how to write sales experience in resume

How to Write a Sales Resume That’ll Close the Deal (Example Included!)

Sales jobs are filled with high highs (hello, commission checks!) and low lows (looking at you, high quotas and unreasonable customers), but most sales representatives derive great satisfaction from their work. If you love the thrill of the hunt, the art of negotiating, and the sense of accomplishment that accompanies a freshly signed contract, sales might be the perfect industry for you.

Sales is a diverse space, spanning a variety of roles, levels, mediums, and organizations. You could sell directly to consumers or to businesses, close all of your deals over the phone or in person, specialize in finding new leads or sell exclusively to enterprise-level organizations. And virtually every company across virtually every industry employs sales representatives. So your options are practically endless.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the market for a new account executive opportunity or a relative novice looking to break into a business development role (also called a sales development role, depending on the company), you’ll need a compelling sales resume to capture a prospective employer’s attention. Here’s how to write yours.

Include These Key Sales Facts

While the sales industry is vast and varied, there are a few essential elements that every standout sales resume should feature prominently. They include:

• Where you have sold/regions you’ve managed (e.g. San Francisco, southwest, EMEA)
• The types of products you’ve sold (e.g. SaaS, office supplies, employee benefits packages)
• The types of customers you’ve sold to (e.g. consumers, emerging businesses, healthcare organizations)
• Who you’ve worked with (e.g. developers, managers, C-level executives)
• Deal sizes (e.g. $50K, 13 locations, 125 users)
• Length of an average sales cycle (e.g. four weeks, six months)
• Quota achievement (e.g. 104% quota achievement for Q3)

Recruiters will, of course, be interested in your work history, career progression, education and training, technical skills, and achievements, too (more on that below), but your resume will be strengthened immensely by including the above details first and foremost for each of your past sales roles.

Use the Right Lingo

Like every industry, sales has a language all its own (think prospecting, territory, quota). And that means recruiters will be keeping an eye out for specific terms as they read through your resume. Tailoring your resume for each individual job description is an excellent strategy for ensuring that you’re hitting all the right keywords (more on that here ). Remember, if you have experience performing a task listed in the job description, be sure to include it on your resume!

Another compelling reason to tailor your resume? The applicant tracking system (or ATS for short). This program scans your application for certain keywords to determine whether your experience is a good match for the job. If you don’t have enough relevant terms on your resume, the ATS might discard your application before a recruiter has a chance to review it. In other words, you could be screened out if you didn’t take the time to keyword-optimize your resume—even if you have the right experience.

You can use the common keywords listed below as a starting point—but again, be sure to emphasize the most relevant ones. For example, if the role you’re applying for is focused on new business and doesn’t include ongoing client relationship management, you’ll want to downplay your account management experience and lean into your prospecting and business development experience.

• Account Management
• Business Analysis
• Business Case
• Business Development
• Cold Calling
• Consultative Selling
• Customer Relations
• Executive Relationships
• Forecasting
• Lead Generation
• Negotiation
• Overcoming Objections
• Pitch Decks
• Presentations
• Prospecting
• Relationship Management
• Return on Investment
• Sales Cycle

Highlight Those Numbers

Quantifying your experience—whether direct or transferable—will be incredibly important as you’re writing your sales resume. Because sales is ultimately about results, prospective employers are going to want to see proof of your ability to deliver. Assigning numbers like percentages or dollar amounts can help to bring your sales accomplishments to life. Here’s what it might look like:

• Reached 99% quota achievement for FY 2018
• Delivered 115 new, viable sales leads resulting in $220K in new revenue for Q2
• Called 150+ donors each day, bringing in $13K in contributions in just three months

If you’ve been in the same role for a number of years, you might prefer to detail your day-to-day responsibilities (like prospecting, presenting, and negotiating contracts) separately from your accomplishments. This might make your resume easier for a recruiter to scan and, even better, make your dazzling achievements easier to spot. Take a peek at the example at the end of this article to see how it might look in practice.

Don’t Ignore Training and Technical Skills

There are a variety of popular (and effective!) sales methodologies that prospective employers will likely consider to be highly valuable. So if you’ve attended a training or seminar or earned a certification in a particular methodology, like Sandler or Challenger, be sure to feature it on your resume. Even if these trainings aren’t a must-have for a certain job, hiring managers will probably be impressed by your commitment to fine-tuning your expertise.

Sales representatives also rely on a combination of customer resource management (CRM), business development, networking, communication, and tracking tools to perform their jobs effectively. So if you have experience with tools like Salesforce, PowerPoint, Yesware, OrgChartPlus, LinkedIn InMail, or LinkedIn Sales Navigator, you’ll want to include them on your resume. Better yet, be sure to read through the technical requirements section of every job posting so that you can include all the relevant skills on your resume.

If You’ve Never Had a Sales Job Before

Breaking into a new industry as an entry-level candidate or a career changer can feel intimidating. But it’s a very attainable goal, so long as you apply for the right types of roles and tailor your resume accordingly.

The first thing you’ll want to do before you start writing your resume is identify your most relevant transferable skills. Experience interacting with customers, making phone calls, drafting emails, fundraising, coordinating events, or conducting internet research (just to name a few) are all highly transferable. Soft skills like an upbeat attitude, persistence, and adaptability will be important too.

If you’re having a tough time determining what’s relevant (and what’s not), pull up a few job postings and read through the descriptions to get a feel for what will be most important. And remember to think big picture: You might not have experience cold calling prospective customers, but you probably have experience calling companies, asking questions and gathering information over the phone, leaving voicemails, and following up. And that counts!

A resume summary , while totally optional, can be a fantastic way to tie seemingly unrelated experiences together. It’s also a great place to (briefly) answer the question, “Why sales?” Here’s what a summary for someone looking to transition into sales might look like:

Ambitious, persistent, and goal-oriented people person with three years of experience managing public relations in the startup space. A skilled and persuasive communicator eager to leverage expertise in cold calls, presentations, and research in an entry-level sales role.

Whether you’re a career starter or a career changer, for a sales resume it’s important to quantify your resume bullet points as much as possible. Try thinking about your past responsibilities in terms of goals and achievements. Were you tasked with sourcing and hiring vendors for an event? You might write a bullet point that reads:

• Sourced five vendors and negotiated contracts in just three weeks, staying within $7K budget for a 100-person event.

A Few Additional Things to Keep in Mind

• Stick to a single-page chronological layout. This rule applies to virtually every job seeker (though super-seasoned executives might have longer resumes and career changers might consider an alternative format ). Tailoring your resume for each job and cutting experience that’s more than 10 years old should help you keep the length down. Follow this handy guide to writing a chronological resume for more details.
• Create scannable sections. Organizing your resume into clear, easy-to-identify sections (like sales experience, education, and technical skills) will make it much easier for recruiters to read. They’re busy, so scannability is key. Even better, it’ll help your dazzling achievements stand out.
• Write vibrant bullet points. Breathe life into flatlining bullet points with this simple formula: compelling verb + job duty + tangible number or outcome. So Cold-called prospective customers becomes Targeted and vetted prospective customers through 100+ daily cold calls, resulting in 400 new leads in Q2.
• Proofread! Even if you’re positive that your resume is totally error-free. Or ask a reliable friend, family member, or colleague to give it a look. You might be surprised by what you’ve missed.

Allow Me to Sell You on an Example

When a recruiter receives a new sales resume, they’ll primarily be interested in learning about the products you’ve sold, the customers you’ve sold to, the industries you’re familiar with, and whether or not you’ve successfully reached your sales goals. As you read through the below resume, take note of the way it incorporates all of this information using succinct sections and easy-to-read bullet points.

Download Example Sales Resume

Just as a sales pitch deck serves to sell your prospective customers on the benefits of your products, your resume should sell prospective employers on the benefits of adding you to their team. Featuring relevant details about your role, quantifying your achievements, and tailoring your resume to include the right keywords will help you to stand out and land those sales interviews .

Watch related employer videos:

Sales Resume - Example & Writing Guide for 2024

You’re a sales rep.

You use your skills to sell products or services to customers and companies.

But when it comes to creating a convincing resume, you’re left confused.

How do you make a sales representative resume, anyway?

Surely it’s no different than a resume for any other profession, right?

Fortunately, this guide will answer all of your questions. In fact, we take you through a simple step-by-step process to creating a sales resume with a super-high conversion rate . 

• An example of a finished sales resume that works
• How to write a sales representative resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make your sales representative resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Before we look at the finer details, here’s a sales resume example , created with our very own online resume builder :

Looks good, right?! Follow the steps below to create a sales representative resume that get results, just like the above example.

Applying for a different job position? Feel free to check out our related resume examples here:

• Sales Associate Resume
• Marketing Executive Resume
• Marketing Resume

How to Format a Sales Representative Resume

Before you can wow the recruiter with your vast sales expertise, you need to pick the best format.

Basically, you need to make your resume easy to read.

You will also want to highlight your core strengths, which rely on choosing the correct format for your specific situation.

If you want to impress, the “ reverse-chronological ” resume format is recommended. Essentially, it puts your most recent and most notable strengths at the top, which allows the recruiter to see your value in an instant. We recommend starting with this format .

The following resume formats also get our approval:

• Functional Resume – If you’re confident about your sales skills, but lack the experience, this resume format is recommended
• Combination Resume – Combining both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological” formats, use this format if you’re an experienced sales representative

Once you’ve chosen your format, you need to organize your resume layout .

Use a Sales Representative Resume Template

Here’s the harsh truth –

You won’t get any sales job if your resume isn’t formatted correctly.  

It needs to be scanned by humans and robots alike. 

You could use Word, but the resume format is at risk of falling apart with a single change.

If you want to skip formatting issues, use a sales rep resume template .

What to Include in a Sales Representative Resume

The main sections in a sales representative resume are:

• Work Experience
• Contact Information

Want to go a step further? You can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification

Interests & Hobbies

That sounds great, but what do we write for each of these sections? 

Read on to learn how.

Want to know more about resume sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

Unlike your sales presentations, this section doesn’t require flair.

But it must be factually correct. 

One misplaced digit can completely destroy your chances of receiving a phone call.

The contact information section must include:

• Title – Align this to the job description. In this case, “Sales Representative”
• Phone Number – Check this multiple times
• Email Address – Use a professional email address ([email protected]), not your childhood email ([email protected])
• (Optional) Location – Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location and if you are open to relocate.
• Phillip Green - Sales Representative. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Phillip Green - Superhero Salesman. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Sales Representative Resume Summary or Objective

Just like a customer glancing over products on the shelf, the hiring manager will only spend just a few seconds looking at each resume.

Although worrying, this fact highlights the importance of a resume that makes a big impact within the first few sentences.

But how can you do this?

Well, by using a resume summary or objective.

These are short, snappy paragraphs that sit at the top of your resume, just under your contact information.

But how do the two differ and which one should you pick?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

• Experienced sales representative with a strong background in boosting sales for a diverse clientele. Seeking to leverage solid sales skills and extensive technology knowledge to be the senior sales rep for Random Technology Store. Notable achievements include achieving over $250,000 in sales for every fiscal quarter, maintaining relationships with 15+ large contractor companies, and increasing gross profit by 42% from 2017 to 2019.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of what you want to achieve professionally.

• Motivated individual with passion and vast knowledge of gaming technology, seeking to become the new sales representative for Random Technology Store. Experience includes working as a sales associate to help customers find products, answer stock questions, and promote store awards program.

So, which one is best, summary or objective?

Whether you choose a summary or objective will depend on your experience as a sales representative. Those with a strong history on the sales floor should go with a resume summar y, whereas those who have sales skills, but lack the industry experience, should choose an objective.  

• As a sales representative, you know that benefits sell. As such, make it clear how your experiences and skills will HELP the company.

How to Make Your Sales Work Experience Stand Out

The recruiter is looking for someone that can sell.

And when we say sell, we mean SELL .

The easiest way to prove that you can sell ice to the Eskimos is with your work experience .

Here’s the best way to structure your work experience section:

• Position Name/Title
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

Sales Representative

WeSellCars Ltd.

03/2015 - 06/2020

• Achieved over $250,000 in sales for every fiscal quarter 
• Maintained relationships with 15+ large contractor companies
• Increased gross profit by 42% from 2017 to 2019
• Lead and presented all company product promotions

To really sell your value, you should focus on your best achievements, rather than your daily tasks.

Instead of saying:

“Sales lead”

“Achieved over $250,000 in sales for every fiscal quarter.”

Simply put, the first statement is way too vague. It shows you were in charge of sales, but it doesn’t say whether you actually sold anything or not. 

The second statement shows that you managed to sell A LOT , and consistently too. Hard numbers that prove your skills – can’t argue with that!

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

Maybe you’re a graduate looking for your first sales job?

Or maybe, you have experience in sales-related jobs, but never as a sales representative?

Don’t worry –

Simply list all previous job responsibilities that are most relevant to the job description.

Even though you haven’t held an official sales representative job title , it doesn’t mean you don’t have relevant experience or skills.

Are you recent graduate? Make sure to check out our student resume guide !

Use Action Words to Make Your Sales Resume POP!

…are all common words that the recruiter sees time and time again.

However, you want to separate your resume from the competition, which means using power words to make your achievements stand out:

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to Correctly List your Education

Next, it’s time to talk about your education.

Depending on the job you apply for, you may require a degree or high school diploma. 

Those with impressive sales achievements may not need to impress with their education at all.

There’s nothing too complicated with this section, just list the basics in the following format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours and relevant courses.

B.A. in Strategies in Sales Management

University of Michigan

2012 - 2016

• Relevant Courses: Sales Forecasting & Budgeting, Developing Strategic Relationships with Major Customers, Managing Sales-Related Change, Developing and Using Customer Insight

We understand that you may have further questions. If so, here are the answers to some of the most frequent questions that we get:

What if I have not yet finished my studies?

• Regardless of whether you’re a sales graduate or still studying, you should still mention every year of education to date

Should I include my high school education?

• Just include your highest form of education, which will likely be your high school education if you didn’t go to college 

What is more important, my education or experience?

• In the sales field, your experiences are the most important, so those go first.

Be sure to check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 15 Skills for a Sales Resume

A top sales representative is able to show their talents through the number of sales they convert.

You won’t even get to that stage if don’t include the correct skills on your resume.

Here are some of the most common sales skills that the recruiter will be looking for:

• Product Knowledge
• Rapport Building
• Time Management
• Product Presentation
• Contract Negotiation
• Closing Sales
• Prospecting
• Public Speaking
• Problem Solving
• Conflict Resolution

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 100+ must-have skills this year .

What Else Can You Include?

We’ve now covered every essential resume section .

But ask yourself one question –

Have you done enough to make the sale ?

You need your resume to stand out !

Adding additional sections can really round you out as a candidate.

Awards & Certifications

Have you won salesperson of the month?

Have you completed any courses to improve your sales skills?

If you said yes to any of the above, make sure to mention them in your resume!

Here’s an example:

Awards & Certificates

• “The Art of Sales” - Coursera Certificate
• “Public Speaking Masterclass” - MadeUpUniversity

As a sales representative, you will be communicating with a diverse clientele. 

As such, it can be useful to know other languages.

Either way, being able to speak a second language is always an impressive skill to a hiring manager, so feel free to add a language section if you have space.

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

This section simply requires a sentence about what you like to do when you aren’t working. 

Doing this allows the hiring manager to see what kind of person you are. 

This section also adds a more personal touch to your resume.

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

Want to increase your chances of getting the interview call?

Attach a cover letter with your resume.

Cover letters are still an important part of the hiring process.

You see, a cover letter is a specific and personal piece of content. 

Unlike an applicant that sends a generic resume to every company, a cover letter shows the hiring manager that you care about working for their company.

Here’s the winning formula:

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Your full name, profession, email, phone number, location.

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

It’s no secret that recruiters skim through applications. As such, your opening paragraph must be immensely powerful. Use concise language to mention:

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Once you’ve sparked the reader’s interest, you can get deeper into the following specifics:

• Why you chose this specific company
• What you know about the company
• How are your top skills relevant for the job
• Which similar industries or positions have you worked in before

Closing Paragraph

• Don’t just end the conversation abruptly, you should:
• Conclude the points made in the body paragraph
• Thank the hiring manager for the opportunity
• Finish with a call to action. This is a good way to start a conversation. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help company X” will work

Formal Salutations

End the letter in a professional manner. Something like, “ Kind regards ” or “ Sincerely. ”

For more inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

If you combined your sales skills with the advice above, you should have successfully convinced the recruiter to give you an interview. 

Before leaving, let’s sum it all up:

• Format your sales resume correctly. Prioritize the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices on content layout
• Start your resume with a summary or objective to hook the recruiter
• Highlight your top sales achievements, rather than your daily duties
• Use your sales skills to write a convincing cover letter

Suggested Reading:

• The One-Page Resume of Richard Branson
• What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment? [3 Proven Answers]
• 101 Career Paths for Every Personality [2024 Guide]

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7 Sales Representative Resume Examples for 2024

Sales Representative

Best for professionals eager to make a mark

Looking for one of the best resume templates? Your accomplishments are sure to stand out with these bold lines and distinct resume sections.

Resume Builder

Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

Sales Representative Resume

• Sales Representative Resumes Experience
• Sales Representative Resumes by Role

As a sales representative, you’re a people person who knows how to close a deal. To sell successfully, you must be an exceptional communicator with top-level product knowledge.

Figuring out how to include these skills on a resume can be a headache, but these seven sales representative resume samples highlight the very best, so they’re a great place to start building or  outlining your resume  before taking advantage of a cover letter AI generator to land your dream sales job in 2024.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Spotlighting instances when you applied skills you gave a shoutout on the side column will no doubt strike the right chords. For the cherry on top, customize your resume to the job ad and the hiring company’s needs; it shows you paid attention and fully invested.

Beginner Sales Representative Resume

• Failure to tailor your resume is like showing up to a client meeting without knowing their needs. When you customize your resume to speak the language of the hiring company (cue created tailored sales presentations), you’re not just applying but also announcing you’re the missing piece they’ve been scouting for.

Entry-Level Sales Representative Resume

• Step up and transform your entry-level sales representative resume into a tailor-made suit that fits the job you’re eyeing. For instance, won’t demonstrating a positive, customer-focused attitude strike the right chords with a recruiter filling a sales position? You bet it will.

Route Sales Representative Resume

• Customizing your resume to mirror the job description’s language and requirements is about highlighting you’re the perfect match for what the hiring company is looking for. After all, no one intends to hire a jack of all trades.

Customer Sales Representative Resume

• Increasing revenue by $100K per year and leading to a 12% out-performance of sign-up targets could have recruiters glued on your resume within as little as 7 seconds. Also, impactful words like gained, drove and developed affirm your capabilities, and what better way to infuse your masterpiece with power?

Inside Sales Representative Resume

• You want to seek every opportunity available to shape your resume to match job requirements and hiring company’s needs. You are not just hoping to breeze past the ATS robots; it’s more about crafting a masterpiece that screams you’re best fit. Phrases like approved vendor purchases orders and gathering market share information are excellent examples.

Real Estate Sales Representative Resume

• You see, success in real estate thrives on a mix of technical and soft skills . Do you have a flair for staging homes that makes potential buyers swoon? Such is the insider info recruiters scout for. Hal’s masterpiece, for example, showcases buzzwords like real estate, marketing strategy, and negotiation.

Related resume guides

• Sales Manager
• Sales Associate

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11 Sales Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Sales Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

Most popular sales resumes.

• Pharmaceutical Sales
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• Sales Manager
• Account Manager
• Sales Associate
• Senior Sales Associate
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How To Write a Sales Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

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Auto Sales Resume Example

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Sales Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Meera Patel (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio San Diego, CA 12345

A Sales Professional with entry-level experience specializing in lead generation, customer success, client relations, and cold calling. A proven track record of building rapport with sales prospects and upselling products to drive revenue growth. Adept at tracking sales data and creating reports using Salesforce CRM.

• Lead Qualification
• Inside Sales
• Consultative Selling
• Cold Calling
• Salesforce CRM

Professional Experience

Inside Sales Representative, Decker Software, San Diego, CA October 2022 – Present

• Generate over $250K in annual sales for an HR software company, achieve 120% of quota in 2022, conduct up to 20 sales consultations per week, and utilize consultative selling techniques
• Educate sales prospects on software product benefits, conduct research on customer business needs, deliver product demonstrations, and upsell products to increase monthly sales revenue by 20%
• Track and manage sales data, customer accounts, and consultations using Salesforce

Inside Sales Representative, State Farm Insurance, San Diego, CA June 2021 – October 2022

• Interfaced with 100+ sales prospects per week, scheduled sales consultations, educated prospects on products and services, and achieved 110% of annual sales quota
• Established rapport with sales prospects, built positive long-term relationships, and provided information to customers on potential benefits of insurance plans and policies

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of San Diego, San Diego, CA September 2017 – June 2021

Joseph Corbin (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio New York, NY 12345

A dynamic Sales Professional with five years of professional experience specializing in business development, lead qualification, strategic selling, and account management. A proven track record of building and managing high-value relationships with wholesalers within the manufacturing industry.

Business Development Associate, Hazlett Manufacturing, New York, NY August 2020 – Present

• Manage accounts with 10+ wholesalers generating $3M in annual sales revenue, deliver product demonstrations and education to sales prospects, and exceed annual sales quotas by 20%-30% YOY
• Build relationships with key decision makers within the rubber industry, conduct sales negotiations, and utilize strategic selling techniques to enhance annual revenue growth by $200K per year
• Identify business development opportunities and coordinate with the sales team to develop presentations, qualify leads, and generate sales strategies for the territory

Sales Representative, Giljean Plastics, New York, NY June 2018 – August 2020

• Developed sales strategies to persuade manufacturing executives to purchase Giljean’s rubber components, which resulted in a 150% increase in sales revenue over three years
• Managed a four-county territory in California valued at $1.5M, achieved 120% of sales quotas YOY, and developed long-term client relationships with key wholesalers

Certifications

• Salesforce Certification, Salesforce.com, 2020
• Certified Sales Development Representative, AA-ISP, 2019
• Business Development
• Strategic Selling
• Account Management
• Sales Strategy
• Closing Techniques

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of Syracuse, Syracuse. NY September 2014 – June 2018

Hideo Araki (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio Miami, FL 12345

A Sales Executive with 10+ years of professional experience building multi-million-dollar customer pipelines and driving growth for enterprise accounts. Adept at collaborating with C-level executives and cross-functional teams to develop sales strategies and drive penetration across market verticals.

Senior Account Manager, Accelerate Software, Miami, FL February 2017 – Present

• Oversee 35+ enterprise customer accounts generating over $20M+ in yearly revenue, build strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 clients, and lead initiatives to drive business development efforts and accelerate account growth
• Lead sales meetings with C-level executives to close new business
• Serve as the point of contact for client accounts and identify value-added services to drive customer success, which has improved account growth by 25% on average
• Lead a team of 10+ Account Executives, provide training and mentorship on sales best practices, and deliver support throughout the sales cycle

Sales Account Executive, Celeste Inc., Miami, FL June 2013 – February 2017

• Managed 20+ client accounts generating $150K to $800K in annual revenue
• Attended high-level sales meetings, educated prospects on technology products, and recommended customer solutions based on client business needs
• Drove business development activities, qualified leads, identified potential prospects, and developed new strategies to enhance sales performance
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams and the Marketing Department to enhance product visibility and drive revenue across emerging markets
• Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL), NASP, 2017
• Salesforce Certification, Salesforce.com, 2015
• Certified Sales Development Representative, AA-ISP, 2013
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Sales Management

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of Florida, Gainesville, FL September 2011 – June 2013

Cynthia Roberts (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio San Francisco, CA 12345

A seasoned sales professional with six years of experience in pharmaceutical sales, specializing in life sciences, consultative selling, and account management. Adept at leveraging knowledge of life sciences and clinical trials to deliver compelling sales presentations to prospects.

Sales Account Executive, Midas Pharmaceuticals, San Francisco, CA January 2020 – present

• Generate $800,000 in annual sales for a pharmaceutical company, achieve 125% of annual quota in 2023, drive lead generation efforts, and develop sales strategies
• Build relationships with physicians and hospitals within the local community to secure revenue opportunities and generate referrals for pharmaceutical product sales
• Conduct sales consultations, deliver presentations to prospects on clinical trials and data for a line of antidepressants, and field questions regarding risks and side effects

Sales Representative, San Francisco, CA June 2017 – January 2020

• Consistently achieved and exceeded sales targets by 15% to 20% each quarter through strategic planning and execution, contributing to over $300,000 in annual sales
• Established and nurtured relationships with over 50 health care providers, effectively increasing the company’s customer base.
• Successfully identified new market opportunities by conducting thorough competitor analysis and market trend research
• Certified Sales Development Representative, AA-ISP, 2017
• Account management
• Competitor analysis
• Consultative selling
• Life sciences
• Pharmaceutical sales

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of San Francisco , San Francisco, CA September 2013 – June 2017

Mina Sayed (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio Nashville, TN 12345

A results-driven sales consultant with a strong background in marketing and a deep understanding of the auto industry. A proven track record in exceeding sales targets, implementing effective digital marketing strategies, and building strong customer relationships.

Auto Sales Consultant, Harrelson Motors, Nashville, TN October 2019 – present

• Negotiate sales deals with customers, evaluate trade-in vehicles, and ensure customer satisfaction and profitability for the dealership, resulting in $500,000 in annual sales
• Consistently exceed monthly sales targets by 20% and develop and maintain strong customer relationships, contributing to a 15% increase in repeat business
• Implemented a new digital marketing strategy to increase online leads by 30%

Auto Sales Representative, Cambridge Dealership, New York, NY June 2017 – October 2019

• Negotiated and finalized an average of 15 sales deals per month, achieved 120% to 130% of quota month over month, and cultivated long-term customer relationships
• Assessed and valued trade-in vehicles, contributing to a 10% increase in annual revenue
• Utilized knowledge of auto industry trends to effectively market and sell a variety of models, including electric and hybrid vehicles
• Salesforce Certification, Salesforce.com, 2021
• Business development
• Digital marketing
• Lead generation
• Relationship building

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN September 2013 – June 2017

Jessica Lang (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio Boston, MA 12345

A dynamic head of sales with over 12 years of professional experience in strategic sales planning, team management, and customer relationship management. A strong history of developing and implementing sales strategies, managing diverse sales organizations, and building strong relationships with enterprise-level customer accounts.

Head of Sales, HR Software Solutions, Boston, MA February 2018 – present

• Develop and implement a strategic sales plan based on market trends, resulting in a 25% increase in annual sales over a two-year period
• Manage, build, and develop a high-performing team of 20 sales representatives and provide training and coaching, successfully improving quota attainment by 32%
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with enterprise client accounts valued at up to $5 million, resulting in a 15% increase in client retention

Regional Sales Manager, Workforce Planner Inc., Boston, MA June 2012 – February 2018

• Managed a portfolio of 15 client accounts ranging from $400,000 to $1.3 million, built and maintained customer relationships, and identified opportunities to deliver value-added services, contributing to a 15% increase in account revenue
• Led a team of 15 sales professionals, provided training on consultative sales techniques, and successfully improved close rates by 10%
• Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL), NASP, 2018
• Salesforce Certification, Salesforce.com, 2017
• Client relations
• Sales management
• Sales strategy

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing Boston College, Boston, MA September 2008 – June 2012

Mina Bassley (267) 210-0293 [email protected] 9101 Apple St, Bryn Mawr, PA 12345

Sales account executive with three years of professional experience, specializing in maintaining customer accounts, supporting sales cycles, and qualifying leads. Adept at closing new business and interfacing with prospects and potential clients. A strong background in identifying process improvements to enhance the sales process.

Bachelor of Science in Marketing Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA, September 2015 – May 2019

• Relationship Building
• Prospecting
• Customer Success
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Sales Account Executive, Marketing CRM Incorporated, Philadelphia, PA January 2020 – Present

• Collaborate with a team of sales account executives and management teams to review sales processes, identify gaps, and recommend improvements
• Analyze sales data, conduct reporting, and deliver reports to leadership
• Serve as the point of contact for customer issues, which include analyzing client business needs and identifying appropriate solutions
• Oversaw eight client accounts generating $20K to $50K in revenue, interfaced with customers, fielded client issues, and attended meetings with the Head of Sales

Sales Representative, Customer Journeys, Philadelphia, PA January 2019 – January 2020

• Conducted cold calling and prospecting
• Qualified inbound and outbound sales leads, supported the sales process, and achieved 120% of sales quota for 2019
• Attended meetings with prospects and collaborated with Sales Manager to close new business and recommend products in alignment with client needs
• Created sales reports using Microsoft Excel and delivered findings to the sales team during weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings

Jennifer Greenhough (012) 345-6789 [email protected] 123 Main Street, Tampa, FL 12345

A Sales Manager with over eight years of experience, specializing in pipeline development, territory management, team building, and consultative selling. A proven track record of developing and coaching high performance sales teams to exceed revenue goals. Adept at building lucrative relationships with high value client accounts.

Sales Manager, HVAC Equipment Co., Tampa, FL August 2016 – Present

• Manage and build a team of 40+ sales representatives and account executives, coordinate the sales process for commercial HVAC equipment, implement new sales incentives, successfully achieve 130% of annual sales quota, and generate over $25M in annual revenue
• Interface with client stakeholders to resolve escalated issues related to HVAC equipment products, identify appropriate solutions, and improve client satisfaction from 80% to 93%
• Coordinate cross-functionally with the marketing department to align quarterly sales campaigns with overarching marketing strategy, resulting in a 10% increase in sales conversions

Associate Sales Manager, Premiere HVAC Solutions , Orlando, FL July 2012 – July 2016

• Managed and developed a sales team comprised of 20+ representatives, delivered training on upselling and consultative selling techniques, and improved close rates by 10% on average across the team
• Provided support to team members during high-level sales consultations and served as the point of contact for client accounts ranging from $300K-$2.5M
• Led the team to exceed annual sales quotas by 20%-35% YOY

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration University of Florida, Miami, FL, September 2006 -June 2010

MBA Specializing in Marketing University of Florida, Miami, FL, September 2010 – June 2012

• Team Leadership

Mike Williams (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 First Lane, Baltimore, MD 12345

A dynamic Account Manager with eight years of experience developing new business for premiere technology startups. A proven track record of defining overarching sales strategy to grow customer accounts and build long-term relationships. Adept at leading teams of sales representatives and identifying opportunities to enhance performance and improve close rates.

Customer Account Manager, Jericho Finance Solutions Inc., Washington D.C. March 2015-Present

• Manage 40+ major accounts generating $5M in annual revenue, serve as the point of contact for clients, identify solutions to complex issues, and achieve a 97% customer satisfaction rating
• Generate and track sales reports, evaluate contract terms, analyze sales metrics, and conduct forecasting to define overarching sales strategies based on market indicators
• Develop long-term client relationships, build rapport with customer stakeholders, ensure product alignment with business needs, and identify opportunities to drive customer success

Account Manager, , Alexandria, VA July 2010-March 2015

• Delivered education to customers on product offerings and services, served as the point of contact throughout the sales cycle, and coordinate cross-functionally with customer success teams
• Analyzed market studies and focus groups to develop new sales strategies and identify opportunities to upsell products, contributing to a 10% increase in annual sales
• Provided training to five customer support representatives on client relations, consultative selling, upselling, and customer service standards

Bachelor of Business Management, Devry University, Downers Grove, IL, 3.86 GPA August 2006-June 2010

• Client Relations

Skyler Thompson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio Baltimore, MD 12345

A results-driven sales associate with three years of experience, specializing in retail sales, consultative selling, and sales strategy. A strong track record of exceeding sales targets, building customer relationships, and identifying opportunities to drive revenue growth.

Senior Sales Associate, Sephora, Baltimore, MD October 2021 – present

• Exceed sales targets by 20% each quarter through the development and implementation of effective sales strategies
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of over 50 different fragrances, effectively communicating their unique features and benefits to customers
• Successfully manage relationships with regular customers, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business

Sales Associate, Nordstrom, Baltimore, MD June 2020 – October 2021

• Achieved a 15% increase in fragrance sales within the first year by leveraging strong product knowledge and consultative sales techniques
• Supported inventory management activities, conducted forecasting ensure optimal stock levels, and minimized losses due to expired or damaged products
• Certified Sales Professional (CSP), 2021
• Communication
• Retail sales

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD September 2016 – June 2020

Reeva Fry (765) 432-1098 [email protected] 456 My Road, Grand Rapids, MI 32109

A Senior Sales Associate with seven years of experience within the automobile industry, specializing in consultative sales, customer service, upselling, and client relations. A proven track record of nurturing talent and developing sales teams to achieve revenue targets and improve close rates.

Senior Retail Sales Associate, AutoZone, Grand Rapids, MI September 2017 – Present

• Generate $250K in annual sales and provide training to colleagues to develop customer service skills and knowledge of automobile parts and products
• Supervise a team of nine sales representatives to meet ambitious sales targets, exceeding team goals by 54% in February 2021
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of cutting-edge products and services and communicate information to customers and team members
• Utilize strategies to protect company assets, resulting in a loss reduction of 23% in just six months

Retail Sales Associate, Lentz Auto Repair, Grand Rapids, MI July 2013 – September 2017

• Conducted over $120K in annual sales, maintained a safe and attractive reception environment, and updated promotional product displays
• Greeted customers warmly and professionally and listened to their requirements to suggest suitable solutions
• Capitalized on opportunities for upselling, generating more additional revenue than any other sales associate in 2016
• Handled cash and card transactions using the point-of-sale system and kept accurate financial records

Associate of Science in Business Administration Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids, MI September 2011 – June 2013

• Consultative Sales
• Upselling Techniques
• Lead Generation
• Coaching and Mentorship

A compelling sales resume should illustrate notable sales achievements, heavily feature sales numbers, and tell your story using tangible examples from your work history. For example, if you increased revenue by 200% over three years, explain what sales techniques and strategies you used to achieve this level of growth.

Many job seekers make the mistake of providing vague, uninspiring job descriptions instead of centering their resumes around achievements. As you build your resume, consider your impact on your prior organizations and put this information at the forefront of your document. We’ll provide various expert tips to translate your work history into an impactful sales resume.

1. Create a profile by summarizing your sales qualifications

Hiring managers cannot thoroughly read every resume on their desks. Showcasing skills and experience that align with the position at the top of your resume is an effective strategy to grab their attention. For example, if an organization seeks an account executive who excels in business development, you may want to highlight your experience uncovering new opportunities and building sales pipelines. This approach will give you a significant edge over the competition during the hiring process.

Senior-Level Profile Example

A dynamic sales professional with five years of professional experience specializing in business development, lead qualification, strategic selling, and account management. A proven track record of building and managing high-value relationships with wholesalers within the manufacturing industry.

Entry-Level Profile Example

A sales professional with entry-level experience specializing in lead generation, customer success, client relations, and cold calling. A proven track record of building rapport with sales prospects and upselling products to drive revenue growth. Adept at tracking sales data and creating reports using Salesforce CRM.

2. Outline your sales experience in a compelling list

To build an accomplishment-driven professional experience section, draw attention to your strongest career achievements. Hard numbers and monetary figures are especially important for sales professionals, providing employers with measurable data to evaluate your experience. However, there is a level of strategy involved. For example, if the account values or revenue numbers were low, you may want to focus on showing your quota attainment percentages instead of featuring monetary figures.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example

Senior Account Manager, Accelerate Software, Miami, FL February 2017 – present

• Oversee more than 35 enterprise customer accounts generating over $20 million in yearly revenue, build strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 clients, and lead initiatives to drive business development efforts and accelerate account growth
• Run a team of over 10 account executives, provide training and mentorship on sales best practices, and deliver support throughout the sales cycle

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

• Interfaced with over 100 sales prospects per week, scheduled sales consultations, educated prospects on products and services, and achieved 110% of annual sales quota

3. Outline your education and sales-related certifications

Acquiring sales certifications greatly increases your odds of landing the interview. Although your work experience will always be the primary factor, obtaining additional certifications shows prospective employers that you’re committed to furthering your expertise. Also, consider how these certifications align with your career goals. For instance, if you’re pursuing a management role, prioritize obtaining a sales management certification.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing
• University of San Diego, San Diego, CA September 2017 – June 2021
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

4. Make a list of your sales-related skills and proficiencies

Most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to automate the initial stages of the hiring process. This software works by searching for keywords to determine which applicants stand out as the best candidates for an open position. Incorporating keywords from the job description into your resume will increase your odds of landing an interview. Below is a list of key terms you may encounter while applying for jobs within the sales industry:

How To Pick the Best Sales Resume Template

It’s generally best to select a simple template that’s straightforward and well-organized template for sales resumes. Although flashy modern templates may appear more aesthetically pleasing, using graphics or excessive color might distract the reader from your content. Hiring managers are concerned with your qualifications first and foremost. Your primary goal should be to deliver this information as efficiently and cleanly as possible.

David Pratt - Senior Sales Recruiter at Merrimack Valley Consulting , LinkedIn

Meet our Expert: David has 13+ years of experience recruiting sales professionals in SaaS, financial planning, and health care, primarily supporting young professionals breaking into technology careers.

1. What are the most in-demand skills for sales roles that should be featured on a candidate’s resume? Please include both hard and soft skills. -

Hard skills to include are prospecting, sales techniques, CRM software, product knowledge, presentation skills, and time management.

Soft skills are communication, empathy, teamwork, relationship building, resilience, finding solutions, and emotional intelligence.

2. What work experience or other accomplishments are hiring managers seeking in a sales candidate? -

Hiring managers want to see you’ve reached competitive sales goals. Share achievements such as exceeding quota, your rank against peers, and awards or president’s club attendance.

3. What else should a sales candidate be prepared to provide hiring managers besides a resume? -

Some companies want a 90-day plan and references, so be ready to provide these.

4. What advice would you give a sales candidate about their job search? -

Be strategic about your search. Target roles that fit your background best and put all your efforts into those. Do not just apply and wait; find other avenues to confirm an interview.

Treat it like the sales process.

Frequently Asked Questions: Sales Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for sales resumes -.

It’s easy to get stuck when writing the professional experience section of a resume. In some instances, only a limited number of verbs can be used to describe your career achievements and work history accurately. Varying your usage of action verbs is important, as your content may appear redundant if you overuse the same words repeatedly. We’ve compiled a list of action verbs to craft your bullet points:

How do you align your resume with a sales job description? -

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , sales occupations are expected to experience no change in growth between 2021 and 2031. This amounts to a decrease in over 164,500 jobs over the next decade. The sales industry is highly competitive, especially at the senior level, so carefully align your resume with the job description.

Tailoring your resume to the specifications of the position you’re applying for is the key to generating traction in your job search. As you write your resume, cross-reference your document with the job listing to ensure you have included everything the company seeks. Do not copy and paste their language into your resume. It’s important to capture your unique experience.

What is the best sales resume format? -

A reverse chronological format is the best approach for sales resumes. This ensures that your most recent accomplishments are featured toward the top of your document. A functional resume format fails in this regard, as it prioritizes your skills and qualifications without meaningful context or descriptions. This impacts your ability to showcase your career experience properly and grab the hiring manager's attention.

If a company requires you to submit a cover letter for a job opening, tailor your content to that company carefully. Take the time to research the organization beforehand. Ask yourself why you’re interested in working there, and detail your reasons in the middle paragraph.

This will show prospective employers that you’re an attentive candidate genuinely interested in joining their team. For more information, view our sales cover letter guide .

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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• • Spearheaded a new CRM implementation, improving customer tracking and sales efficiency by 25%.
• • Negotiated and closed deals with major clients, resulting in a revenue increase of $1.5M in 2023.
• • Led a team of 10 sales representatives, achieving a team sales record of $5M in Q4 2023.
• • Developed a sales training program, enhancing team's selling skills and product knowledge.
• • Increased market share by 10% in the Midwest region through effective team leadership.
• • Implemented an incentive program, leading to a 15% increase in team sales targets.
• • Consistently exceeded individual sales targets by at least 20% each quarter.
• • Collaborated in a high-value project, contributing to a 30% increase in annual revenue.
• • Initiated a client feedback system, enhancing product offerings and increasing repeat business.

14 Sales Representative Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Sales Representatives play a crucial role in driving revenue by connecting with customers and promoting products or services. When crafting your resume, focus on highlighting your achievements in sales, your ability to build relationships, and your familiarity with the industry. Incorporate key abilities such as effective communication, negotiation techniques, and a strong understanding of customer needs. Additionally, emphasizing your track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets and any awards or recognitions received can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers.

All resume examples in this guide

Entry-Level Sales Representative

Advertising Sales Representative

Field Sales Representative

Medical Device Sales Representative

Regional Sales Representative

Sales Account Executive

Sales Account Manager

Sales Development Representative

Sales Support Representative

Technical Sales Representative

Telesales Representative

Territory Sales Representative

Wine Sales Representative

Resume guide.

Sales representative Resume Example

Formatting Tips

Resume Experience Section

Hard & Soft Skills

Certifications & Education

Resume Summary & Objective

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

By Experience

With the increasing reliance on technology in sales, sales representatives have their work cut out for them.

You need to demonstrate strong technical abilities like data analysis and CRM, as well as interpersonal skills like negotiation and communication.

Striking the right balance on your sales representative resume to show that you’re a well-rounded candidate can be challenging.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to detail relevant sales roles and achievements in your reverse chronological experience section
• How to demonstrate the right combination of hard skills and soft skills to showcase your sales expertise to hiring managers
• How to write a sales representative resume summary that highlights a career achievement and shows your value in the industry
• How to quantify impact with measurable results so potential employers will see how you will meet sales goals at their company

Looking for something a little different? Browse our resume and cover letter guides for positions similar to sales representative:

• Sales rep cover letter
• Sales support representative resume
• Pharma sales rep resume
• Advertising sales rep resume
• Sales development representative resume
• Customer sales representative resume
• Medical device sales rep resume
• Technical sales representative resume

Sales representative  resume example

Here's what this applicant does well in their resume:

• Highlighting leadership and team success: The resume effectively showcases Payton's ability to lead high-performing teams, evidenced by the record sales figures and significant revenue increases under their leadership.
• Emphasizing skill in CRM and strategic planning: Payton's expertise in CRM implementation and strategic sales planning is clearly demonstrated, highlighting their role in improving sales efficiency and boosting revenue.
• Detailing impactful achievements: The resume includes specific, quantifiable achievements, such as increasing market share by 10%, enhancing sales efficiency by 25%, and leading a team to a $5M sales record.
• Showcasing educational background: Payton's advanced education in business and marketing, including a Master of Business Administration and relevant certifications, is prominently featured, underscoring their knowledge base in the field.

How to format a sales representative  resume

Sales representatives must have clear and effective communication that gets their point across quickly.

Formatting is the first thing recruiters notice about your resume and your first opportunity to demonstrate organization and communication skills.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you format your sales representative resume:

• Reverse chronological layout  - This resume format keeps the focus on your work experience in a reverse timeline. Sales roles can vary greatly across industries and this layout shows a clear and committed career path.
• Header - The top of your resume should include a brief but important header  that provides professional contact information and an introductory title. Show hiring managers that you’re the right candidate with a title for your specific sales role or niche.
• ATS optimization - Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to screen resumes before they reach a human recruiter. Sales representatives must ensure their resumes contain the right keywords and are formatted in a way that is ATS-friendly .
• Limit to one page - Don’t waste recruiters’ limited time with pages of irrelevant work history. Include only the strongest and most relevant information on your sales representative  resume  and tailor every section to fit your target job .

Ensure preservation of formatting and ATS optimization by using a PDF file format . Use the best fonts, layouts, and file format for ATS optimization in Enhancv’s resume builder to create an impressive sales representative resume.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

The top sections on a sales representative resume:

• Professional summary: Offers a concise overview of sales skills and experience.
• Sales achievements: Highlights specific sales accomplishments and targets met.
• Work experience: Details relevant sales roles and responsibilities.
• Education and certifications: Lists degrees and sales-related certifications.
• Skills section: Showcases sales techniques and customer relationship abilities.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Proven sales achievements: Demonstrates ability to meet and exceed sales targets.
• Strong communication skills: Essential for effective customer interactions and negotiations.
• Relationship-building expertise: Crucial for developing and maintaining client relationships.
• Knowledge of sales strategies: Shows understanding of various techniques to close sales.
• Experience with CRM software: Indicates familiarity with tools for managing customer relationships.

How to write your sales representative resume experience

Your resume experience section  is where you list your previous work history along with top achievements from each job. Each role should include 3-4 bullets highlighting your accomplishments.

Showing results is important for sales representatives. Don’t just list job duties in this section. Demonstrate a mastery of sales skills with measurable outcomes.

Let’s look at a sales representative resume sample experience section.

• • Tracked customers and sales
• • Negotiated and closed deals
• • Led team of sales representatives

What doesn’t work in this example:

• No measurable results - Showing evidence of your success is key for sales representatives. It’s not enough to claim that you “negotiated and closed deals” without showing real results.
• No industry keywords - Sales representatives need particular technical skills that hiring managers will be looking for. Make sure to use keywords from the job description to show that you’ve researched your target job and have relevant industry knowledge.
• Lists duties instead of achievements - “Tracked customers and sales” is a generic statement of responsibilities rather than achievements. Potential employers want to know that you were successful in your role, not just see an overview of duties.

Let’s make a few changes and give this experience section another try.

• • Implemented CRM and Salesforce customer tracking systems, increased sales by 21%
• • Negotiated and closed deals with 18 new clients in 2022, resulting in $4.5M in revenue
• • Led team of 15 sales representatives, resulting in a total of $3.2M in revenue

What works in this example:

• Includes industry skills - Showing proficiency in industry technical skills like CRM and Salesforce shows up-to-date knowledge in the field and increases employability.
• Shows measurable results - Real data like “$4.5M in revenue” tells potential employers how you will achieve success at their company.
• Highlights specific achievements - Achievements like leading teams of sales representatives in successful projects show your value in the industry and the impact you will have in your target role.

How to quantify the impact on your sales representative resume

Using specific metrics provides a clearer picture of your effectiveness as a sales representative. Clear examples show hiring managers exactly what you have accomplished.

Quantify your achievements from previous roles by using real numbers and data  to highlight measurable results.

Here are a few areas to consider when deciding what numbers to include in your sales representative resume:

• Include specific sales figures to demonstrate quantifiable achievements and success in meeting targets.
• List the percentage increase in sales or revenue to show growth and impact on the business.
• Mention the number of new accounts acquired to illustrate networking and client expansion skills.
• Specify the size of deals closed to highlight capability in handling significant transactions.
• Detail the number of products or services sold to exhibit product knowledge and sales versatility.
• State the ranking in sales performance to showcase competitiveness and excellence in the field.
• Incorporate the number of repeat customers to emphasize relationship-building and customer loyalty.
• Present the reduction in sales cycle time to indicate efficiency and effectiveness in closing deals.

How do I write a sales representative resume with no experience

There are many different career paths for sales representatives. If you’re making a career change or new to the industry, you’re faced with the challenge of writing a sales representative resume with no sales representative experience.

The key to an effective entry-level sales representative resume is focusing on transferable skills instead of work history.

Follow these steps to writing an effective sales representative resume with no experience:

• Choose a functional resume layout
• Focus on transferable skills
• Use additional sections to highlight skill development and niche knowledge
• Tailor every section to fit your target job

A functional resume layout focuses on transferable skills  rather than experience. This is a great way to show potential employers that you’ve learned interpersonal skills and relevant software platforms in other ways.

Don’t pad your experience section with irrelevant jobs  just to fill space. Only include roles that are relevant to your target position  and focus on transferable skills.

Customer service positions, sales support roles, and jobs in a sales niche like pharmaceuticals or advertising all present great opportunities to develop sales representative skills.

How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume

Striking the right balance of technical skills and interpersonal skills on a sales representative resume can be challenging. Show potential employers that you’re a well-rounded candidate who can handle all aspects of the role.

Skills on your sales representative resume will be in two categories - hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills are the technical knowledge  and abilities needed to perform job duties. Soft skills are the interpersonal and communication skills  needed to interact with others.

The main difference in these two sections on your resume is presentation. Hard skills are listed while soft skills include examples.

Let’s look at an example of hard skills on a sales representative's resume.

Only list relevant hard skills on your resume that you’re proficient in. You don’t want to include a skill on your resume and then get stuck during the interview process when you can’t keep up.

Here is a list of top hard skills to consider for your sales representative resume.

Best hard skills for your sales representative resume

• CRM Software Proficiency
• Data Analysis
• Lead Generation
• Market Research
• Sales Forecasting
• Negotiation Techniques
• Product Demonstration
• Cold Calling
• Email Marketing Tools
• Social Media for Sales
• Financial Modeling
• Sales Reporting
• Pipeline Management
• Contract Management
• Business Intelligence Tools
• E-commerce Platforms
• Presentation Software
• Sales Automation Tools
• Customer Database Management
• Pricing Strategy Analysis

Soft skills differ from hard skills on a resume in that they require a bit more explanation. Soft skills can be open to interpretation and you don’t want hiring managers left to make their own assumptions.

Your soft skills section is an opportunity to show potential employers that you have the right interpersonal skills to be a sales representative at their company.

Let’s look at an example of a sales representative resume soft  skills section.

Use your soft skills section to show potential employers how you will fit into their company culture and impact success.

Here are a few top soft skills to consider for your sales representative resume.

Best soft skills for your sales representative resume

• Effective Communication
• Active Listening
• Persuasiveness
• Relationship Building
• Time Management
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Negotiation
• Customer Service Orientation
• Attention to Detail
• Strategic Thinking
• Stress Management
• Goal Orientation

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

Not all sales representative positions will require a formal degree above a high school diploma. However, in most cases, companies will look for candidates with a bachelor’s in business, marketing, economics, or a related field.

The education section  on your sales representative resume will be clear, concise, and professional.

Let’s look at an example of an education section on a sales representative's resume.

A good education section only needs to include the following:

• Name of degree
• Name of institution
• Years attended

Details like GPA and coursework are not necessary. Only include this info if specifically requested in the job listing or if you’re applying for an entry-level position and have relevant coursework.

A sales representative certification section  will be similarly basic with just the name of the certificate and the issuing institution.

Certifications are a great way to keep your resume up-to-date with industry skills and technologies.

Let’s take a look at an example of a sales representative certification section.

Here are a few certifications to consider adding to your sales representative resume to increase employability.

Best certifications for your sales representative resume

• Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP®)
• Certified Sales Professional (CSP®)
• Certified Sales Executive (CSE)
• Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL)
• Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP)

How to write your sales representative resume summary or objective

A summary or objective is a great way to introduce yourself to hiring managers and highlight your top accomplishments as a sales representative in 3-4 sentences.

Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between a summary and an objective.

A summary is a brief introduction  that summarizes your career and value in your industry. An objective looks to the future  and captures what you are hoping to achieve in your new position.

A summary is typically the better option for candidates with years of experience to draw from, whereas an objective is ideal for those breaking into the industry.

If you have at least some experience, a good strategy is to write a summary that ends with an objective that you share with your target company.

Let’s look at an example of a sales representative resume summary.

• Blanket terms - Using overused terms like “passionate” or “skilled” with no quantifiable evidence doesn’t mean anything. Don’t waste valuable space in your summary with empty statements.
• No industry keywords - This candidate misses an opportunity to share industry expertise and specialized knowledge. Recruiters have a lot of resumes to get through. Don’t waste time and show your value right from the start.
• Unclear objective - Simply wanting the position isn’t a sufficient goal. Companies want to see that you’ve researched them and will bring solutions to their challenges.

Let’s make a few changes and take another look.

• Clear introduction - “Sales professional with 8 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector” lets hiring managers know right away that this candidate has a specific amount of experience in a particular niche.
• Top achievement - “Negotiated deals resulting in $8.2M in 2022” highlights a career achievement and lets potential employers know how you will impact success at their company.
• Shared goal - Ending with a goal to “leverage client relations expertise and expand reach as sales representative at TR and Sons” shows hiring managers that this candidate will bring the skills necessary for this specific role.

Additional sections for a sales representative resume

Sales roles can vary greatly across different industries. A representative must adapt their resume to reflect the specific demands and jargon of the industry they're targeting.

Sometimes the best way to do this is by adding sections tailored to your specific career path.

Here are a few sections to consider adding to your sales representative resume:

• Languages  - speaking multiple languages can be a great strength in sales, especially if your target company has international reach and requires communication with different countries
• Volunteering  - volunteering can be a good opportunity to develop transferable skills like leadership, networking, and problem-solving
• Hobbies   - hobbies and interests present an opportunity to show specialized skills that can help to increase your employability within a particular sales niche

Key takeaways for writing a great sales representative resume

You’re just about ready to send off that amazing sales representative resume that lands interviews! Before we wrap up this guide, let’s review a few key points.

• Highlight your top industry achievements from your previous sales roles with a reverse chronological experience section.
• Strike a balance between hard skills and soft skills to show potential employers that you have the right combination of technical expertise and interpersonal communication skills.
• Keep your resume up-to-date and increase your employability by earning relevant certifications and continually updating your sales representative resume.
• Add sections to your resume to show how you have developed transferable skills from experiences like volunteering, hobbies, and language learning.

Sales Representative resume examples

Explore additional sales representative resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

The Sales Account Manager role has perpetually evolved from traditional sales techniques. Current sales trends heavily influence overall account management methods.

Here are some tips for effectively applying for a sales account management position:

• In-depth knowledge of key sales metrics is crucial. This includes knowledge of sales funnels, conversion rates, and customer churn rates. Evident expertise in these areas is pivotal for a successful application.
• Priority should be given to highlighting your successful sales tactics. Proven ability to funnel customers effectively or develop strong relationships with key clients could be your golden ticket.
• Demonstrate a strong commercial acumen. Sales Account Managers often hail from the business field, so emphasize your business skills that positively influenced sales outcomes.
• Rather than simply listing sales tactics, demonstrate how they directly led to increased sales or customer conversion. For example, "increased Q3 sales by 20% with...", or "increased customer retention by...". Follow the "skill-action-result" pattern.

Looking to build your own Sales Representative resume?

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How to tailor my resume to the job description, how to accept a job offer, what to bring to an interview: fail-proof your interview with these 10 useful items, do cover letters need an address, his sales account manager resume got him great job in 45 days.

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• Sales Resume: Example, Template & How to Write Guide for 2024
• Resume writing /

You’ve just seen a job posting for a sales job that’s to die for.

An opportunity of a lifetime that’s going to boost your career path.

Applications close in two days.

But you’re still struggling to write a sales resume to impress the recruiters.

Relax – you’re at the right place.

This article shows you exactly how to do it properly.

Plus, we look at various resumes for sales positions.

You’ll find sales resume examples, resume templates, and resume sample excerpts so you can choose the best resume format.

There’s a step-by-step guide on how to write content recruiters want to see, as well.

Follow our top-rated sales resume guide and resume writing will never trip you up again.

Let’s get you started on winning that interview with the sales manager.

Sales Resume Examples

The sales industry is very broad. Every type of organization needs a salesforce, but each sector requires different sales skills.

There’s the sales representative, retail floor sales, call center sales, real estate, account manager, sales manager…

Whatever your line, you want a sales resume that - well - sells your sales experience to hiring managers.

Some resume samples are hard to find, like real estate resume examples.

That’s why we’ve included three diverse sales resume samples for you to go through.

Below are -

• A sample resume for real estate agent
• An entry level sales resume
• A sales manager resume example

Sales Resume Samples

Download This Resume Example

Create your professional resume now

How to Write a Good Sales Professional Resume in 2024: Guide to the Best Sales Resumes

Each kind of sales job has its own sales skills sets.

As a pro sales rep, though, you know first impressions are crucial, right? Well, it’s even more critical when it comes to your sales job resume.

If you want to impress, you’ve got no more than a few seconds to do so.

Your sales job description for resume must immediately give the reader the information they’re looking for. In the early stages of the hiring process, resumes for sales positions are merely scanned. The applicant tracking system and recruiters search for critical keywords only.

Should they find them, your resume moves to the interview shortlist; if not, it moves to the bin.

All good sales strategies tell you to “know your client and give them what they want”.

Do that with your sales resume.

Start by carefully studying the job posting to ensure you know what the sales manager wants. Now, research the company and check out management’s LinkedIn profiles to learn as much as possible.

Understand the business, products or services, management values and expectations and company culture. That way, you know your client and can give them what they want.

If you’ve got what it takes and the relevant skills, it’s time to get cracking on your sales jobs resume.

Each application must have a unique targeted resume, meaning you can’t send a generic sales resume. Not only would it be too long, but it would also be full of irrelevant info.

Considering all applications are only allotted a few seconds for initial scanning, multi-paged resumes are almost always excluded. There’s no time to scroll and search for vital keywords.

Limit your sales resume to one and no more than two pages. You achieve this by only including work experience and sales skills relevant to the job posting.

An excellent time-saver is to meticulously create a master sales resume.

Take your time and include every job you’ve had with a complete job description, employers and tenure dates. List your education, courses and certifications, professional memberships and achievements, too.

Save your master resume with all relevant documents in a folder and update it when anything changes. Make it a living document. That way, you can write perfect resumes for sales job in a flash.

What do you include in your targeted sales resume?

Everything you’d usually include, just refined down to only what’s mentioned in the job posting.

In other words, you only give them the sales skills, work experience and education listed in the job posting.

Starting with the resume summary for sales and ending with the reference section, ensure your sales resume is targeted toward meeting their needs.

Before we get into how it’s done, let’s get a quick low-down on applicant tracking systems or ATS.

Virtually all hiring processes today are supported end-to-end by ATS.

Written into ATS is parsing software that compares critical keywords loaded for each job title to all applications. These keywords are given to recruiters by hiring managers when they write the job description.

Sales resumes that don’t have a good ratio of keywords are never seen by a human eye. The ATS sends an auto-regret, and the job’s done.

Next up is a step-by-step guide on writing a sales resume that outshines all other job seekers.

Personal Information

Without personal information on your sales resume, you’re uncontactable.

Think that never happens?

Honestly, think again!

Every once in a while, an anonymous application comes through.

Of course, that would never happen when you use a resume builder.

You don’t want to impress here. All you want is for recruiters to be able to get in touch.

Include your full names, contact details and residential address, or just the city and state.

If you have an updated LinkedIn profile, this is the section to include the link. It’s an excellent way to showcase additional sales experience not included in your sales resume.

Personal Information Example

Make this section straightforward, self-explanatory and easy to find.

How to Format this Section

Keep this section concise in a clear business font with proper spacing to make it reader-friendly and absorbing.

Carefully edit the info before you share your sales resume. The slightest typo in your contact information can result in your application being overlooked.

Sales Resume Objective

A resume objective or resume summary opens your sales resume.

It’s the first words scanned by parsers and read by recruiters.

Since it carries so much weight, you must craft a compelling resume summary for sales. Include the right keywords and crucial info to make it engaging.

This is your only opportunity to hook them in and make them continue reading.

Should you write a resume objective or a sales resume summary?

A resume objective details what you offer and intend to achieve, including your sales goals. It’s used mainly by entry-level sales representatives or candidates looking to change careers.

Conversely, a sales resume summary is a brief synopsis of work experience, sales skills and achievements aligned with the job.

Recruiters and hiring managers only want to see what you offer and how it will help the business. Set that out very clearly, and confidently in your summary for sales resume.

Is a Cover Letter the Same as a Resume Summary for Sales?

No, they differ entirely in presentation and purpose.

A is a brief synopsis of your career and achievements. Similarly, a condenses your work experience and future goals.

A resume summary and objective are openers on sales resumes giving recruiters brief insight into an applicant.

In comparison, a cover letter is formal and addressed to a specific person.

It refers to the addressee by name and motivates your application.

While there’s no limit to a cover letter’s word count, it shouldn’t exceed one page. The longer the content, the more tiresome it becomes for the reader.

There’s more room to go into your abilities and motivations, but still only include stated job requirements.

Use a cover letter sparingly, and never keep a generic copy to go with every job application.

There are two instances when you send your resume for sales job with a cover letter –

• Where the job posting asks for a cover letter
• If you’re applying directly and not responding to a public job ad

Usually, direct applications are entry-level sales candidates who submit their new sales resume with a cover letter.

A potential employer open to direct applications may exclude recruiters and ATS.

However, don’t do this for public job posts. Businesses have transparent hiring processes, requiring all applicants to apply via the same channels. Direct applications are usually excluded.

Summary for sales resume examples to see how it’s done -

Resume Objective for Entry Level Sales Resumes

Note how this sales resume objective uses soft skills and preferences to showcase suitability.

Resume Summary for an Experienced Resume for Sales Position

This resume summary for sales makes perfect use of numbers, values and stats to highlight many years of experience.

Conjure up all your sales skills to convince recruiters you’re worth interviewing in no more than 80 words.

Make it powerful and persuasive to convince them they need to hire you. Use action verbs, numbers and statistics to spur the reader’s curiosity.

Use the opportunity to elevate your career highlights, successes and impressive sales track record. Make it qualifiable by adding stats, figures and currency for maximum impact.

Write a new resume objective for each job application and include specific keywords from the job posting.

Professional Work Experience

The experience section lists all your professional sales knowledge mentioned in the job ad.

Together with the skills section, it’s the first place recruiters and ATS visit.

Extract details for your master sales resume and tailor it to match the job you’re applying for. Avoid the temptation to include inessential details, but also don’t exclude essential info.

Ensure you use the same job title and keywords in the job description per the post. List your responsibilities in the same order of importance as well.

Effectively, you want your sales experience resume to mirror the sales job advertisement.

Each business is unique and has its own jargon and keywords. These are some typical sales keywords to look out for when crafting your sales job description for resume –

• Account manager
• Business development
• Cold calling
• Communication skills
• Internal sales
• Outside sales
• Problem-solving
• Product knowledge
• Prospecting
• Sales associate
• Sales experience
• Sales goals
• Salesperson
• Sales pitch
• Sales representative
• Sales strategies
• Sales targets
• Social media
• Time management
• Track record

Professional Work Experience Example

See how this sales job description resume mentions only essential experience stated in the job post.

The experience section must be easy to follow but still contain pertinent info.

Opt for a reverse-chronological resume for sales jobs because it works best and shows a potential employer your worth.

Use bullet points, clear business fonts and plenty of white space to make scanning easy for readers.

Craft each core responsibility into a single bullet point, and don’t combine critical duties.

Various hiring team members will view your sales representative resume in the hiring process. It will also be referred to during interviews, so keep navigation simple.

Include quantifiable results in values, stats, metrics and percentages for greater impact in less words.

Finally, always follow the same order as the job posting.

Education and Courses

As a sales professional, you may or may not require a degree , depending on your industry.

Many companies hire salespersons with a high school diploma and develop them within the industry.

Frequently, highly specialized top sales professionals started in entry-level sales roles. They gain on-the-job experience while doing short courses to further their product knowledge.

The fewer years of experience you have in sales, the more relevant your education is.

Where you’ve got less than three years in sales, mention your highest education. If it’s high school, include your GPA if it’s around 3 to 3.5. Don’t mention a lower than 3 GPA.

When you’ve been in sales for several years, you can focus on courses and certifications instead and omit your high school education.

Staying at the cutting edge of your sales game means ongoing learning is essential. Not only to hone your sales skills but to keep abreast with sales tech and improve product knowledge.

Short courses and certifications in sales will help you carve a successful career path in sales.

Ongoing learning platforms are excellent for keeping your skills up-to-date. Refresher courses help you stay with the latest sales trends, making you more employable than other job seekers.

Registrations and courses with professional sales industry bodies count for a lot, too.

Education & Courses Example

Generally, only include your highest level of education and most recent courses unless the job asks for something specific.

Make the courses and education section reader-friendly and accurate.

If you have several qualifications, list them in descending order, starting with the most recent.

Separate formal education from short courses if you have both and they’re relevant to the job.

Write the institution first, the qualification and dates.

Omit outdated education from years ago unless the post states it specifically.

Only include GPAs, subjects and marks if you have little to no prior working experience.

Sales Resume Skills

The sales resume skills section is another hangout for ATS, hiring managers and recruiters.

Each sales role requires different hard and sales skills depending on the product or service and the target market.

Sound product knowledge is essential for any professional salesperson. Equally, understanding your target market builds your sales skills.

For instance, selling B2B requires an entirely different approach to selling B2C.

On the other hand, soft skills in sales are more general.

Differentiating between hard and soft skills can be tricky, so consider it this way –

• Hard skills refer to learnable and teachable skills we acquire through education and hands-on experience
• Soft skills are associated with personality traits we’ve developed, known as interpersonal skills

Take them from the job advert and keep them in the same order on your sales resume.

Examples of hard skills include –

• Data analysis
• Market research
• Microsoft Applications
• Sales initiatives
• Sales quotes
• Sales strategy

Soft skills include –

• Active listening
• Adaptability
• Emotional intelligence
• Openness to feedback

Sales Skills Example

As in this resume for sales and marketing, list and rate your relevant skills for easy assessment.

Only list skills featured in the post. You can elaborate further during interviews on other relevant skills you have that aren’t mentioned.

In the application stage, focus on getting parsers to find your skills and move your sales resume to the shortlist. Make your resume wording short and mirror the phrases from the job post.

As well, honestly rate each skill to your level of proficiency. Don’t overstate or claim to have sales resume skills you haven’t got. It could cost you the opportunity.

Close your marketing resume with the references section.

There’s always a margin of risk when applying for jobs in the public domain. Usually, you know very little about the company besides what they put online.

For privacy and security reasons, avoid giving referees full contact details. Sharing referees’ names, contact numbers, and emails could result in misuse

If the sales job posting doesn’t ask for contactable references, opt for listing references available on request.

Two references are adequate. Always confirm upfront that referees are still available and willing to provide a reference. That way, they know to expect a call, and you can confidently give their contact details.

An uncontactable reference or one who doesn’t remember you creates a wrong impression which could cost you a perfect career move.

References Example

Clean and clear without any unnecessary details is all that’s required.

Accurate and precise details are all that’s necessary.

Just as with your own contact information, don’t overlook the importance of correctness when providing names and contact details.

Hiring managers are unlikely to pursue uncontactable references, which can reflect poorly on your application.

Other Resume in Sales and Marketing Templates

If these sales resume examples aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, we’ve got loads of other sales resume templates –

• Retail Sales Associate Resume Example
• Product Manager Resume Sample
• Business Consulting Resume Sample
• Customer Service Resume Example
• Sales Manager Resume Example
• Sales Representative Resume Example

Final Points on Sales and Marketing Resumes

Resume writing takes time if you want flawless results.

Thorough work upfront before submitting resumes for sales position pays off during interviews.

A resume builder makes the process much easier and delivers an uber professional result. Perfect your content, select from a host of sales resume templates, and you’re ready to impress.

And if the resume template you’ve chosen doesn’t look right, you can change it with a single click.

Let’s recap on the essentials for writing your best resume for marketing -

• Write a master resume and keep it as a living document
• Target each job individually
• Researching companies before applying
• Extract keywords from each job post
• Take time selecting info from your master resume
• Craft a persuasive resume summary
• Back it up in your skills and work experience section
• Stay with a one to two-page sales resume
• Use professional but easy-to-read wording
• Include numbers and statistics for impact
• Use action verbs and positive language to keep it engaging
• Submit your resume in pdf format

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How to Write a Sales Resume (With Example)

10 min read · Updated on July 30, 2024

Make sure your sales resume is selling you.

If you'd like to land a job in sales, your resume must be in tip-top shape. After all, if you can't sell yourself, how can you sell a company's products or services?

If you have a current sales-representative resume but want to ensure it gets you interviews and the position you desire, you may have to make some changes to it. This article will walk you through several strategies that can help you position your sales-experience resume in the best possible light, regardless of if you're applying for an entry-level sales position, manager role, and more.

What makes a sales resume unique?

All types of businesses depend on sales to survive. Therefore, sales professionals are highly valued and often rewarded through generous compensation plans that are not seen in other fields.

If you'd like to secure a job in sales, your resume should be as unique as the career path you've chosen to pursue. This can allow you to stand out among other applicants and truly prove your worth to recruiters and hiring managers. Here are several of the many reasons sales resumes are one of a kind.

Emphasis on quantifiable achievements

It's one thing to say you've boosted sales at your previous job. However, a phrase such as “Boosted sales in five locations by 30% over a 6 month period,” is far more meaningful. Sales is all about numbers, so it only makes sense that you quantity your achievements. 

Quantifiable achievements can help you legitimize your accomplishments and build credibility. A few examples include:

An increase in sales volume

Your ranking among other sales professionals

An increase in new customers or accounts

The dollar figure you generated through your sales efforts

Sales-specific tools 

While the human aspect of sales is important, so is the technical aspect. To be efficient and make the most out of your time, you must be well-versed in a variety of sales software tools. They can improve the way you operate and help you close more deals. Below are several popular tools you may want to add to your resume.

Dialpad: Dialpad helps improve sales calls via real-time coaching and insights so that you can be more productive. 

Zoom and Skype: Zoom and Skype are two video conferencing tools you can use to communicate with your prospects and current customers.

Bit: You can use Bit to create custom proposals, sales decks, and other valuable sales-related content.

DocuSign: DocuSign is useful as it can allow you to send out and receive signatures on various contracts from new customers and accounts. 

Apptivo: Apptivo is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool that also comes with invoicing, sales reporting, and project management solutions. 

Sales soft skills 

Unlike hard sales skills like product knowledge and CRM software management, soft skills for sales are difficult to learn and measure. However, since sales is a people-centric field, soft skills are essential. They can allow you to develop strong relationships with prospects and customers and convince them to like you and trust you. 

When you write your sales resume, be sure it includes both hard sales skills as well as soft sales skills such as:

Empathy: Empathy shows that you understand your prospects and customers. It can make it easier for you to respond well to their cues and meet their unique needs and preferences.

Active Listening: Active listening by maintaining good eye contact, not interrupting, asking questions, and summarizing is vital as it shows that you care about what your prospects and customers have to say. 

Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence refers to perceiving and managing emotions. It can allow you to understand how others are feeling and respond appropriately. 

Curiosity: Curiosity refers to the desire to know and understand your prospects and customers. It's essential if you'd like to build rapport and relationships. 

Tips for a better sales resume

The following sales resume example highlights some key features that are essential to incorporate in your own document.

1. Add your LinkedIn profile URL 

Did you know that 90 percent of employers search for candidates' social media profiles online before setting up an interview? Make it easy on them by providing links to your social accounts or professional websites near your other contact information. 

While LinkedIn is important for all industries , it's particularly crucial for sales. Therefore, you should include a link to your LinkedIn profile in your resume. HR professionals and sales recruiters want to connect to candidates who have complete profiles and use the network often to share knowledge and connect with other sales pros and prospects.

If you'd rather keep your online profiles hidden from recruiters, make sure to adjust your security settings or change your account names so they're harder to find.

2. Include a strong professional summary

Your professional summary should highlight your most valuable sales-related skills and work experience. Its job is to give potential recruiters and employers the chance to quickly learn what you can offer their company. 

Ideally, it would be one paragraph long and set you apart from other candidates. Think of it as your personal sales pitch that's short, sweet, to the point, and showcases your most notable achievements. Here's an example of an effective professional sales summary:

“Dynamic, results-driven sales strategist with a 14+ year record of achievement and demonstrated success driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth while providing visionary sales leadership in highly competitive markets. Solid track record securing key clients and increasing product distribution to grow market share. Tenacious in building new business, securing customer loyalty, and forging strong relationships with business partners. Exceptional mentor and coach; combine business acumen with innate leadership abilities to recruit, build, and retain top-performing sales teams.” 

3. List your core sales skills and areas of emphasis near the top

It's important that the core skills and areas of emphasis match those that are mentioned in the job description. These may include negotiation, sales planning, relationship building, and selling to customer service. It should be clear that you have what it takes to meet the demands of the position. 

When listing out these core competencies, make sure you lay them out in an easy-to-read, scannable format. This will help your sales-representative resume get through the applicant tracking system (ATS), as well as grab the attention of the human hiring manager on the other side.  

4. Show off your sales results

Remember, sales is a results-focused field — you can't simply state you're a great candidate and sales professional. You must prove it. 

To do so, use numbers and percentages throughout your resume. These figures can bring your resume to life and show a potential employer or hiring manager what you could achieve for them. Here are some examples:

Increased sales by 25 percent through business development and lead generation.

Acquired two large accounts, which grew revenues by 10 percent.

Managed 100 inbound sales calls each day.

Achieved an average of 120 percent of sales goals for three consecutive months.

Provided recommendations that led to an additional $10K in upsell revenue. 

5. Stay away from “creative” resume elements 

A sales-representative resume template can feel stiff and limiting, so it's common for sales candidates to add their own touch through choosing a different font, picking an unusual graphic for bullet lists, or even including images. 

Unfortunately, those tactics can often backfire with most ATS programs having limited ability to “understand” and evaluate those design elements. Instead, many will simply disqualify or downgrade a resume for using them. 

Sales candidates should use standard headlines (“Skills” instead of “What I do best,” and “Work Experience” instead of “What I've done”), simple fonts, and simple black dots for bullets. Do not include charts, tables, or infographics. 

6. Customize your resume for each position

As you select the sales job openings you are interested in and start applying, make sure your resume is customized to each different job description by reviewing each carefully. Job seekers may even print the job descriptions and highlight keywords or points of emphasis, or put them through a word cloud generator to see what pops up most. Doing this will help ensure your resume is compatible with an ATS. 

Also, take a look at the prospective employer's website, run a search for recent media mentions and news about the organization, and check out their Twitter profile. 

Then, create a version of your sales-management resume that uses relevant keywords and speaks to the organization's needs and culture. That way, your resume will feel as if it was written specifically for this job opening.

The importance of a review checklist

It's important that once your resume is ready, you look over it again — and again. Use this checklist as a starting point when reviewing your resume to catch mistakes:

Eliminate any mention of your birthday, birth year, graduation date, or any dates that could lead to age discrimination.

Print your resume and read it backward (i.e. from the last word to the beginning) to catch any typos.

Double-check that your contact information is in the body of the resume, not in the header.

Signs that your sales resume is weak

In a perfect world, you'd send your off sales resume and hear back from a hiring manager or recruiter right away. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. If you apply for many sales positions and don't hear back, there's a good chance your sales resume is weak. Here are a few signs that may indicate this:

Overly Vague: Those who hire sales professionals want to know exactly what a potential candidate has accomplished and how they may benefit their business. If your resume is too vague or unclear, they'll likely ignore it. 

No Keywords: If your resume lacks sales-related keywords, an applicant tracking system may think you are unqualified . Some of the top keywords you may want to incorporate include: sales , account management , forecasting , leads , relationships , and CRM .

Lack of Relevant Skills: If you've never had a sales job before, you can break into the field with transferable skills . In the event you don't highlight transferable skills like excellent communication or active listening, your resume may fall by the wayside. 

Supplement your sales-representative resume with a strong cover letter

Strong communication skills are essential for a sales rep, so there's a lot of pressure on your cover letter. But if you do it right, it can be a huge point in your favor. A good sales cover letter can help you persuade a hiring manager that you are worth the interview. These tips can turn your cover letter from average to exceptional. 

Strong Introduction: Capture attention with a strong introduction that is specific to the business as well as their products and services. This can show that you've done your research and are serious about the position at stake.

Quantifiable Achievements: Choose a few of the most impressive quantifiable achievements you listed on your resume and highlight them in your cover letter. Go into detail about what you did to accomplish them.

Active Voice: Use active, rather than passive voice as well as action verbs such as increased , maximized , and generated . This will allow your achievements to sound more impressive. 

When in doubt, ask for help

If you're still not sure if your sales-representative resume is ready to land you the job, you might want to consider some expert help. A professional resume writer is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to turn your resume from ordinary to extraordinary.

Not only do they understand how to beat the ATS and highlight your value in a way that impresses a hiring manager, but they also understand what will make you stand out among other sales professionals. Just like a mechanic knows everything there is to know about your car, a resume writer is an expert in their field.

How does your sales resume fare? Find out by getting a free resume critique .

Recommended Reading:

4 Tips for Landing the Sales Job of Your Dreams With No Experience

The Sales Job Interview Questions to Prepare For

How We Helped This Salesman Start Selling Himself on His Resume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

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Best Sales Skills to Put on a Resume

Highlighting the right sales skills on your resume can make a significant impact on your job search. Sales professionals need to have a unique set of skills to succeed in their role, including communication, negotiation, and problem-solving. Knowing which sales skills to emphasize on your resume can help you stand out to potential employers and showcase your expertise in the field.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best sales skills to put on a resume, providing examples and tips on how to highlight them effectively.

Table of Contents

What are Sales Skills?

Sales skills are a set of abilities and competencies that are necessary for effectively selling products or services. These skills include both technical and interpersonal skills that are essential for building rapport with customers, understanding their needs, and persuading them to make a purchase. Here are some examples of sales skills:

Jobs That Require Sales Skills

Sales skills are highly valued in many industries, as they are essential for driving revenue growth and building strong customer relationships. Here are some examples of jobs that require such skills:

• Sales Representative
• Account Manager
• Business Development Manager
• Customer Service Representative
• Marketing Manager
• Real Estate Agent
• Financial Advisor
• Insurance Agent
• Retail Sales Associate
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Advertising Sales Representative
• Event Planner
• Travel Agent
• Car Salesperson
• Business Owner
• Stockbroker
• Freelance Writer
• Public Relations Specialist

Top Sales Skills for a Resume

Hard sales skills, prospecting.

Prospecting is a critical sales skill that involves identifying and qualifying potential customers or clients. Successful prospecting involves a combination of research, communication, and relationship-building skills. Employees must be able to identify potential prospects through various channels, such as social media, industry events, and referrals.

Example: Consistently exceeded monthly sales targets by generating 50+ new leads per week through cold calling and networking events.

Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a valuable sales skill that involves the ability to analyze complex data and use it to improve customer experience and boost revenue. Hiring managers often value applicants who have strong Google Analytics skills as it can give businesses a competitive edge in understanding customer behavior, identifying trends, and making informed decisions.

Example: “Leveraged insights gained from data analysis to develop targeted sales strategies, resulting in a 25% increase in conversion rates and a 30% increase in revenue.”

CRM Systems

Recruiters value Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems such as Salesforce, Hubspot, Monday, Zendesk, Sendinblue, Pipedrive, and others because they are powerful tools for storing and managing customer data. Essentially, these systems function like a digital diary, containing all the information needed to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction. By leveraging the data stored in CRM systems, sales professionals can identify opportunities to increase revenues. Additionally, to streamline this process further, sales professionals can utilize sales pipeline software , enabling them to manage leads and conversions efficiently, ultimately maximizing revenue potential.

Example: “Expertly utilized CRM systems such as Salesforce and Hubspot to manage customer data, track leads, and improve customer satisfaction.

Microsoft Office Skills

While some people may think that showcasing MS Office proficiency is uninteresting and discouraged by recruiters, and instead advocate for emphasizing less apparent abilities — but this viewpoint may not be entirely accurate.

This is because many firms employ applicant tracking systems (ATS) that filter resumes based on specific keywords. Thus, neglecting to include MS Office on your resume may sometimes decrease your chances of being invited for an interview.

Example: “Developed and delivered sales pitches and presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, resulting in a 20% revenue increase”.

Product Knowledge

Product knowledge is a crucial sales skill that allows the team to understand the features, benefits, and competitive positioning of the products or services they are selling. By possessing in-depth knowledge of the products, employees can provide accurate information to customers, answer questions, and address any concerns or objections.

Example: “Leveraged product knowledge to create customized pitches and presentations that addressed the unique needs and preferences of each customer, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and sales.”

Lead Generation and Nurturing

Generating and nurturing leads to convert potential customers into loyal clients requires more than just a simple approach. It can be a challenging task to undertake, and it’s important to showcase your exceptional skills in this area to potential recruiters.

Example: “Successfully closed a high number of deals by utilizing effective lead generation and nurturing techniques, resulting in consistent financial growth and revenue targets achieved.”

Soft Skills

Emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is an important sales skill that allows people to understand and manage their emotions and those of others to build stronger relationships with customers. By leveraging emotional intelligence, sales professionals can communicate more effectively with customers, address their needs and concerns, and provide personalized solutions.

Example: “Demonstrated emotional intelligence by developing a deep understanding of customer needs and effectively managing challenging customer situations, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and retention.”

Negotiation Skills

Negotiation skills are crucial for finding mutually beneficial solutions for both the customer and the company. By effectively negotiating, salesmen can build strong relationships with customers, establish trust, and close more deals.

Example: “Leveraged negotiation skills to establish and maintain strong relationships with partners and internal stakeholders, resulting in effective collaboration and partnership development.”

Active Listening

Active listening is an essential skill that allows the team to understand their customers’ needs, concerns, and preferences effectively. By actively listening to their customers, sales professionals can build trust, establish rapport, and provide personalized solutions.

Example: “Effectively clarified information and addressed customer concerns by actively listening and asking probing questions, resulting in increased sales and customer retention.”

Problem Solving

Problem-solving is a valuable skill that enables sales professionals to identify and analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions that meet customers’ needs. Effective problem solving lets the team understand and address customer pain points, develop unique value propositions, and tailor their sales approach to meet specific customer needs.

Example: “Identified and addressed customer pain points through the use of problem-solving skills, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and retention.”

Leadership is an essential sales skill that empowers the team to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving target revenue and creating an environment of constant improvement. By leveraging leadership skills, sales professionals can mentor and guide team members, devise effective merchant strategies, and provide direction and counsel in a dynamic trade landscape.

Example: “Developed and implemented effective sales strategies by leveraging leadership skills to foster collaboration, innovation, and accountability among team members.”

How to List Sales Skills on a Resume

When listing sales skills on a resume, it’s important to customize the skills section to the specific job description and requirements of the role you’re applying for. Here are some tips on how and where to list these skills on a resume:

• Create a separate skills section: Start your resume by creating a separate section that lists your sales skills, highlighting the most relevant and important ones that match the job description.
• Use bullet points: Use bullet points to organize your skills section, making it easy for recruiters to scan and identify the skills they are looking for.
• Order your skills by importance: List your most important skills first, based on the job description and requirements of the role you’re applying for.
• Be specific: Be specific when describing your sales skills. Use numbers, percentages, or examples to demonstrate your achievements and impact.
• Use keywords: Use keywords from the job description in your sales skills section, as many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes for specific keywords.
• Include sales skills in your experience section: In addition to your skills section, highlight your skills and accomplishments in your experience section, describing how you applied them to achieve specific goals and results.

Overall, by highlighting your sales skills on your resume, you can demonstrate your expertise and stand out to potential employers, ultimately increasing your chances of getting hired.

Example of a Sales Resume

John Doe 123 Main St., Anytown USA | 555-555-5555 | [email protected] Objective: Results-driven sales professional with over 5 years of experience in B2B and B2C sales seeking a challenging position in a dynamic company. Skills: – Strategic account management – New business development – Relationship building – Consultative selling – Sales forecasting – Lead generation and nurturing – Negotiation skills – Active listening – Emotional intelligence – Problem-solving skills – Leadership and team management Experience: Senior Sales Representative XYZ Corp, Anytown USA March 2018 – Present – Utilized strategic account management skills to maintain and grow relationships with key clients, resulting in a 20% increase in revenue. – Developed and implemented effective lead generation and nurturing strategies, resulting in a 35% increase in qualified leads and a boost in sales revenue. – Demonstrated expert negotiation skills in closing complex deals with key customers, resulting in increased revenue and customer satisfaction. – Utilized active listening skills to understand and address customer concerns, resulting in increased customer loyalty and retention. – Led a team of 5 sales representatives, providing mentorship and guidance in achieving revenue targets and cultivating a positive and productive work culture. Sales Representative ABC Inc, Anytown USA January 2016 – March 2018 – Prospected and developed new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, and referral programs, resulting in a 25% increase in revenue. – Demonstrated consultative selling skills by understanding customer needs and providing personalized solutions, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and retention. – Effectively utilized forecasting skills to predict and plan for future sales opportunities and trends, resulting in improved financial performance and revenue growth. – Collaborated with marketing teams to develop and execute lead generation campaigns, resulting in a significant increase in leads and conversions. Education : Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Anytown University, Anytown USA Graduated May 2015

How to Improve Sales Skills

Improving sales skills is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning, practice, and feedback. Here are some tips on how to improve such skills:

• Learn from others: Observe successful sales professionals and learn from their techniques and strategies.
• Attend sales training: Attend training courses, seminars, and workshops to improve your skills and gain new insights and ideas.
• Read sales books: Read books, blogs, and articles to gain knowledge and stay up-to-date on sales trends and techniques.
• Practice active listening: Develop your active listening skills to understand your customer’s needs and preferences, and provide tailored solutions.
• Seek feedback: Seek feedback from customers, colleagues, and mentors to identify areas for improvement and develop an action plan.
• Role-play scenarios: Practice role-playing different sales scenarios to build confidence and develop effective communication and persuasion skills.
• Utilize technology: Utilize technology to track and analyze your sales performance, identify areas for improvement, and automate manual tasks.
• Stay motivated: Stay motivated and focused on your goals, and maintain a positive attitude even in the face of rejection or failure.

What Skills Can I Add to a Sales Resume With No Experience?

If you have no experience in sales, you can still add relevant skills to your sales resume that demonstrates your ability to succeed in a sales role.

For example, you can highlight your strong communication skills, ability to work in a team, problem-solving abilities, and customer service experience . You can also showcase any relevant coursework, certifications, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your interest in sales or develop skills relevant to the field.

Additionally, you can highlight any transferable skills from other jobs or experiences, such as leadership or project management skills. By emphasizing your skills and potential, you can show potential employers that you have what it takes to succeed in a sales role, even without prior experience.

What Are Some Good Resume Skills to Add for Different Sales Positions?

Tailoring your resume skills section to the specific job description and requirements of the position you’re applying for is important. Some good resume skills to add for different sales positions include consultative selling, strategic account management, new business development, lead generation and nurturing, sales forecasting and analysis, negotiation skills, relationship building and management, active listening, emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, leadership and team management, product knowledge, time management and organization, communication and presentation skills, and technical skills such as proficiency in CRM software or other tools.

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Experienced Sales Executive Resume Examples: Proven To Get You Hired In 2024

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Experienced Sales Executive Resume Template

Download in google doc, word or pdf for free. designed to pass resume screening software in 2022., experienced sales executive resume sample.

Experienced sales executives play a huge role in an organization’s sales team. They monitor, guide, and motivate lower-level sales executives to ensure that overall sales quotas are met. That’s why you can include your leadership skills on your resume. Additionally, experienced sales executives are responsible for closing major deals and monitoring competitors.

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2022

Tips to help you write your experienced sales executive resume in 2024,    include relevant sales certifications..

Certifications such as the Certified Sales Leadership Professional (CSLP) and the Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) are highly relevant for this position. Adding them to your resume is a great way to demonstrate your skills and expertise. These certifications are validated by industry-leading institutions, so they provide reliability and trustworthiness.

   Highlight your professional experience.

Your potential employer wants to see you have the experience required for the position. That’s why it is important to highlight your professional background. Remember that you should focus on relevant experience in sales.

Key Accounts Executive Resume Sample

Sales account manager resume sample, senior sales engineer resume sample, business development manager resume sample.

As a hiring manager who has recruited sales executives at companies like Oracle, Salesforce, and Microsoft, I've seen thousands of resumes over my career. The best resumes that lead to interviews and job offers all have a few things in common. In this article, I'll share insider tips on how you can make your sales executive resume stand out and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

   Quantify your sales achievements

The most effective way to showcase your sales skills is by using numbers and metrics. Instead of generic statements, use specific examples like:

• Achieved 150% of sales quota for 3 consecutive years, generating $10M+ in annual revenue
• Grew territory revenue from $5M to $25M in 24 months by expanding into new markets and channels
• Landed 5 Fortune 500 clients with average deal size of $500K

Quantifying your impact shows the hiring manager the tangible value you can bring to their sales team.

   Highlight sales leadership experience

As an experienced sales executive, you likely have experience leading and managing sales teams. Emphasize this in your resume to demonstrate your leadership abilities:

• Built and led a team of 20 sales reps, consistently exceeding team quota by 25%+ each quarter
• Mentored and coached 5 junior sales reps, resulting in 80% promotion rate to senior roles within 1 year
• Implemented new sales methodology that increased average deal size by 40% across the team

Showing your ability to lead and drive results through others is key for senior sales roles.

   Tailor your resume for each job

Many candidates make the mistake of sending a generic resume to every job posting. To stand out, you need to customize your resume for each role.

Start by carefully reviewing the job description and identifying the key skills and experience they are looking for. Then, adjust your resume content to highlight your most relevant qualifications.

Experienced sales executive with a proven track record of success. Skilled in building relationships, negotiating contracts, and closing deals.

Senior software sales executive with 10+ years experience selling complex SaaS solutions. Expertise in enterprise sales, channel partnerships, and team leadership. Consistent track record of 150%+ quota attainment.

By tailoring your pitch, you show the hiring manager you are the ideal candidate for their specific needs.

   Show career progression

Hiring managers want to see that you have grown and advanced in your sales career over time. Make this clear on your resume by:

• Listing promotions to roles with increasing responsibility
• Highlighting how your quota and team size grew
• Quantifying your expanding revenue impact, e.g. 'Grew territory from $5M to $20M'

Here is an example of showing advancement:

SaaS Sales Manager, Acme Corp (2018-2022) Led a team of 10 reps selling enterprise software. Grew territory revenue 250% from $10M to $35M. SaaS Account Executive, Acme Corp (2015-2018) Managed a $5M book of business and consistently ranked as a top rep. 150%+ quota attainment.

This demonstrates to the hiring manager that you are a top performer who has earned increasing levels of responsibility.

   Emphasize your industry expertise

Companies prefer to hire sales executives with deep knowledge of their specific industry. Highlight your relevant industry experience throughout your resume, including:

• Specific domains/verticals you have sold into, e.g. Financial Services, Healthcare, etc.
• Key accounts and logos you have worked with in the industry
• Relevant industry partnerships, alliances or associations you are involved with

For example:

Enterprise Software Sales Director with 15+ years experience in the Financial Services industry. Managed $50M+ book of business with clients including JP Morgan, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. Active member of the Banking Technology Association and frequent speaker at industry events.

The more you can demonstrate expertise and credibility in the hiring manager's specific industry, the more you will stand out from other candidates.

   Include sales awards and recognition

As a sales executive, you should be regularly winning performance-based awards and recognitions. Be sure to include these throughout your resume to further validate your abilities:

• Achieved President's Club 5 years in a row for being in top 10% of global sales
• Named Sales Manager of the Year in 2020 for leading the #1 team in the company
• Earned 5 Quarterly Sales MVP awards for largest deals closed

These concrete recognitions from your management, company and peers provide strong third-party credibility to your accomplishments. They are the equivalent of a 'reference' on your resume, so be sure to include them!

Writing Your Experienced Sales Executive Resume: Section By Section

  summary.

Summaries are optional sections on resumes, and should never be confused with the outdated resume objective. As an experienced sales executive, you likely have a wealth of experience and accomplishments to highlight, so a summary can be a great way to provide additional context and emphasize your most relevant qualifications upfront. However, be careful not to simply repeat information that's already covered in other sections of your resume.

When crafting your summary, focus on your unique value proposition and the specific skills and experience that make you an ideal fit for the role. Avoid generic statements or soft skills, and instead aim to showcase your expertise in a concise and compelling way.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Experienced Sales Executive resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Experienced Sales Executive Resume Summary Examples , or Experienced Sales Executive Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to the sales executive role

A strong resume summary for an experienced sales executive should be tailored to the specific role and company you're targeting. This means doing your research and understanding the key requirements and priorities of the position.

For example, if the job description emphasizes experience with enterprise software sales, your summary might look like this:

Results-driven sales executive with over 10 years of experience driving multimillion-dollar growth in the enterprise software industry. Proven track record of building and leading high-performing sales teams, developing strategic partnerships, and exceeding quota targets year over year.

In contrast, a generic summary that could apply to any sales role might read:

Experienced sales professional with a history of meeting and exceeding targets. Skilled in building relationships, negotiating contracts, and closing deals. Seeking a challenging sales role with room for growth.

2. Quantify your sales achievements

As a sales executive, your success is often measured in hard numbers. Incorporating key metrics and quantifiable achievements into your summary is a powerful way to demonstrate your impact and value to potential employers.

Here are a few examples of how you might quantify your accomplishments:

• Consistently exceeded annual sales targets by 20-30%, generating over $50M in revenue
• Led a team of 15 sales representatives to achieve 150% of quota in Q4
• Secured the company's largest client contract to date, worth $10M over 3 years

On the other hand, vague statements like these are less impactful:

• Consistently met or exceeded sales goals
• Managed a high-performing sales team
• Closed major client deals

  Experience

The work experience section is the most important part of your resume as an experienced sales executive. It's where you show hiring managers how you've excelled in previous sales roles and contributed to your employers' success.

To make the most impact, focus on highlighting your most relevant and impressive achievements, rather than simply listing your responsibilities. Quantify your successes whenever possible, and use strong action verbs to describe your contributions.

1. Lead with powerful action verbs

When describing your work experience, choose strong, sales-related action verbs to start each bullet point. This helps to immediately convey the impact of your work. Compare the following examples:

• Responsible for managing key client accounts
• Worked on sales presentations and demos

Instead, use powerful verbs like:

• Spearheaded the management of 50+ key client accounts, resulting in a 25% increase in revenue
• Developed and delivered compelling sales presentations and product demos to prospective clients

Numbers are your best friend when it comes to showcasing your value as a sales executive. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements using hard data, such as:

• Revenue generated
• Sales targets exceeded
• Client acquisition and retention rates
• Size of sales teams managed

Consistently exceeded quarterly sales targets by 20-30%, generating over $5M in annual revenue

3. Highlight your career progression

As an experienced sales professional, showing your career growth is crucial. Highlight promotions, increased responsibilities, and successful projects to demonstrate your ability to thrive and advance in a sales role.

For instance:

• Promoted from Sales Representative to Sales Manager within 2 years, due to consistently exceeding targets and demonstrating strong leadership skills
• Took on additional responsibilities, including training and mentoring junior sales staff, resulting in a 15% improvement in team performance

4. Showcase relevant sales tools and methodologies

Demonstrate your familiarity with industry-specific tools, technologies, and sales methodologies to show that you're well-versed in current best practices. This could include:

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Sales forecasting and analytics tools
• Sales methodologies (e.g., SPIN selling, Challenger sales)

Implemented Salesforce CRM to streamline sales processes, resulting in a 20% increase in team efficiency and a 15% boost in sales

  Education

The education section of your resume as an experienced sales executive should be concise and highlight your most relevant qualifications. While it's not the main focus of your resume, it's still important to show that you have the necessary educational background to succeed in your role.

1. Put your degree first

As an experienced sales executive, your work experience is likely more relevant than your education. However, if you have a degree, it's still important to list it on your resume. Put your degree first, followed by the name of the institution and the year you graduated.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of California, Los Angeles

2. Include relevant coursework

If you're a recent graduate or your degree is highly relevant to your sales career, you may want to include a list of relevant coursework. This can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.

• Courses: Marketing Strategy, Sales Management, Business Communication

However, if you have several years of work experience, it's best to keep your education section short and focus on your professional achievements instead.

3. List certifications and training

In addition to your degree, you may have completed relevant certifications or training programs. These can be listed in your education section to show your ongoing professional development.

Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Sales and Marketing Executives International, 2019

However, avoid listing every online course or workshop you've ever taken. Focus on substantial, recognized certifications that are valued in your industry.

4. Keep it short for senior roles

If you're a senior-level sales executive with many years of experience, your education section should be very brief. Employers will be more interested in your work history and achievements than your degrees from many years ago.

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication, State University, 1985-1989. Relevant coursework: Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Writing for Media

Instead, just list your degree and institution, like this:

• B.A., Communication, State University

  Skills

The skills section of your resume is a critical component that showcases your abilities to potential employers. As an experienced sales executive, it's important to highlight the skills that are most relevant to your industry and the specific job you're applying for. In this section, we'll break down the key steps you should follow when crafting your skills section to make it stand out and catch the attention of hiring managers.

1. Identify the most relevant sales skills

Before you start listing your skills, take a close look at the job description and identify the key skills that are required for the position. These may include skills such as:

• Sales forecasting and planning
• Customer relationship management (CRM) software
• Negotiation and closing techniques
• Sales presentations and demos
• Account management and growth

By focusing on the skills that are most relevant to the job, you'll show hiring managers that you have the expertise they're looking for.

2. Group your skills into categories

To make your skills section easy to read and navigate, consider grouping your skills into categories. For example, you might have categories like:

• Sales Tools : Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive
• Sales Techniques : Consultative selling, solution selling, account-based selling
• Industry Expertise : SaaS, enterprise software, financial services

By organizing your skills in this way, you'll make it easy for hiring managers to quickly scan your resume and see the most important information.

3. Showcase your proficiency level

Not all skills are created equal, and it's important to showcase your proficiency level for each skill you list. You can do this by using descriptors like:

For example, your skills section might look something like this:

Salesforce (Expert) Account management (Advanced) Sales forecasting (Proficient) Social selling (Beginner)

By indicating your proficiency level, you'll give hiring managers a better sense of your strengths and where you can add the most value.

4. Tailor your skills to the job description

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is using the same generic skills section for every job they apply to. Instead, you should tailor your skills section to the specific job description you're targeting.

For example, if the job description emphasizes the need for experience with a particular CRM software, make sure to list that software prominently in your skills section. If the job requires strong presentation skills, highlight any experience you have with giving sales presentations or demos.

Microsoft Office Communication Teamwork Problem-solving

The example above is too generic and could apply to almost any job. Instead, focus on skills that are specific to sales and the job you're applying for, like:

Salesforce Sales presentations Account management Negotiation

Skills For Experienced Sales Executive Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Experienced Sales Executive job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

• Enterprise Software
• Business-to-Business (B2B)
• Cloud Computing
• Sales Management
• Strategic Partnerships
• Professional Services
• Sales Operations
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Direct Sales
• Sales Presentations

Skills Word Cloud For Experienced Sales Executive Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Experienced Sales Executive 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.

How to use these skills?

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Experienced Sales Executive Resumes

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