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Self employed Business Owner Resume Examples: Proven To Get You Hired In 2024

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  • Entrepreneurial Company Founder
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Self employed Business Owner Resume Template

Download in google doc, word or pdf for free. designed to pass resume screening software in 2022., self employed business owner resume sample.

As a self-employed business owner, you're wearing a myriad of hats, encompassing roles from marketing, customer service, operations, to finance among others. The unique aspect about writing a resume for such a role is that you're not just outlining job duties, but diverse entrepreneurial skills and achievements. There's a shift in the trend of businesses now, with many adopting lean methodologies and embracing generalists who can multitask. This necessitates a resume that effectively communicates your adaptability and versatility. Remember, your resume is the story of your business' journey. It'll be distinct from traditional job-based resumes. You're demonstrating a mastery of several sectors, understanding of business operations, and the ability to guide a business to success. This isn't about just stating what you did, but quantifying the impacts made, the revenues earned, and growth achieved.

A self-employed business owner's resume showcasing a mix of entrepreneurial skills and success metrics.

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2022

Tips to help you write your self employed business owner resume in 2024,    highlight specific success metrics.

As a business owner, tangible, specific metrics tell a powerful story. Did you increase sales by a particular percentage? How many customers do you serve? By presenting solid, quantifiable data and achievements, you underline your ability to deliver results.

Highlight specific success metrics - Self employed Business Owner Resume

   Showcase your versatility

In managing a business, you've likely assumed several roles. List those roles and responsibilities, but also how you successfully managed them. It emphasizes your adaptability and ability to handle diverse aspects of business management.

Every business owner is self-employed, but not every self-employed individual is a business owner. The difference relies on whether you have other people working for you. For example, a freelancer would be self-employed, just like an agency owner, but this last one also operates a business and guides a team. Leadership skills are essential in entrepreneurship. That’s why you should emphasize your ability to motivate others in your resume.

A self-employed business owner resume template including business certifications.

   Use an ATS-friendly resume title.

You should choose your job title wisely when writing your resume. These days most companies use ATS filters to scan resumes, and not having an optimized job title might affect your performance. Try to incorporate keywords that are relevant to your industry and entrepreneurship.

Use an ATS-friendly resume title. - Self employed Business Owner Resume

   Mention your project management skills.

Project management is an essential skill to have in entrepreneurship. You will need to create strategic plans, estimate costs, and resources, delegate tasks, and monitor operations. Hence, it’s a good idea to highlight this skill on your self-employed business owner resume.

Mention your project management skills. - Self employed Business Owner Resume

Entrepreneurial Company Founder Resume Sample

Proprietor resume sample, small business proprietor resume sample.

As a hiring manager who has recruited for top companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon, I've seen countless resumes from self-employed business owners. The best resumes effectively showcase their entrepreneurial skills, business acumen, and the impact they've made in their ventures. Here are some tips to help you craft a strong resume that will catch the attention of potential employers or clients.

   Highlight your business achievements

Instead of simply listing your responsibilities as a business owner, focus on the tangible results and achievements you've accomplished. Use specific numbers and metrics to quantify your impact.

  • Grew revenue from $50,000 to $500,000 within 2 years by expanding into new markets and launching innovative products
  • Achieved a 95% customer satisfaction rating and 80% repeat business rate through exceptional service and quality

Avoid vague or generic statements that don't provide any real insight into your abilities.

  • Responsible for managing all aspects of the business
  • Worked hard to satisfy customers and grow sales

Bullet Point Samples for Self employed Business Owner

   Showcase your entrepreneurial skills

Running a successful business requires a diverse set of skills. Highlight the key entrepreneurial skills you possess and how you've applied them in your venture.

  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive digital marketing strategy, resulting in a 200% increase in website traffic and 50% more leads
  • Negotiated strategic partnerships with key suppliers, reducing costs by 25% while maintaining high quality standards

Don't just say you have a skill without providing any context or examples.

  • Strong leadership skills
  • Excellent communicator

   Explain your business and its unique value proposition

Provide a brief overview of your business and what sets it apart from competitors. This helps employers understand the context of your achievements and the challenges you've overcome.

Founded and grew a sustainable fashion brand that uses eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices. Differentiated the brand through a strong focus on transparency, quality, and social responsibility, building a loyal customer base and positive brand reputation.

Avoid using industry jargon or assuming the reader is familiar with your business.

  • Operated an e-commerce store selling various products
  • Provided consulting services to clients in different industries

   Include relevant education and certifications

While formal education may not be as critical for self-employed business owners, including relevant degrees, courses, or certifications can enhance your credibility and show your commitment to learning and growth.

  • MBA, Harvard Business School
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Digital Marketing Certification, Google

Only include education and certifications that are directly relevant to your business or target role.

  • High School Diploma
  • Certification in an unrelated field

   Tailor your resume to your target audience

If you're applying for a job or seeking clients, tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to their needs. Use keywords from the job description or industry to show how you're a good fit.

  • Seeking a marketing role: Emphasize your experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns for your business
  • Targeting a finance position: Highlight your financial management skills, such as budgeting, forecasting, and securing funding for your venture

Avoid using a generic, one-size-fits-all resume that doesn't address the specific requirements of the role or client.

   Show your leadership and team management skills

As a self-employed business owner, you likely had to lead and manage a team of employees, contractors, or partners. Showcase your leadership skills and how you've built and motivated successful teams.

  • Recruited, trained, and managed a team of 15 employees, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture that contributed to a 30% increase in productivity
  • Led cross-functional teams of designers, developers, and marketers to launch new products on time and within budget

Don't just say you have leadership skills without providing examples of how you've demonstrated them.

  • Strong leadership abilities
  • Managed a small team

Writing Your Self employed Business Owner Resume: Section By Section

  summary.

As a self-employed business owner, your resume summary is a chance to provide a high-level overview of your professional background and the value you bring to the table. While a summary is optional, it can be particularly useful if you're looking to change careers or industries, or if you have a wealth of experience that may not be immediately apparent from your work history alone.

When crafting your summary, focus on highlighting your most relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments, and tie them back to the specific needs of your target employer or client. Avoid simply repeating information that's already included elsewhere in your resume, and steer clear of generic buzzwords or soft skills that don't add real value.

How to write a resume summary if you are applying for a Self employed Business Owner resume

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Self employed Business Owner resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Self employed Business Owner Resume Summary Examples , or Self employed Business Owner Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to your target audience

One of the biggest mistakes self-employed business owners make in their resume summary is using a generic, one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, take the time to research your target employer or client and customize your summary accordingly.

For example, if you're a freelance graphic designer looking to land a contract with a major tech company, your summary might look something like this:

Versatile graphic designer with 8+ years of experience creating engaging visual content for top-tier tech clients. Skilled in UI/UX design, branding, and digital marketing. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and deliver high-quality work on tight deadlines.

On the other hand, if you're a self-employed accountant targeting small business clients, your summary might be more along these lines:

Experienced accountant with a track record of helping small businesses streamline their finances and maximize profitability. Expertise in bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial planning. Known for providing personalized, responsive service and building long-term client relationships.

2. Quantify your achievements and impact

When it comes to your resume summary, showing is always better than telling. Rather than simply listing off a bunch of generic skills or traits, look for ways to quantify your achievements and demonstrate the tangible impact you've had in your work.

For instance, instead of saying something vague like this:

  • Skilled project manager with experience leading teams and delivering results

Try getting more specific and using hard numbers to back up your claims:

  • Agile project manager who has successfully led cross-functional teams of up to 15 people and delivered projects with budgets ranging from $50K to $1.5M

Other examples of quantifiable achievements you might include:

  • Increased client satisfaction ratings by 25% through implementing new communication protocols
  • Generated $500K in new revenue by identifying and pursuing untapped market opportunities
  • Streamlined internal processes to reduce project turnaround times by 30%

  Experience

The work experience section is the heart of your resume as a self-employed business owner. It's where you showcase your entrepreneurial achievements, business growth, and the value you've delivered to clients. Let's break down the key steps to write an impactful work experience section that will impress hiring managers and help you land your next opportunity.

1. Highlight business growth and impact

As a business owner, it's crucial to demonstrate the growth and success of your venture. Quantify your achievements using metrics to paint a clear picture of your impact:

  • Grew revenue from $50K to $500K within 2 years by expanding client base and service offerings
  • Increased profit margins by 15% through cost-saving measures and operational efficiency improvements
  • Built a team of 10 high-performing employees, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration

In contrast, avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims like:

  • Ran a successful business
  • Made a lot of money for my clients

Back up your accomplishments with numbers to lend credibility and make your resume stand out.

2. Showcase relevant projects and client wins

Highlight specific projects or client engagements that demonstrate your expertise and the value you deliver. Use action verbs to describe your role and the outcomes achieved:

  • Spearheaded a digital transformation project for a Fortune 500 client, resulting in a 30% increase in operational efficiency
  • Developed and implemented a customized marketing strategy for a startup, helping them acquire 10,000 users within 6 months
Collaborated with XYZ Inc. to optimize their supply chain processes, reducing inventory costs by 20% and improving order fulfillment speed by 2 days

Focus on projects that are most relevant to your target role or industry, and tailor your descriptions accordingly.

3. Use industry-specific action verbs

Choose powerful action verbs that resonate with your target industry to make your resume more impactful. Some examples for self-employed business owners include:

  • Launched, spearheaded, pioneered
  • Optimized, streamlined, automated
  • Negotiated, partnered, collaborated
  • Developed, engineered, programmed
  • Analyzed, forecasted, strategized

Avoid overused or generic verbs like 'managed' or 'responsible for'. Instead, opt for more specific and engaging language that showcases your initiative and leadership.

Action Verbs for Self employed Business Owner

4. Highlight relevant tools and technologies

As a business owner, you likely wear many hats and use a variety of tools to run your operations. Showcase your proficiency in industry-specific software, platforms, or methodologies that are relevant to your target role. For example:

  • Expertise in CRM systems like Salesforce and HubSpot for managing client relationships and sales pipelines
  • Proficient in using project management tools such as Asana and Trello to coordinate team tasks and deliverables
  • Skilled in data analysis using tools like Tableau and Google Analytics to derive insights and make data-driven decisions

Highlighting your technical skills demonstrates your ability to adapt to new technologies and stay current in your field.

  Education

The education section of your resume is crucial when you're a self-employed business owner. It shows potential clients and partners that you have the knowledge and skills to run a successful business. Here are some tips to make your education section stand out:

How To Write An Education Section - Self employed Business Owner Roles

1. Highlight relevant coursework

If you're a recent graduate or have taken courses related to running a business, highlight them in your education section. This can include classes in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, or management.

For example:

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, XYZ University, Graduated 2020 Relevant coursework: Entrepreneurship, Marketing Strategy, Financial Accounting, Operations Management

Avoid listing coursework that isn't directly related to running a business, such as:

  • Intro to Psychology
  • Art History 101

2. List business-related certifications

In addition to your degree, include any certifications you've earned that are relevant to running a business. This can help you stand out from other self-employed business owners.

Good certifications to list include:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Lean Six Sigma Certification

Avoid listing certifications that aren't substantial or related to your business, such as:

  • Online Marketing 101 Certificate from Unknown Provider
  • CPR Certification

3. Keep it concise if you're experienced

If you've been running your own business for several years, your education section should be brief. Potential clients and partners are more interested in your recent accomplishments than where you went to school.

For experienced business owners, a good education section looks like:

MBA, Business School Name BS, Major, University Name

Avoid providing too many details, like:

Master of Business Administration, 1995-1997, Business School Name, City, State GPA: 3.8 Bachelor of Science in Marketing, 1991-1995, University Name, City, State GPA: 3.6 Relevant Coursework: Principles of Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Market Research

  Skills

As a self-employed business owner, your skills section is crucial to showcase your expertise and capabilities. It's an opportunity to highlight the key skills that make you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential clients or partners. In this section, we'll guide you through the process of crafting a compelling skills section that effectively communicates your strengths.

1. Tailor your skills to your business niche

When listing your skills, it's essential to focus on those that are directly relevant to your business niche. Consider the specific industry you operate in and the services you provide. Identify the core competencies that are most valuable in your field and prioritize them in your skills section.

For example, if you run a digital marketing agency, you might include skills such as:

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Content Creation
  • Analytics and Reporting

By tailoring your skills to your business niche, you demonstrate your expertise and show potential clients that you have the knowledge and abilities to deliver results in your specific industry.

To ensure your skills section resonates with your target audience, research job descriptions and industry trends to identify the most sought-after skills in your field. Incorporate these keywords strategically throughout your resume to improve your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catching the attention of hiring managers or potential clients.

2. Highlight your technical proficiencies

As a self-employed business owner, it's crucial to showcase your technical proficiencies. This includes any software, tools, or platforms that are commonly used in your industry. By demonstrating your familiarity with these technologies, you instill confidence in your ability to leverage them effectively for your clients or projects.

For instance, if you're a freelance graphic designer, your skills section might look like this:

Design Software : Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketch Prototyping : InVision, Figma Web Development : HTML, CSS, JavaScript

By categorizing your technical skills and providing specific examples, you give a clear picture of your capabilities and the value you can bring to potential clients.

When listing your technical skills, be mindful of the relevance and recency of the technologies you include. Avoid mentioning outdated or irrelevant skills that may not be applicable to your current business or industry. Focus on the most up-to-date and in-demand tools and platforms to demonstrate your adaptability and commitment to staying current in your field.

3. Quantify your skills with proficiency levels

To provide a more comprehensive view of your skills, consider quantifying your proficiency levels. This helps potential clients or partners gauge the depth of your expertise and determine if your skills align with their requirements. However, be cautious not to oversell your abilities or use subjective terms like "expert" or "guru" without substantial evidence to back them up.

Marketing Strategy - Expert Sales Forecasting - Proficient Budget Management - Skilled

Instead, use more objective terms or a scale to indicate your proficiency levels, like this:

Marketing Strategy (Advanced) Sales Forecasting (Intermediate) Budget Management (Beginner)

By providing a clear and honest assessment of your skill levels, you demonstrate transparency and help set realistic expectations for potential clients or partners.

To ensure your skills section effectively communicates your expertise, consider using a tool like Score My Resume from Resume Worded. This tool provides instant expert feedback on your resume, including an analysis of your skills section. It checks your resume against over 30 key criteria that hiring managers and clients care about, helping you refine your skills section and improve your overall resume quality.

4. Emphasize transferable skills

As a self-employed business owner, you likely possess a range of transferable skills that can be applied across various projects and industries. These skills are highly valuable and should be prominently featured in your skills section. Some examples of transferable skills include:

  • Project Management
  • Client Relations
  • Problem Solving
  • Time Management

By highlighting your transferable skills, you demonstrate your versatility and adaptability as a business owner. It shows that you have the ability to navigate diverse challenges and deliver results in different contexts.

However, be cautious not to rely solely on generic soft skills without providing concrete examples or context. Instead, aim to showcase how you have applied these skills in real-world situations to achieve specific outcomes.

When crafting your skills section, strike a balance between showcasing your technical expertise and highlighting your transferable skills. While technical proficiencies are essential, it's the combination of both hard and soft skills that truly sets you apart as a well-rounded and capable business owner.

Skills For Self employed Business Owner Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Self employed Business Owner job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

  • Social Media
  • Small Business
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Customer Service
  • Advertising
  • Inventory Management
  • Entrepreneurship

Skills Word Cloud For Self employed Business Owner Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Self employed Business Owner job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

Top Self employed Business Owner Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

How to use these skills?

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A self-employed business owner's resume showcasing a mix of entrepreneurial skills and success metrics.

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Self employed Business Owner Resumes

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  • Template #2: Self employed Business Owner
  • Template #3: Self employed Business Owner
  • Template #4: Entrepreneurial Company Founder
  • Template #5: Proprietor
  • Template #6: Small Business Proprietor
  • Skills for Self employed Business Owner Resumes
  • Free Self employed Business Owner Resume Review
  • Other Other Resumes
  • Self employed Business Owner Interview Guide
  • Self employed Business Owner Sample Cover Letters
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resume summary examples for self employed

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resume summary examples for self employed

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resume summary examples for self employed

  • • Founded business from scratch, successfully growing it to a team of 10 employees
  • • Generated average annual sales growth of 15%, making it a profitable venture
  • • Developed online eCommerce platform, expanding customer reach globally
  • • Implemented strategic marketing campaigns, resulting in a 20% increase in brand awareness
  • • Worked with 100+ businesses, aiding to increase their customer reach
  • • Helped increase clients' revenue by an average of 30% through targeted marketing strategies
  • • Managed online ad campaigns with a monthly budget of over $10,000
  • • Consistently recognised for achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rate
  • • Helped drive an average of 6% growth in monthly sales for the department
  • • Suggested new merchandise displays, resulting in a 10% uptick in sales

10 Self Employed Business Owner Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

A self employed business owner manages all aspects of their business, from operations and finances to marketing and customer relations. Highlight your ability to drive revenue growth, manage budgets effectively, and build strong client relationships on your resume. Consider adding skills such as strategic planning, problem-solving, and digital marketing expertise to attract potential clients or partners. Mention successful projects you've led and any measurable impact you've achieved to illustrate your contributions and effectiveness.

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resume summary examples for self employed

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Resume Guide

Formatting the layout of your self employed business owner resume: design, length, and more, detailing your relevant experience on your self employed business owner resume, highlighting your hard and soft skills on your self employed business owner resume, optimizing the education and certification sections of your self employed business owner resume, summary or objective: making your self employed business owner resume shine, how to include other relevant sections for your self employed business owner resume, key takeaways.

Self Employed Business Owner resume example

Self-employed business owners often struggle with articulating their varied responsibilities and achievements in a structured, corporate-friendly format on their resumes. Our guide can assist by providing industry-specific templates and actionable cues to help them effectively translate their entrepreneurial experiences into quantifiable accomplishments, making their skills more visible and appealing to potential employers.

Dive into this guide to discover how to craft a compelling self employed business owner resume:

  • Explore top-tier self employed business owner resume samples, spotlighting industry-leading skills and experiences.
  • Uncover over ten tailored strategies to make your self employed business owner resume resonate with the job description.
  • Illuminate your unique value as a self employed business owner candidate, using your professional achievements as a guide.
  • Debunk the myth that education doesn't matter, and learn how to leverage your academic and certification credentials effectively.

Recommended reads:

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When it comes to the format of your self employed business owner resume , you've plenty of opportunities to get creative. But, as a general rule of thumb, there are four simple steps you could integrate into your resume layout.

  • If you have plenty of experience, you'd like to showcase, invest in the reverse-chronological resume format . This format focuses on your latest experience items and skills you've learned during your relevant (and recent) jobs.
  • Don't go over the two-page limit, when creating your professional self employed business owner resume. Curate within it mainly experience and skills that are relevant to the job.
  • Make sure your self employed business owner resume header includes all of your valid contact information. You could also opt to display your professional portfolio or LinkedIn profile.
  • Submit or send out your self employed business owner resume as a PDF, so you won't lose its layout and design.

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While color can enhance your self employed business owner resume by emphasizing key details like headlines, job titles, and degrees, moderation is key. Stick to a primary and a secondary color to maintain professionalism and avoid a cluttered appearance.

Essential components for your self employed business owner resume:

  • Header: Feature your name prominently. If you have a notable degree or certification, append it next to your name. Include contact details, a link to your portfolio, and a concise headline.
  • Summary or Objective: Align your professional trajectory and standout achievements with the desired role.
  • Experience: Craft concise bullet points, highlighting tangible successes and contributions.
  • Skills: Showcase them throughout your resume and consider a dedicated sidebar for emphasis.
  • Education & Certifications: Reinforce your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

  • Entrepreneurial Skills: Demonstrating ability to start, develop, and manage a business from the ground up, including defining vision, setting strategic direction, securing resources, and operational management.
  • Financial Management: Showing expertise in managing business finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Evidence of successful cost control and revenue generation is crucial.
  • Sales and Marketing: Having solid experience in marketing strategies, sales techniques, and customer relationship management. Ability to grow a customer base and increase business visibility will be prioritized.
  • Leadership: Displaying strong leadership qualities such as decision-making, team building, and conflict resolution. Recruiters like to see you've managed staff or teams effectively.
  • Industry Knowledge: Possessing deep understanding of industry trends, competition, and regulatory environment. The ability to adapt and innovate based on market conditions is highly valued.
  • Resume Icons
  • Resume Margins

Showcase your credibility in the resume experience section. For an effective self employed business owner resume:

  • Highlight measurable achievements.
  • Scan the job advert for keywords and integrate them throughout your experience section.
  • Emphasize your technical proficiencies and how you've applied them in various roles.
  • Keep it simple: mention your responsibility, relevant skills, and the outcomes.
  • Use this section to convey your unique value, soft skills, feedback received, and the type of company culture you thrive in.

Top professionals ensure their experience section offers a captivating look at their expertise. Check out our sample self employed business owner resumes for guidance.

  • Launched and managed a successful e-commerce platform, resulting in a 150% increase in online sales within the first year.
  • Implemented effective digital marketing strategies, including SEO and social media campaigns, leading to a 200% growth in website traffic.
  • Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing terms, reducing costs by 20% and improving profit margins.
  • Founded and operated a boutique coffee shop, overseeing all aspects of business operations and customer service.
  • Developed a loyal customer base through personalized interactions and consistent delivery of high-quality products resulting in a 30% increase in annual revenue.
  • Managed a team of 10 employees, providing training, scheduling, and performance evaluations to optimize productivity.
  • Established a consulting firm specializing in process optimization for manufacturing companies, resulting in an average cost reduction of 15% for clients.
  • Led cross-functional teams to implement lean manufacturing techniques, streamlining production processes and reducing lead time by 25%.
  • Developed and delivered customized training programs to enhance employee skills, resulting in improved operational efficiency.
  • Operated a freelance graphic design business, providing creative solutions to clients across various industries.
  • Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding client expectations resulting in a 90% client retention rate.
  • Collaborated with clients to understand their brand identity and marketing goals, translating them into visually appealing designs.
  • Founded and currently manage a digital marketing agency, offering comprehensive online marketing solutions to businesses.
  • Developed and executed data-driven strategies to improve clients' website conversion rates by an average of 30%.
  • Led a team of specialists in SEO, PPC advertising, and social media marketing to drive client success and achieve tangible results.
  • Established a home renovation company, overseeing all project phases from planning to execution resulting in a portfolio of successful home transformations.
  • Managed subcontractors, ensuring timely completion of projects within budget resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rate.
  • Implemented strategic marketing initiatives, targeting affluent neighborhoods resulting in a 40% increase in annual revenue.
  • Founded and operated a pet grooming salon, providing exceptional grooming services to a diverse clientele.
  • Developed customized grooming plans for each pet, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Implemented an online booking system and social media marketing campaigns, resulting in a 50% increase in new customer acquisition.
  • Owned and managed a catering business, specializing in corporate events and private functions.
  • Planned and executed high-profile events for clients, accommodating up to 500 guests, resulting in positive client testimonials and referrals.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers, optimizing costs and ensuring high-quality ingredients resulting in a 20% increase in profit margin.
  • Founded and operated a fitness studio, offering personalized training programs and group classes.
  • Implemented innovative marketing strategies, resulting in a 75% increase in membership within the first year.
  • Developed partnerships with local businesses to offer exclusive discounts, attracting a diverse clientele and increasing retention rates.
  • Managed a small-scale farming operation, cultivating organic produce for local markets.
  • Implemented sustainable farming practices, resulting in a significant reduction in resource consumption and environmental impact.
  • Established relationships with local restaurants and farmers' markets, resulting in consistent sales and revenue growth.

Quantifying impact on your resume

  • Include the number of employees you managed or hired to highlight your leadership and human resources capabilities.
  • List the percentage by which you increased sales, revenue, or profit, showcasing your ability to drive business growth.
  • Mention any cost-cutting measures you implemented, specifying the percentage of costs saved, to demonstrate your financial acumen and efficiency.
  • Document quantifiable customer satisfaction metrics if available, to reflect your commitment to service excellence.
  • Note down the number of new clients or accounts you secured, to evidence your strength in business development and relationship management.
  • Add the total value of contracts or deals you closed, indicating your negotiation skills and the scale at which you can operate.
  • Specify the number of projects you led or completed, outlining your project management skills and reliability.
  • Cite any significant increases in website traffic or social media followers under your tenure, demonstrating your digital marketing prowess and ability to build brand recognition.

Lacking experience? Here's what to do.

Candidates with limited experience often fall into two categories:

  • Recent graduates aiming for a self employed business owner role
  • Professionals transitioning from a different field

Both can still land a job in the industry. Here's how to optimize the experience section of your self employed business owner resume:

  • Highlight your strengths, especially if they align with the job requirements.
  • Remove unrelated experiences. Your resume should tell a story that resonates with the self employed business owner role.
  • Showcase your personality. Traits like ambition and diligence can make you an attractive candidate.
  • Align your experience with the job requirements, ensuring your resume speaks directly to the role.
  • Job Shadowing on Resume
  • Can I Leave a Job I was Fired From Off my Resume

Highlight what sets your experience apart. Incorporate metrics, feedback, and the tangible value you've added to organizations. This specificity ensures your resume remains pertinent and memorable.

The skills section of your self employed business owner resume should showcase your capabilities that align with job requirements.

Your hard skills , or technical skills, demonstrate your proficiency with technological innovations and specific software. On the other hand, your soft skills illustrate how you'd excel in the workplace environment with personal attributes like resilience, negotiation, and organization.

For a well-rounded self employed business owner resume, it's essential to include both. Here's how to craft a standout skills section:

  • Prioritize skills listed at the top of the job advert.
  • Highlight unique skills you've honed over time.
  • Choose soft skills that resonate with the company or department culture.
  • Address essential job requirements by listing key skills for the self employed business owner role that haven't been mentioned elsewhere in your resume.

Check out our sample skill list for self employed business owner to get ideas on the most sought-after hard and soft skills in the industry.

Top skills for your self employed business owner resume:

Accounting Software (e.g., QuickBooks)

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

E-commerce Platforms (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce)

Microsoft Office Suite

Digital Marketing Tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEO Tools)

Project Management Software (e.g., Trello, Asana)

Website Development Tools (e.g., WordPress, HTML/CSS)

Social Media Management Tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)

Payment Processing Systems (e.g., PayPal, Stripe)

Inventory Management Software

Time Management

Problem-Solving

Communication

Adaptability

Negotiation

Decision Making

Customer Service

When detailing your skills, align them with the job's requirements. Emphasize unique technical proficiencies and provide examples of your soft skills in action.

Your education and certification sections can be game-changers on your self employed business owner resume, showcasing your commitment to professional growth.

For the education section :

  • Highlight advanced education, noting the institution and duration.
  • If you're currently studying, mention your expected graduation date.
  • Exclude degrees that don't align with the job's requirements.
  • If relevant, delve into your academic journey, spotlighting significant achievements.

When listing degrees and certifications:

  • Feature those directly relevant to the role.
  • Highlight recent and significant knowledge or certifications at the top of your resume.
  • Provide essential details like the issuing institution and dates for credibility.
  • Avoid listing irrelevant degrees or certifications, such as your high school diploma or unrelated specializations.

Remember, even if you're tempted to omit your education or certifications, they can offer a competitive edge, signaling a long-term commitment to the industry.

Best certifications to list on your resume

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - NASBA
  • Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) - SHRM
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - (ISC)²

If you have plenty of certifications, prioritize the most relevant and industry-recognized ones. Arrange them based on their relevance to the job at hand.

  • Cum Laude on Resume
  • Continuing Education on Resume

Start your resume with a strong summary or objective to grab the recruiter's attention.

  • Use a resume objective if you're newer to the field. Share your career dreams and strengths.
  • Opt for a resume summary if you have more experience. Highlight up to five of your top achievements.

Tailor your summary or objective for each job. Think about what the recruiter wants to see.

Resume summary and objective examples for a self employed business owner resume

  • With 10 years of successful entrepreneurship in the culinary industry, I bring unparalleled passion for crafting unique dining experiences. My technical skills in restaurant management and financial planning have led to consistent revenue growth. Notably, I increased customer retention by 30% within my first year of business operation.
  • As a seasoned construction business owner with over 15 years of experience, I've honed my skills in project management, budgeting, and client relations. A testament to my success is the sustained 20% year-over-year growth of my business, achieved through strategic planning and effective team leadership.
  • With a 7-year career as a Software Engineer and a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship, I'm looking to apply my skills in a new direction. My background in tech combined with excellent leadership abilities will ensure a seamless transition into a business owner role.
  • After 12 years as an accomplished Corporate Lawyer, I'm ready for a career shift into business ownership. My expertise in negotiation, contract law, and relationship management will be instrumental in driving business growth and achieving operational efficiency.
  • Eager to combine my newly-acquired MBA degree with my innate leadership skills to establish a start-up in the fitness sector. I am confident that my strong organizational skills coupled with a knack for strategic planning can lead to significant growth and sustainability.
  • Passionate about sustainable fashion, I aspire to leverage my recent degree in Environmental Science and Business Administration to launch a clothing brand focused on eco-friendly practices. Aim to utilize my strong project management skills and commitment to ethical sourcing in building a successful business.

Apart from the standard sections listed in this guide, you have the opportunity to get creative when building your profile.

Select additional resume sections that you deem align with the role, the department, or the company culture.

Here are the ones we recommend:

  • Language skills - use a profficiency framework to indicate your aptitude level;
  • Hobbies and interests - you can share more about your favorite books or how you spend your time. It's great for culture alignment;
  • Volunteering - helps you highlight the causes you care about and hints at people skills you gained such as teamwork, emotional intelligence, and organizational skills;
  • Awards - the space for your most prominent self employed business owner professional accolades and achievements.

Make sure that these sections don't take too much away from your experience, but instead build up your self employed business owner professional profile. You can add them as a second column to your resume, or on a second page.

  • Craft a self employed business owner resume that's easy to read and aligns with the role's requirements.
  • The top third of your resume should clearly convey your unique value proposition for the self employed business owner role.
  • Tailor your resume to the job, highlighting skills, achievements, and the tangible results of your efforts.
  • Detail your certifications and technical skills to demonstrate proficiency with specific tools and technologies.
  • The sections you choose should collectively present a comprehensive view of your professional expertise and personality.

self employed business owner resume example

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Self-Employed Resume Example & Writing Guide

Self-Employed

The employment landscape has shifted in the past few years to facilitate more remote and freelance work. It’s not uncommon for individuals to start their own businesses or seek employment after being self-employed for a while. In the second case, you need a strong self-employed resume to impress recruiters.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the intricacies of crafting one such document. You’ll learn how to emphasize your skills and experience and convince potential employers that you don’t have gaps in employment but an extensive professional history. 

Key Takeaways

One of the best formats to use for your self-employed resume is the chronological one .

A good layout includes your resume being one page long, with a professional font, 1-inch margins, and 1.0 line spacing.

A professional experience section is often the most important one, and you should make sure that it’s polished to perfection.

Optional sections are great for adding value to your self-employed resume, and they should be included after the mandatory sections.

A cover letter gives you the opportunity to talk more about your competence while showing hardworking tendencies.

Best Format to Use For a Self-Employed Resume

Popular resume formats

Cover letter templates

There are three commonly used self-employed resume formats that bring job-seekers the most success:

Common Resume Formats

Chronological resume format . It arranges your past jobs and experiences in reverse-chronological order, putting the most recent ones on top. It’s a format that recruiters are used to, and the ATS is set up for it.

Functional resume format . This format is good if you’re writing a self-employed resume with no experience. It puts skills front and center, allowing you to play to your strengths without having a resume that looks empty.

Combination resume format . The combination format is a hybrid of the first two, as it lists skills like the functional format before chronologically backing them up with relevant accomplishments. The format is good if you have an irregular work history or if you have decades of experience.

Self-Employed Resume Layout

The purpose of a resume layout is to create a pleasant visual experience and ensure that the details of the document are easy to read. You can achieve that by following these guidelines:

Resume Layout Guidelines

Your self-employed resume should be one page long . Exceptionally, if you have an extensive professional history, you can make it two pages.

Choose a clean and professional font for your resume . Think Arial or Helvetica instead of decorative typefaces like Papyrus.

Set the font size to 10–12 pt for regular text and 14–16 pt for section headings.

Adjust margins to at least 1 inch on all sides and use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing.

Self-Employed Resume Sections

No matter your qualifications, every self-employed resume needs to have these five sections :

Mandatory Resume Sections

Contact information

Objective or summary

Professional experience

You can also boost your chances with recruiters by including optional sections , like:

Optional Resume Sections

Personal projects

Conferences/lectures

Publications

Hobbies & interests

If this is your first time writing a resume or all this sudden information looks daunting, you’re welcome to use our resume builder . It features pre-built templates created by professionals to ensure they have all the necessary parts.

Further, you can adjust every template to your liking to include and remove optional sections, add your information in preset places, change font and color, and more. The process is so simple and intuitive that you can have a self-employed resume ready and downloaded in minutes !

Here’s a self-employed resume template to show you the potential of our resume builder and to help you visualize what the final product should look like:

Self-Employed Resume Template

Name and Surname

Phone number: 000-000-0000 | Email: [email protected] | Location: City, State

[Adjective] [your job title] with [years of experience, if applicable] in [your area of expertise, if applicable] looking for a [position] job at [company name]. Eager to apply [relevant skills] gained through [work/volunteer/other experience] to help [company name] [mention what you can do for the company].

Work Experience

Most Recent/Current Job Title Company City, State

[Start date] — [End date]

For recent jobs, use 5-6 bullet points to list your top achievements and responsibilities

Use action verbs to make your responsibilities and achievements stand out

Add numbers to quantify your achievements

Previous Job Title Company City, State

Oldest Job Title Company City, State

For older jobs, use 2-3 bullet points to list your top achievements and responsibilities

[Degree] in [Major]

[University/college name]

[Start date] - [Graduation date]

Soft Skills

Hard Skills

Additional Sections

Add any relevant additional sections (languages, licenses, publications, hobbies, etc.)

Resume templates

How to include contact information in your self-employed resume.

Contact information goes at the top of your resume in its header . It’s a clear-cut section that’s all about precise data. The details to include are:

Mandatory Contact Information

Phone number

Email address

Based on your profession and the job ad, you can include additional information , like:

Optional Contact Information

Relevant social media profiles

Personal website

Let’s see that in practice:

Contact Information Section Example

Donna Lanier Graphic Designer + 732 374 5762 [email protected] Lewisberry, PA linkedin.com/in/donnalanier donnaportfolio.com

Here are a few things to keep in mind when writing this section:

Contact Information Guidelines

Don’t put “self-employed” for a job title , but make sure that it accurately describes your profession and matches the one from the job ad.

Don’t add sensitive information , such as age, gender, religious affiliations, or even a full mailing address.

Use a professional email address (e.g., [email protected]).

How to Write an Ideal Self-Employed Resume Objective/Summary

An objective and summary are catchy introductory paragraphs written to grab the attention of recruiters and potential employers. You can think of them as brief and impactful descriptions of your self-employed resume.

Inexperienced applicants should write a self-employed resume objective to highlight their motivation, skills, and career goals . On the flip side, seasoned professionals should sum up their careers through a resume summary, mentioning a couple of key accomplishments .

Emerging Self-Employed Software Engineer Resume Objective

If you haven’t been in the field for long and you have little to no professional history, a resume objective will help you portray yourself as an eager candidate with a lot of potential .

Here’s a good example:

Self-Employed Software Engineer Resume Objective Example

Motivated software engineer with a B.S. in Computer Science looking for a junior position at Electronum Solutions. During the internship, utilized extensive MySQL knowledge to improve query response times by 13%. Created a full-stack Poker Simulator app in Python as a solo project. Seeking to help your competent team write scalable code while learning to become a full-stack senior developer.

On the other hand, if you don’t include any concrete information, you’ll get a bland resume objective, like in the next example:

Bad Example

Self-taught, self-employed software developer looking for their first job. Have plenty of solo projects, ranging from games to smartphone apps.

Established Self-Employed Graphic Designer Resume Summary

As an established professional, you want to highlight some of your most impressive accomplishments from the start.

Here’s a good example of a self-employed resume summary :

Established Self-Employed Graphic Designer Resume Summary Example

Award-winning graphic designer with more than 10 years in the field looking for a senior position at Ellipsis Design. Notable projects include 5 major corporate client rebrandings and 200+ print layout designs for digital marketing and OOH advertising. Expert in color theory, UX/UI design principles, and typography.

Compare that to this bad resume summary where the candidate showed no proof of their competence:

Experienced graphic design professional with plenty of projects under the belt looking for a stable job in your company. Able to work alone and in a team.

Self-Employed Resume Professional Experience

A professional experience section is usually the most important one in any resume . Since you’re a self-employed individual, this part gives you the opportunity to showcase your past work and, through it, emphasize your competence. Let’s find out how to make this section perfect.

General Tips

Every work experience section should follow this format when listing past endeavors:

Professional Experience Mandatory Details

Company name

Employment dates

Achievements

Of course, when you’re listing self-employed or freelance work, there likely won’t be a company to name. Still, you should accurately include your professional titles and periods of employment (because of both recruiters and the ATS) while listing past jobs in reverse-chronological order.

The key part of this section is the accomplishment list . Here’s how you can make it stand out:

Accomplishment List Tips

Focus on outstanding results and achievements over usual chores and duties.

Use bullet points to keep the section concise and improve its readability.

Include stats and numbers to add measurable value to your accomplishments and make them more believable.

Leverage memorable action verbs and power words instead of overused terms.

Work History Section for Self-Employed Individuals With Little Experience

If you haven’t been self-employed for long and you lack a work history, you can leverage other endeavors to craft an engaging professional experience section. This includes personal projects, volunteer work , internships , and more.

Here’s an example:

Self-Employed Individuals With Little Experience Example

Architecture Intern Studio Stucco New York, NY

April 2022–September 2023

Created 11 complex 3D models of 5+ story residential buildings along with video animations that received a 93% approval rate.

Drafted complete technical drawings for 9 residential and 5 commercial projects.

Prepared bi-weekly reports for managers and 13 project presentations for clients.

Experienced Self-Employed Individual

Experienced self-employed candidates likely have multiple valuable skills that recruiters want to see. Running your own business (even if it ultimately fails) is particularly impressive as it involves specific abilities, strong motivation, and impressive drive .

Experienced Self-Employed Individual Example

Business Founder/Owner Fine and Fancy Prints Dallas, TX

May 2019–June 2023

Implemented business scaling strategies to grow revenue by 175% over the period of 3 years.

Led a team of 5 designers to create custom graphics tailored to specific clothing items that catered to target audiences.

Collaborated with a website developer to optimize the website and increase online conversions by 35%.

Freelance Self-Employed Individual

As a freelancer, you’ve likely worked with numerous clients on many different projects. You should highlight that diversity to portray yourself as a versatile, multi-skilled, and accomplished individual .

Freelance Self-Employed Individual Example

Freelance Graphic Designer Saint Louis, MO

April 2018–Current

Designed 70+ brand identities for startups to assist with social media exposure, increasing visibility by up to 45% within the first 6 months.

Created 120+ digital marketing assets and performed A/B testing to optimize and enhance CTR by up to 23%.

Conceptualized and designed 12 e-commerce websites for small businesses.

Self-Employed Resume Education Section

The education section for most candidates should be brief, and it should simply feature your highest degree . Here’s an example:

Self-Employed Resume Education Section Example

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 2016–2020

If you have limited work experience, you can put more emphasis on your education to validate your skills and competence. In that case, you can add a bullet point list under your degree that can feature notable academic achievements, relevant coursework, projects, high GPA, and various other accomplishments.

You can even include multiple degrees (e.g., a bachelor’s degree under your master’s degree). However, if you have higher education, you should avoid listing your high school degree, as it’s considered redundant.

Self-Employed Resume Skills

Self-employed resume skills are generally the second most important section after professional experience . After all, skills and experience go together to paint a complete picture of the candidate’s competence and qualifications. 

The skills in your resume need to be the ones recruiters are looking for. For instance, you might not want to emphasize your writing skills when applying for a video editor position. That’s why you should research the company and read the job ad . After that, cross-reference the requirements with your skill set and include them in a dedicated section.

Furthermore, it’s important to make a distinction between hard and soft skills. Hard skills are highly technical and usually specific to a certain career or position. They are the first thing recruiters and potential employers are going to look for.

On the other hand, soft skills are transferable and usually obtained through experience. They might not be essential for the role, but many employers still hire candidates based on them . That’s why these skills should be listed separately from hard skills.

Self-Employed Individual Hard Skills

Which hard skills you should list on your resume depends on the position that you’re going for. For instance, a graphic designer might list some of the following abilities:

Self-Employed Individual Hard Skills Example

Adobe Creative Suite

Color Theory

Affinity Photo

Affinity Design

On the other hand, a web developer might want to list skills like:

Web Developer Hard Skills Example

Self-employed individual soft skills.

Highlighting soft skills is especially important for self-employed individuals, as they commonly work alone. That’s why you want to show potential employers that you have strong interpersonal skills that can help you fit in with their team or work with clients . Some of the most sought-after soft skills include:

Self-Employed Individual Soft Skills Soft Skills

Communication

Time management

Decision-making

Flexibility

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Self-Employed Resume: Other Sections

Optional sections can transform a strong resume into a fantastic one . As long as you have some room left after including all the mandatory information, you should consider adding some of the sections that we’re about to examine.

Awards are a recognition of excellence , and they are perfect for adding credibility to your competence. They demonstrate that you’ve achieved outstanding results and that the peers in your field acknowledged that.

Personal Projects

Personal projects are particularly important for self-employed individuals and can be just as impactful as professional history . On the one hand, they are a testament to the hard skills and knowledge required to work in the field. On the other hand, they indicate passion, creativity, initiative, and many other valuable soft skills and traits.

Conferences/Lectures

Participation in conferences or lectures shows that you’re up-to-date with the latest trends and happenings in the industry. It speaks of your networking capabilities and indicates that you’re engaged with the community. Furthermore, you should mention if you were a lecturer or a speaker, as that demonstrates additional abilities, such as communication and leadership.

Having relevant publications positions you as an authority in the field . Anything from blog articles to publications in professional magazines shows that you have extensive knowledge of the topic and strong communication skills to propagate it.

Language skills can be essential in today’s globalized economy and international workspaces. They help you communicate with a broader range of clients and coworkers while being more culturally aware, leading to improved outcomes. That’s why you should list all languages you’re proficient in, starting with the highest one.

Hobbies & Interests

A brief mention of some of your hobbies and interests can help you stand out among the competition and make you more memorable to recruiters . It’s even better if they are related to your profession, as that shows that you’re truly passionate about your craft.

Do I Need to Include a Cover Letter as a Self-Employed Individual?

matching cover letter and resume template

If you want to maximize your chances of getting an interview, you should submit a tailored cover letter with your self-employed resume. It’s another brief document (250–400 words) that gives you the opportunity to go into more detail about your skills and qualifications. Moreover, it shows that you’re a hardworking individual who goes the extra mile to complete your goals.

3 Expert Strategies for Crafting a Self-Employed Resume

Let’s finish with three expert tips that are bound to help you perfect your self-employed resume:

Self-Employed Resume Tips

You can make all links clickable in the digital copy of your self-employed resume. That shows attention to detail on your end and helps the recruiter by allowing them to contact you more easily, check your portfolio, go to your website, etc.

You should include your key skills throughout the resume . While having a clear list is important, adding skills to the objective, summary, and work experience sections adds weight to them. Link them with relevant achievements to prove that you have these abilities.

Proofread your resume before submitting it. Look for typos and areas for improvement. You can even ask a friend or a relative to give it another look.

Self-Employed Resume Example

Self-Employed Resume Example

Before we conclude the article, here's a complete self-employed resume example to guide you while making yours.

Closing Thoughts

Self-employed job descriptions have changed over the years. Today, you can do almost anything as a self-employed professional, freelancer, or business owner. However, if you decide to join a company and become a part of a larger team, this guide will help you craft a resume that will impress them with your qualifications.

The skills and experience you obtained during your time as an unaffiliated professional are guaranteed to convince many recruiters to call you over for an interview . This guide will simply guide you toward achieving that. Best of luck job-hunting!

Isabelle Dupont

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    Self-Employed Resume Example & Writing Guide. A self-employed resume translates all the skills and experience obtained while freelancing or owning a business into a concise document. Edit this resume.