How to write a business owner CV (with example)

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4 min read. Updated on September 09, 2020

Jen David (TCV)

Moving from self-employment to employment needs a special approach!

As a business owner, you know exactly what you want from your business – happy customers, efficient processes, and a great reputation. What if the situation were reversed? Would you know what businesses are looking for from you? Moving back into employment can feel daunting, but we’re here to get you started. In this article, we’re guiding you through the process of writing a business owner CV, so you’re ready to take the plunge.

How to write a CV as a business owner

A CV for a business owner has the same basic requirements as any other CV, but approached in a slightly different way. Let’s explore the key sections of a CV and how a business owner might tailor them:

Contact details for a business owner CV

The contact details required are the same as for any other CV – you’ll need to include your name, mobile phone number, email address, LinkedIn URL, town, and postcode.

Summary for a business owner CV

There’s no need to mention in the summary that you’re self-employed, as it’s simply not relevant at this point. Your CV summary should focus on what you can offer to a new business, rather than what you’ve done for your own. Make sure you’re using the best keywords from the job advert to show how your skills and experience align with their needs.

Skills for a business owner CV

As a business owner, you wear many hats! You’ve probably been involved in customer service, finance, business development, logistics, strategy, and much more!

Expert tip: A small business owner CV does not need to include everything! Also, list your skills as keywords, rather than in full sentences.

Be selective with the skills you include. Any skills not directly relevant to the role you’re applying for can simply be dropped. For example, a business owner applying to a customer service role does not need to mention experience in managing logistics.

Experience for a business owner CV

Here we are – the main focus of the CV: your work experience.

The sub-headings in this section of a standard CV will include a job title, employer name, and dates of employment. Let’s see how that can be adapted for a business owner CV:

Job title: You’re in luck here – as a business owner, you can pick your own job title! You could go for something generic, such as Director, Founder, or Owner, or choose a title more aligned with the role you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a customer service job, for example, you’re perfectly entitled to describe yourself as a Customer Service Manager!
Employer name: The best strategy is to use the name of your business here. If you’re operating as a sole trader without a business name, you can use something generic such as “Self-Employed” or “Freelance.”
Employment dates: Use the month and year you set up the business, and simply add the end date as “-date” or, if it’s still operating, “-present.”

Under this sub-heading, add a brief paragraph explaining your main responsibilities as a business owner. Remember to keep this information consistent with the requirements of the job advert, eliminating anything irrelevant.

Finally, add a bulleted list of what you’ve achieved in this role. Again, stay focused on your target job. With so much on your plate as a business owner, it’s easy to lose track of how much you’ve achieved. Even if you feel like the business wasn’t completely successful, there will still be plenty to be proud of.

Expert tip: Quantify your achievements using facts and figures wherever possible – it makes a much greater impact!

Qualifications for a business owner CV

Academic education doesn’t need to be a huge part of a business owner CV; your professional experience is far more important at this stage. Just include your highest academic qualification, usually a degree.

Other details for a business owner CV

What else would make your business owner CV stand out? There are as many answers to that as there are businesses in the UK! Why not consider some of these options:

Early career: While your recent experience should be laid out, roles you held over 10 years ago can be summarised in an Early Career section. There’s no need to add detail beyond your employer name and job title, but this summary will provide a more rounded picture of what you can offer.
Professional development: If you’ve taken formal courses as a business owner, include them! You can also add attendance at industry conferences, workshops, networking events, and online learning.
Technical skills: As a business owner, you were likely your own IT department! If you’ve picked up any technical skills that would transfer well into your target role, make sure you include them.
Hobbies and interests: If you’ve gained any skills during your downtime, highlight them in a Hobbies and Interests section. But if you’re just listing “reading, watching football, and socialising,” it’s best just to leave this section out.

Business owner CV example

See how our CV-writing tips come together – check out this business owner CV sample for inspiration:

Move easily from self-employment into employment

As a business owner, you know that market positioning is everything. Pitch yourself perfectly, so that potential employers can see the value you can add to their company.

Why not send your new business owner CV for a review by the experts at TopCV? You’ll receive feedback, enabling you to make those final improvements and step into the job market with confidence!