• Dilutes impact
• Makes resume too long
• Fails to demonstrate value

• Focus on outcomes
• Quantify achievements
• Use action verbs

Managed daily operations, handled customer service, ordered inventory, and supervised staff.

Increased monthly revenue by 25% by streamlining inventory processes and leading a team of 8 staff.

• Shows lack of focus
• Wastes space
• Doesn't align with target audience

• Write a concise summary highlighting your niche expertise
• Mention the type of opportunity you seek
• Incorporate key industry terms

Objective: Seeking a challenging position to utilize my skills.

Summary: Growth‑focused small business owner with 8 years of experience scaling retail operations, seeking strategic partnerships to expand market reach.

• Misses chance to prove success
• Reduces credibility with investors
• Limits ATS keyword matches

• Add revenue, profit, growth percentages
• Include customer acquisition numbers
• Show cost‑saving figures

Responsible for sales and marketing.

Drove sales growth 40% YoY, acquiring 1,200 new customers and reducing marketing spend by 15% through targeted digital campaigns.

• Confuses recruiters
• Fails ATS parsing
• Looks unprofessional

• Use a clean, single‑column layout
• Standardize date format (MM/YYYY)
• Align headings and bullet points

Jan 2018 – 2020: Owner

Jan 2018 – Dec 2020: Owner

• Overlooks essential traits for investors
• Limits perception of team management ability
• Reduces keyword relevance

• Add a 'Leadership & Skills' section
• Highlight negotiation, strategic planning, and team building
• Back each skill with an example

Skills: Microsoft Office

Leadership & Skills: Strategic Planning – devised 3‑year growth plan that increased market share by 12%; Negotiation – secured vendor contracts saving $50K annually; Team Building – recruited and mentored a cross‑functional team of 10.