VP of Business Development Resume Examples

As a VP of Business Development, you excel at strategizing and closing deals, but writing a resume can often feel like navigating uncharted territory. Juggling countless responsibilities means you rarely have time to sit down and craft the perfect resume. Even if you do, capturing your value in a few pages can be a daunting task. You might wonder how to highlight your leadership qualities or quantify your achievements effectively. After all, underselling your skills can make you miss that dream opportunity.

A polished resume template is your secret weapon. Use it to save time and to ensure your resume stands out in a sea of applications. Templates offer structure, guiding you on what key information to include and where. Don’t let a subpar format undermine your accomplishments.

We have over 700 resume examples at your disposal to make the process easier! Start now and set your career on the fast track!

What to focus on when writing your VP of business development resume

A Vice President (VP) of Business Development resume should convey a narrative of strategic vision, leadership, and a proven track record in driving company growth. Your resume should highlight your ability to identify opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and improve profitability. To boost your resume's impact, include specific achievements and metrics such as:

• Revenue growth percentage or amount directly attributable to your initiatives.
• Notable partnerships or deals you have secured and their value.
• Leadership experience in successfully guiding teams or projects.
• Examples of innovative strategies you’ve implemented that led to measurable success.

Showcasing these elements will help recruiters see your potential to drive their company's development forward.

Must have information on your VP of business development resume

Creating a standout resume for a VP of Business Development requires focusing on key sections that highlight your experience and skills. Make sure to include:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Core Competencies
• Professional Experience
• Key Achievements
• Education

Additional sections like Certifications and Professional Affiliations can further strengthen your resume by showcasing your expertise and commitment to the field.

Which resume format to choose

For a VP of Business Development resume, the reverse-chronological format is the best. It highlights your extensive experience and progression in the industry. Use modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat, which offer a contemporary look compared to outdated fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Always save and send your resume as a PDF to ensure the formatting stays intact across different devices. Keep your margins to about one inch on all sides to maintain a clean layout and avoid clutter. Ensure section headings are clear and optimized for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) as these systems often scan for keywords and organized sections.

Key sections on a VP of Business Development resume should include:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Skills
• Work Experience
• Education
• Certifications
• Achievements
• References (optional)

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How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Writing the experience section for a Vice President (VP) of Business Development resume requires some thought. You need to clearly show your career history in a logical order and highlight your most significant achievements. Always start with your most recent job at the top and work backwards. It's best to go back around 10-15 years, focusing on relevant roles. Include specific job titles that reflect your responsibilities and achievements in business development.

Tailoring your resume for each job application is vital. Pick out your experiences and skills that match the job posting. Use action words like "led," "developed," "implemented," and "achieved." These terms make your accomplishments stand out.

Here’s what a poorly written resume experience section could look like:

The above example is not effective. There's an overuse of vague terms like "responsible for" and "handled." These don’t tell the reader much about what you actually did or achieved. The lack of specific results and numbers leaves the impact unclear.

Here’s what a much stronger resume experience section could look like:

This example is effective because it properly uses action words and specific numbers to highlight accomplishments. Terms like "increased," "spearheaded," and "implemented" clearly show your contribution. The use of percentages and dollar amounts provides concrete evidence of your success. This approach helps potential employers see the value you can bring to their organization.

VP of business development resume experience examples

Ready to take your business development career to the next level? This collection of resume experience samples is sure to make you stand out. Let's "business devel-hop" into it!

Achievement-focused

Highlight achievements that demonstrate your capability to drive business growth and success.

Skills-focused

Showcase the essential skills critical to a VP of Business Development role.

Responsibility-focused

Detail the key responsibilities handled to show your leadership and managerial prowess.

Project-focused

Emphasize your role in key projects and their outcomes.

Result-focused

Focus on the tangible results you have achieved in your role.

Industry-Specific Focus

Tailor your experience to highlight knowledge specific to your industry.

Problem-Solving focused

Showcase your capacity to identify and address business challenges.

Innovation-focused

Demonstrate how you've brought innovative strategies to the table.

Leadership-focused

Highlight your leadership capabilities and accomplishments.

Customer-focused

Show how you centered your strategies around customer needs and satisfaction.

Growth-focused

Emphasize your experience in driving company growth.

Efficiency-focused

Showcase your role in improving processes and increasing efficiency.

Technology-focused

Highlight how you utilized technology to enhance business development efforts.

Collaboration-focused

Demonstrate your ability to work with various teams and departments.

Training and Development focused

Show how you contributed to the development and training of your teams.

Write your VP of business development resume summary section

This summary is vague and lacks specific details. It uses generic phrases that don't highlight any actual achievements or skills. The wording is redundant, and it does not provide any metrics or tangible outcomes. It fails to show how your experience can benefit a new employer.

This summary is precise and provides specific metrics. It highlights your extensive experience, showcases your achievements, and lists key skills. It demonstrates how you can add value to a prospective employer by focusing on results and tangible accomplishments.

The resume summary gives a brief overview of your professional background. It should be 3-4 sentences focusing on your biggest achievements and skills. Using powerful language helps you stand out. Avoid clichés and ensure you provide evidence of your accomplishments with data or examples.

In writing a resume summary, describe yourself concisely. Be specific about your role and what you accomplished. Show how your past work prepares you for the job you seek. Mention your most impactful skills.

A summary differs from a resume objective. A summary highlights your achievements and provides a snapshot of your career. A resume objective states what job you seek and your career goals. A resume profile is similar to a summary but more focused on your roles and skills. A summary of qualifications lists your top abilities and experience, often in bullet points. Each element provides unique value, so choose the one that best presents your story.

Listing your VP of business development skills on your resume

When writing the skills section of your resume, you can either have it as a standalone section or incorporate it into other sections such as your experience and summary. Including skills in different sections helps to showcase them in various contexts, proving your expertise to potential employers.

Highlight your strengths and soft skills as they illustrate your interpersonal abilities and the unique qualities you bring to the role. Hard skills, on the other hand, are specific, teachable abilities that are often job-specific and can be measured.

By integrating your skills and strengths into your resume, you create keywords that catch the attention of hiring managers and applicant tracking systems. Make sure to strategically place them throughout your resume to demonstrate your full range of qualifications.

This skills section is effective because each skill listed is highly relevant to a VP of Business Development. The selected skills demonstrate your proficiency in key areas necessary for the role, ensuring you match the job’s requirements. Always tailor your skills to fit the position you are applying for, making sure they are aligned with the job description.

Best hard skills to feature on your vp of business development resume

A VP of Business Development should have hard skills that reflect their capability to drive growth, manage projects, and make strategic decisions. These skills showcase their technical expertise and ability to execute business plans effectively.

Best soft skills to feature on your vp of business development resume

Soft skills for a VP of Business Development focus on leadership, communication, and relationship-building. These skills highlight how well you can manage teams, interact with clients, and adapt to changing market conditions.

How to include your education on your resume

An education section is an important part of your resume. It showcases your academic background and allows employers to understand your qualifications. Your education section should be tailored to the job you're applying for. Irrelevant education details should be left out. When including GPA, only list it if it is exceptional (above 3.5) to make a strong impression. Cum laude and other honors should be noted, as they highlight your academic achievements. Clearly state your degree by mentioning both the level (like Bachelor's, MBA) and the area of study.

The example above isn't good for a VP of Business Development because it lists an irrelevant degree. The GPA is also low, and it doesn’t include any relevant achievements.

This second example is a strong education section for a VP of Business Development. It lists a relevant degree and specialization from a prestigious institution. The high GPA and the clear timeframe add to its impact.

How to include VP of business development certificates on your resume

Including a certificates section in your VP of Business Development resume is crucial. It proves your expertise and commitment to professional growth. In some cases, certificates can also fit well within the header to quickly catch an employer’s eye.

First, list the name of each certificate you hold. Next, include the date you obtained it. Add the issuing organization where you received the certificate from. This should create a clear and concise presentation.

Here is a good example of how a standalone certificates section should look:

This example works well because it includes certificates that are highly relevant to the job title. It lists the name, date, and issuer, making it easy for employers to verify. These certificates also indicate specialized training and top-tier education, boosting the credibility of your resume.

Extra sections to include in your VP of business development resume

Building a compelling resume requires highlighting your skills, experience, and unique attributes to stand out to potential employers. As a Vice President of Business Development, your resume should showcase your strategic thinking and leadership abilities. Including additional sections such as languages, hobbies, volunteer work, and books can enrich your profile and give insight into your personality.

• Language section — List languages you speak fluently, such as "English, Spanish, and Mandarin"—highlight your ability to communicate with diverse clients and teams.
• Hobbies and interests section — Include hobbies such as "Hiking, cycling, and cooking"—give potential employers a glimpse into your well-rounded personality and ability to balance work and life.
• Volunteer work section — Mention volunteer activities such as "Volunteering as a mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2015"—showcase your commitment to community and leadership outside of work.
• Books section — Include books like "Good to Great by Jim Collins and The Lean Startup by Eric Ries"—demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

These additional sections can provide a holistic view of you as a candidate. They can highlight your skills and interests that aren't solely work-related but still valuable for the position. Be sure to keep the information relevant and concise.

Pair your VP of business development resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a one-page document that you send along with your resume when applying for a job. It gives you the chance to introduce yourself, highlight your skills, and explain why you are a perfect fit for the role. This letter bridges the gap between your resume and the job listing, making it easier for hiring managers to see your potential.

For applicants, a well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. It showcases your enthusiasm for the position and provides an opportunity to elaborate on specific experiences that match the job requirements. By tailoring your cover letter to each job, you show employers that you have a genuine interest in their company and role.

For a VP of Business Development, the cover letter should emphasize your leadership skills, track record of driving growth, and ability to build strategic partnerships. Highlight any significant achievements, such as revenue increases, successful projects, or team leadership. Mention how your skills align with the company's goals and vision.

Ready to craft your perfect cover letter? Use Resume Mentor's cover letter builder for an easy, seamless experience. Export your cover letter in PDF to ensure your content and formatting stay intact.