Business Advisor CV Example & Guide (2024 Edition)

Sobhan Mohmand, CV Writing Expert          6 Nov 2023

Are you looking to write your perfect Business advisor CV?

Business advisors play a vital role in helping organisations navigate complex challenges, make strategic decisions and achieve their goals.

To land a rewarding role in this field, having a well-crafted CV is crucial.

Your CV should showcase your qualifications, experience and achievements, highlighting your ability to provide valuable guidance to businesses.

In this article, we’ll provide a complete step-by-step guide, along with useful tips and examples, to assist you in creating the ideal CV that will get you more job interviews.

Let’s get started!

• Business advisor CV example
• Download CV template (Word format)
• How to format your CV
• How to write a perfect CV (a step-by-step guide)
• Personal profile statement example
• Duties to add to your CV
• Useful skills to add to your CV
• Tips on making your CV more effective

CV Example

Preview

What makes this CV good and effective?

• Concise personal details: The candidate’s contact information is prominently placed at the top, making it easy for potential employers to reach out. It also only contains the essential information without any irrelevant personal details such as date of birth or gender, which would distract from the content of the CV.
• Tailored content: The CV is customized for the specific job application, ensuring that the candidate’s skills and experiences align with the job requirements. They have used all the appropriate industry-specific terminologies and phrases, making their CV more targeted.
• A dedicated skills section: The candidate has a dedicated section for key skills, including both technical and soft skills relevant to the role. This helps the employer identify the candidate’s strengths quickly without searching for it throughout the document.
• Appropriate length: The CV is an appropriate length, not exceeding two pages, ensuring that it provides sufficient information without overwhelming the reader. When it comes to writing a winning CV, the shorter and more concise it is, the better.

Download CV template

Download

Are you writing your CV from scratch or is your CV template outdated? Download this professional CV template to impress employers!

• Free
• Save time and effort
• Guaranteed correct CV structure
• Word document (.docx) format
• Fully customisable

How to save your CV as a PDF document:

• Click on File > Save As > Select “PDF” from the drop-down menu.

How to format your CV

• Use clear headings: Employ clear, bold headings for different sections, such as “Work Experience”, “Education” and “Skills.” This aids in the easy navigation of your CV.
• Employ bullet points for key achievements and duties: Use bullet points to list specific accomplishments in your work experience section instead of long sentences or paragraphs. For example, “Implemented a cost-saving strategy resulting in a 10% reduction in operational expenses.”
• Utilise action verbs: Begin each bullet point with strong action verbs like “Managed”, “Implemented” or “Advised” to convey your active role in your previous positions, e.g., “Advised clients on effective financial management strategies.”
• Use white space effectively: Ensure there is enough white space to prevent your CV from appearing cluttered. This helps in maintaining clarity and readability.
• Incorporate relevant key words: Utilise industry-specific terminology and phrases that align with the job description, aiding your CV in successfully navigating through applicant tracking systems (ATS). For instance, if the job posting mentions “strategic financial planning,” ensure you include this phrase if it accurately reflects your expertise. Or, if “market analysis” is a key requirement, incorporate it in your CV, as long as it genuinely reflects your experience. This alignment with the job description improves your CV’s chances of being noticed by recruiters and employers.

How to Write a Business Advisor CV

Personal details

The personal details section of a CV, often placed at the top, typically contains your full name, contact information and, if desired, a brief personal statement or objective.

It should not include overly personal information such as your date of birth, marital status, or any irrelevant details that aren’t related to your professional qualifications.

• David Smith
• 456 Hill Avenue, Manchester, M2 3CD
• Mob: 0161 987 6543       Email: [email protected]

Personal profile

The personal profile section of your CV is a concise statement that provides an overview of your professional background, skills and career objectives, allowing you to showcase your suitability for the job you’re applying for.

• Start with a brief overview of your experience and skills, e.g., “Experienced Business Advisor with a proven track record in…”
• Highlight your key strengths, such as “Strong analytical skills for data-driven decision-making.”
• Mention your areas of expertise, for example, “Specialised in financial management and strategic planning.”
• Emphasise your achievements, like “Successfully led a team that increased client revenue by 20% in the last year.”
• Tailor your profile to the specific job by including keywords from the job description, e.g., “Expertise in business strategy and risk assessment, as required for this Business Advisor role.”

Business advisor personal profile example:

As an experienced Business Advisor, I have a proven track record of helping companies achieve sustainable growth. With a focus on strategic planning, I successfully guided a start-up from initial concept to a £1 million turnover within two years. My expertise lies in financial analysis, market research, and providing actionable solutions for business development.

Achievements and awards

In the achievements and awards section of your CV is where you’ll showcase your key accomplishments in a concise, bullet-point format.

You should your notable successes, such as awards you’ve received, promotions earned, exceptional grades or certifications achieved, and any significant milestones you’ve reached in your career, education or life in general.

Research has shown that including achievements on your CV, rather than just listing job duties, significantly enhances your chances of grabbing the recruiter’s attention. It provides concrete evidence of your impact and sets you apart from other candidates, making you a more compelling choice for the job.

Related: How to write achievements on a CV + examples.

• Promoted to Senior Business Advisor within 18 months due to consistent excellence in providing strategic solutions.
• Achieved a First-Class Honours degree in Business Management from a top-tier university.
• Implemented cost-saving strategies, resulting in a 15% reduction in operational expenses for a client.
• Mentored and trained two junior advisors, both of whom subsequently received promotions.
• Successfully navigated a company through a challenging economic downturn, ensuring its survival.

Employment history

As its name suggests, this section is dedicated to your employment and work experience history.

Here, you provide a chronological list of your past jobs, including key information such as job titles, company names, dates of employment and your main responsibilities and accomplishments in each role. This section gives employers insight into what you’ve contributed to previous positions.

This is probably the most crucial section of your CV, so it’s vital to present your work experience in a clear and compelling manner.

Highlight your achievements and how they align with the job you’re applying for. This section can make or break your chances of securing an interview, so craft it meticulously to showcase your qualifications and expertise.

Business advisor duties to add to your CV

1. Strategic planning: Developing and implementing strategic plans to help businesses achieve their long-term goals.
2. Financial analysis: Conducting financial assessments, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis, to aid in decision-making.
3. Market research: Researching and analysing market trends and competition to provide valuable insights for business growth.
4. Client consultations: Advising clients on various aspects of their business, offering tailored solutions to address specific challenges.
5. Performance improvement: Identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance business efficiency and profitability.
6. Regulatory compliance: Keeping up-to-date with relevant industry regulations and ensuring that businesses comply with legal requirements.
7. Risk management: Assessing and mitigating risks, helping businesses safeguard against potential issues.
8. Business development: Assisting in identifying opportunities for growth and expansion, including mergers and acquisitions.
9. Staff training: Providing training and mentoring to staff on best practices and industry-specific knowledge.
10. Communication skills: Effective communication with clients and colleagues, including report writing, presentations, and negotiation.

Education

In the education section of your CV, you should list your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.

Include your university degrees, such as Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees, along with any other relevant qualifications like A-Levels, diplomas or certifications.

Read more: How to write the educational background section of a CV.

Qualifications & training

In your CV, the professional training and qualifications section contains details of any additional courses, certifications, or qualifications you have acquired that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

For a business advisor, this section may include qualifications and training such as certifications in financial planning, project management, industry-specific courses or memberships in professional bodies like the Institute of Consulting or Chartered Management Institute to showcase expertise and commitment to the field.

• Level 6 Diploma in Business Management – University of Manchester
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Qualification
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Economics – London School of Economics and Political Science
• Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing – Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Business Administration – City & Guilds

Skills

The skills section of your CV is where you highlight your key abilities, competencies and attributes relevant to the job you are applying for.

Make sure you include soft skills like strong communication, analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, alongside hard skills such as financial analysis, business strategy and market research expertise.

• Financial analysis: Proficient in conducting comprehensive financial assessments, enabling clients to make informed investment decisions. For instance, I provided analysis that resulted in a 15% increase in a client’s portfolio value.
• Strategic planning: Skilled in developing strategic business plans that have led to the expansion of a small business into new markets, achieving a 20% revenue growth.
• Client relationship management: Exceptional at building and maintaining strong client relationships; for instance, I managed a portfolio of 30 clients, achieving a 95% client retention rate and generating 20% in additional referrals.

10 useful business advisor skills to add to your CV

1. Financial analysis: Proficient in assessing financial data to make informed business recommendations.
2. Market research: Experienced in conducting thorough market analysis and identifying opportunities.
3. Team leadership: Capable of leading and motivating teams to achieve project objectives.
4. Risk assessment: Able to identify and mitigate potential risks in business operations.
5. Problem-solving: Effective in finding creative solutions to complex business challenges.
6. Negotiation: Proficient in negotiating terms, contracts, and deals with clients and partners.
7. Business development: Skilled in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
8. Change management: Proficient in guiding businesses through transitions and changes.
9. Adaptability: Quick to adjust strategies in response to changing market conditions.
10. Legal and regulatory compliance: Knowledge of business laws and regulations.

Personal interests

The hobbies and interests section of a CV is where you can showcase your personal interests and activities outside of work, providing a more well-rounded picture of yourself to potential employers.

For a business advisor, it’s essential to showcase well-rounded interests and hobbies that demonstrate a diverse skill set and a strong work-life balance.

These may include networking at industry events, a passion for financial matters, leadership and mentorship roles, reading business-related books and publications, interests in technology and innovation, a proficiency in public speaking, ongoing education through courses and certifications, and a dedication to philanthropy and volunteer work in the business and entrepreneurship sector.

References

The references section of your CV includes the contact details of individuals who can vouch for your qualifications and character.

Your referees can be individuals such as former employers, supervisors, colleagues, mentors or academic tutors who are well-acquainted with your work and character.

When selecting references, it’s essential to consider individuals who not only have a good understanding of your professional capabilities but are also well-spoken and can eloquently speak about you to employers.

Related: How to write references on a CV.

Note: If you do not wish to disclose your references on your CV, you should write, “References are available upon request.”

Tips to make your CV more effective

• Start with a strong summary: Begin with a compelling professional summary that encapsulates your expertise and demonstrates your value, e.g., “Experienced Business Advisor with a track record of driving profitability for diverse clients.”
• Showcase key achievements: Highlight concrete achievements, like “Increased a client’s annual revenue by 20% through effective cost-cutting measures.”
• Optimise your LinkedIn profile: Research has shown that 43% of employers review the shortlisted candidate’s LinkedIn profiles. Ensure it aligns with your CV, featuring a professional photo and consistent job descriptions for a cohesive online presence.
• Include a customised cover letter with your CV: Write a tailored cover letter that expands on your CV, explaining how your skills match the specific needs of the employer. While a cover letter is strictly not required, it can play a vital role in your job application as it allows you to introduce yourself, showcase your qualifications and convey your enthusiasm for the role, giving you a valuable opportunity to make a strong first impression on potential employers.
• Proofread: Ensure your CV is error-free and polished, as attention to detail is essential for a business advisor who provides accurate advice to clients.