonstrate your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced industry, as well as showcase your understanding of rapid growth and ambiguity. This is especially important if you are applying for a role in a highly regulated or competitive field.

Additionally, including original research on the industry or specific company can further set you apart from other candidates. This shows that you have taken the time to understand the company's goals and needs, and have tailored your application accordingly.

Keywords to Emphasize Your Soft Skills

In addition to technical skills, soft skills are highly valued by employers. Emphasizing your soft skills on your resume can demonstrate your ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, and adapt to various situations.

Some soft skills keywords to consider including on your resume are:

• Interpersonal skills

• Communication

• Problem-solving

• Leadership

• Teamwork

• Time management

• Organization

• Detail

• Prioritization

• Conflict resolution

• Negotiation

• Active listening

• Critical thinking

• Creativity

• Adaptability

• Customer service

• Emotional intelligence

• Written communication

• Decision making

• Flexibility

• Dependability

When discussing your soft skills, be sure to provide specific examples and highlight how these skills have contributed to your success as an entrepreneur. Use bullet points to showcase key achievements and outcomes that resulted from your soft skills.

Education Keywords

Education keywords are specific terms and phrases related to your educational background that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Including these keywords on your resume can demonstrate your academic qualifications and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Some education keywords to consider including on your resume are:

• Degrees

• Relevant coursework

• Leadership development programs

• Continued education

• Well-known training programs (i.e. Miller Heiman Sales, etc.)

Include the names of the courses that you have completed, who provided them, and when. This will provide context to the people skimming your resume and these additional details about the programs or education you completed could also be important keywords for your resume.

Certifications and Licenses

Certifications and licenses are additional qualifications that can enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise in a specific area. Including these credentials on your resume can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Some certifications and licenses to consider including on your resume are:

• Project management certification

• Industry-specific licenses (i.e. attorney license, CPA, etc.)

• Accreditation in a specialized field (i.e. Microsoft certifications, Scrum Product Owner, etc.)

Including credentials that are current and relevant to your current search can be essential to get through the ATS. Make sure to include the details about the name of the certification or license on your resume. And, include whether or not the credential is active as that can also be key to illustrating your qualification for the role as having a credential that is expired may not be sufficient to get through the screening process.

Relevant Continued Learning

Continued learning and professional development are important for staying current in your field and demonstrating your commitment to growth. Including relevant continued learning on your resume can show potential employers that you are dedicated to expanding your knowledge and skills.

Some examples of relevant continued learning to include on your resume are:

• Professional development courses

• Conferences and seminars attended

• Online certifications or courses

When incorporating these details, make sure that you include the names of the courses that you took and the providers. You should also cut this list short to make room for details under the professional experience section on your resume to keep the length of your resume appropriate for the types of roles that you are pursuing. However, it may make sense to include details about the types of courses you are pursuing or that you pursued if there is a gap in your employment or work experience that was prompted by an exit from your business or otherwise.

Industry & Thought Leadership

Industry and thought leadership are highly valued by employers, as they demonstrate your expertise and willingness to share knowledge with others. Including industry and thought leadership experiences on your resume can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing a job.

Some examples of industry and thought leadership to include on your resume are:

• Published articles or research papers

• Speaking engagements at conferences or industry events

• Membership in professional associations

• Awards or recognition in your field

You should also tie these thought leadership experiences back to particular results or roles when it helps to strengthen your application. This may be in the form of a table, bullets, or career highlight if you want to maximize the impact of these aspects of your experience and keep the resume to the appropriate length.

Software and Technology Keywords

Software and technology keywords are specific terms and phrases related to the software, technology, and productivity tools that you are proficient in. Including these keywords on your resume can demonstrate your technical expertise and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Some software and technology keywords to consider including on your resume are:

• Salesforce.com

• Adobe Creative Cloud

• Adobe Photoshop

• Adobe Illustrator

• Oracle

• SAP

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

• JIRA

• Tableau

• Data visualization tools

• Cloud

• Microsoft Office

• Microsoft Excel

• Warehouse Management Systems

• ERP

• Project Management Tools (i.e. Microsoft Project, Monday.com, etc.)

Software skills can matter to some organizations more than others. And, the relevance of those programs can depend on the types of roles that you are pursuing. Include the names of the software that you have proficiency with on your resume at the end and make sure to list out all of the relevant program names or types. Doing this will help you to showcase your knowledge while also connecting with the hiring managers who care about your particular technical capabilities when it matters most.

Industry Specific Equipment, Technology, and Related Skills

Industry-specific equipment, technology, and related skills are highly valued by employers in certain fields. Including these skills on your resume can demonstrate your proficiency in using specialized equipment and technology that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Some industry-specific keywords to consider including on your resume are:

• Industry-specific equipment

• Technical skills

• Specialized technology

By incorporating industry-specific keywords, you can effectively demonstrate your proficiency in using specialized equipment and technology and increase your chances of impressing hiring managers.

Conclusion

Crafting an entrepreneur's resume requires a strategic approach to highlight your unique skill set and achievements effectively. Tailoring your resume with relevant keywords can significantly impact your job search success. From leadership and results keywords to industry-specific terms and soft skills, incorporating the right language is key. Be sure to emphasize your educational background, certifications, technical skills, and collaborative abilities to stand out in the competitive job market. By showcasing your entrepreneurial spirit through targeted keywords, you can demonstrate your value to potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Feel like a lot? Our team of professional resume writers would be happy to help. Claim your free consultation today to find out if we can assist with building your entrepreneur resume.