A sales resume is a document that outlines a person’s experience, skills, and achievements in the field of sales. It is typically used by job seekers who are applying for sales positions in various industries such as retail, real estate, technology, and more. Sales resumes should showcase the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, close deals, and exceed sales targets. Examples of sales resumes may include information such as sales experience, education, sales certifications, sales awards, sales metrics, and sales strategies used to achieve success in previous roles. A well-written sales resume example can help candidates stand out to potential employers and increase their chances of securing a sales job.
How to Write a Sales Resume
Writing a sales resume can be a challenging task, but following these tips can help you create a resume that showcases your skills, experience, and achievements in the field of sales:
✓ Begin with a strong summary statement: A summary statement should be brief and highlight your most relevant experience and skills. It should grab the attention of the hiring manager and make them want to continue reading your resume.
✓ Focus on achievements: Use specific examples to demonstrate your success in previous sales roles. Highlight metrics such as revenue generated, sales targets exceeded, and customer retention rates.
✓ Use keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords throughout your resume. This can help your resume get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and improve your chances of being seen by a hiring manager.
✓ Highlight your communication skills: Sales positions require strong communication skills. Highlight your ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and persuade customers to make a purchase.
✓ Include relevant education and certifications: List any relevant education or certifications you have that are related to sales. This can include sales training courses, sales certifications, or a degree in a related field.
✓ Keep it concise: Your sales resume should be no longer than two pages. Be sure to only include information that is relevant to the position you are applying for.
✓ Proofread for errors: Spelling and grammar errors can hurt your chances of getting an interview. Be sure to proofread your resume carefully and have someone else review it as well.
By following these tips, you can create a strong sales resume that highlights your experience, skills, and achievements in the field of sales.
What Sales Resume Should Include?
A sales resume example should include a summary statement, work experience, achievements, skills, education, and certifications. It should focus on the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, exceed sales targets, and close deals. The resume should highlight specific metrics such as revenue generated, sales targets exceeded, and customer retention rates to demonstrate success in previous sales roles. It is also important to incorporate industry-specific keywords and keep the resume concise, while proofreading for errors.
Sales Resume Summary
A sales resume summary is a brief statement at the beginning of a sales resume that summarizes a candidate’s experience, skills, and achievements in the field of sales. It is designed to grab the attention of the hiring manager and encourage them to continue reading the resume.
A good sales resume summary should be concise and highlight the candidate’s unique selling proposition (USP) or what sets them apart from other sales candidates. It should also incorporate industry-specific keywords and emphasize the candidate’s ability to exceed sales targets, build relationships, and communicate effectively.
Here’s an example of a sales resume summary:
“Highly motivated sales professional with over 5 years of experience in the technology industry. Proven track record of exceeding sales targets by an average of 25% year over year. Skilled in building and maintaining relationships with clients and identifying their unique needs. Possesses excellent communication and negotiation skills with a focus on customer satisfaction. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Salesforce certification.”
In this example, the candidate highlights their experience, achievements, skills, and education in a concise and impactful way. This summary statement gives the hiring manager an immediate understanding of what the candidate can bring to the sales role and sets the tone for the rest of the resume.
Sales Resume Skills
Sales resume skills are the specific abilities and competencies that a candidate possesses that are relevant to a sales position. These skills are often listed in a separate section of the sales resume and can help the candidate stand out from other applicants.
Some of the key sales resume skills that are commonly sought after by employers include:
- Communication: Sales roles require excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. This includes the ability to build rapport with clients, actively listen, and present ideas clearly and persuasively.
- Relationship-building: Sales professionals must be skilled at building and maintaining relationships with clients. This includes identifying their needs, establishing trust, and providing personalized solutions.
- Negotiation: Sales professionals must have strong negotiation skills to close deals and achieve sales targets. This includes the ability to identify win-win solutions and handle objections effectively.
- Sales strategy: Sales professionals must be able to develop and execute effective sales strategies to achieve business objectives. This includes analyzing market trends, identifying potential customers, and creating targeted sales campaigns.
- Product knowledge: Sales professionals must have a deep understanding of the products or services they are selling. This includes knowing the features and benefits, understanding the competitive landscape, and staying up-to-date on industry trends.
Here’s an example of a skills section from a sales resume:
Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong relationship-building skills with a focus on customer satisfaction
- Skilled negotiator with the ability to handle objections effectively
- Experienced in developing and executing targeted sales campaigns
- Deep understanding of technology products and services
In this example, the candidate highlights their specific sales skills that are relevant to the position they are applying for. This section provides a quick snapshot of the candidate’s abilities and can help the hiring manager determine if they are a good fit for the role.
Education Section for a Sales Resume
The education section of a sales resume is where the candidate lists their educational background and any relevant certifications or training programs they have completed. This section can be especially important for recent graduates or candidates with limited work experience, as it can help demonstrate their knowledge and qualifications for the sales role.
In the education section of a sales resume, the candidate should include the following information:
- Degree or certification: List the degree or certification earned, as well as the name of the institution where it was earned.
- Major or focus: If applicable, include the major or focus of the degree or certification.
- Graduation date: Include the month and year that the degree or certification was earned.
- Relevant coursework or training: If the candidate has completed coursework or training programs that are relevant to the sales position, they can include this information as well.
Here’s an example of an education section from a sales resume:
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, XYZ University, May 2021
Relevant coursework: Sales Management, Consumer Behavior, Market Research, Advertising
Salesforce Certified Administrator, Salesforce, June 2021
In this example, the candidate lists their Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and highlights relevant coursework that demonstrates their knowledge and qualifications for a sales role. They also include their Salesforce certification, which can be an important qualification for many sales positions.
Work Experience Section for a Sales Resume
The work experience section of a sales resume is where the candidate lists their previous employment history and highlights their relevant experience in sales. This section should be tailored to the specific sales role the candidate is applying for and should demonstrate their ability to meet or exceed sales targets, build relationships with clients, and effectively communicate with customers.
In the work experience section of a sales resume, the candidate should include the following information:
- Company name and location: List the name of the company where the candidate worked, as well as the city and state where it is located.
- Job title: List the job title the candidate held at the company.
- Employment dates: Include the month and year the candidate started and ended their employment with the company.
- Job responsibilities: List the specific job responsibilities and duties the candidate had in their sales role.
- Achievements and metrics: Highlight any achievements or metrics that demonstrate the candidate’s success in their sales role, such as exceeding sales targets, generating revenue, or increasing customer retention rates.
Here’s an example of a work experience section from a sales resume:
Work Experience:
Sales Representative, ABC Company, Chicago, IL
June 2019 – Present
- Develop and implement targeted sales strategies to meet or exceed monthly sales targets.
- Build and maintain relationships with clients through regular communication and follow-up.
- Conduct product demonstrations and provide customized solutions to meet clients’ needs.
- Exceed monthly sales targets by an average of 30%, resulting in over $1 million in annual revenue.
- Increase customer retention rates by 20% through regular check-ins and personalized follow-up.
In this example, the candidate highlights their job responsibilities and duties as a sales representative, as well as their specific achievements in the role. This section helps the hiring manager understand the candidate’s experience and success in sales and can help demonstrate their qualifications for the position they are applying for.
Sales Resume Example for Entry-Level
Here’s an example of a sales resume for an entry-level candidate:
[Full Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Objective:
To secure an entry-level sales position with a reputable company where I can apply my strong communication and interpersonal skills to drive sales and build lasting client relationships.
Education:
Bachelor of Business Administration, Sales and Marketing Concentration
XYZ University, May 2022
Relevant coursework: Sales Techniques, Consumer Behavior, Sales Management, Marketing Research
Skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with clients
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM software
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Work Experience:
Sales Intern, DEF Company, Anytown, USA
June 2021 – August 2021
- Assisted the sales team in identifying and contacting potential clients through phone and email outreach.
- Conducted market research to identify potential sales opportunities.
- Provided product demonstrations to potential clients and answered questions about products and services.
- Maintained client database and tracked sales progress using CRM software.
- Assisted in preparing sales proposals and presentations for potential clients.
Leadership Experience:
President, Sales Club, XYZ University
August 2021 – May 2022
- Organized and led weekly meetings to discuss sales techniques and industry trends.
- Coordinated and executed sales-related events, including networking events and sales competitions.
- Collaborated with members to develop sales strategies and presentations.
Certifications:
- Salesforce Certified Administrator
- Hubspot Sales Software Certification
In this example, the candidate emphasizes their education and relevant coursework, as well as their skills and work experience, including an internship and leadership experience. They also include certifications that demonstrate their knowledge of relevant software and tools. This entry-level sales resume highlights the candidate’s potential and qualifications for a sales role and can help them stand out to potential employers.
Sales Resume Example for Experienced Professional
Here’s an example of a sales resume for an experienced professional:
[Full Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Summary:
Experienced sales professional with over 10 years of experience in exceeding sales targets, building lasting client relationships, and leading sales teams. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and developing successful sales strategies.
Skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with clients
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
- Proficient in Salesforce and other CRM software
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Work Experience:
Director of Sales, XYZ Company, Anytown, USA
June 2018 – Present
- Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve annual revenue goals.
- Manage and lead a team of 10 sales representatives.
- Build and maintain relationships with key clients and identify new business opportunities.
- Collaborate with marketing team to develop targeted marketing campaigns and materials.
- Exceeded annual sales targets by an average of 20%, resulting in over $10 million in annual revenue.
- Increase customer satisfaction ratings by 25% through personalized follow-up and exceptional customer service.
Sales Manager, ABC Company, Anytown, USA
May 2015 – May 2018
- Led a team of 5 sales representatives to exceed quarterly sales targets.
- Developed and implemented sales training programs for new hires.
- Conducted market research to identify potential sales opportunities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and execute successful product launches.
- Achieved an average of 120% of quarterly sales targets.
Sales Representative, DEF Company, Anytown, USA
April 2010 – April 2015
- Conducted sales presentations and provided product demonstrations to potential clients.
- Built and maintained relationships with key clients and exceeded sales targets on a consistent basis.
- Collaborated with marketing team to develop sales materials and promotions.
- Achieved President’s Club status for top sales performance for three consecutive years.
Education:
Bachelor of Business Administration, Sales and Marketing Concentration
GHI University, May 2010
Certifications:
- Salesforce Certified Administrator
- Hubspot Sales Software Certification
References:
Available upon request.
In this example, the experienced sales professional emphasizes their work experience and achievements, including leadership roles, sales performance metrics, and success in building and maintaining client relationships. They also highlight relevant certifications and education. This sales resume for an experienced professional can demonstrate the candidate’s qualifications and potential to drive revenue growth and lead successful sales teams.
Tips for Crafting a Stand-Out Sales Resume Example
- Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with an action verb to emphasize your accomplishments and contributions. For example, instead of writing “Responsible for meeting sales targets,” write “Exceeded sales targets by 25% through strategic sales tactics.”
- Quantify your achievements: Use specific numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your sales efforts. For example, instead of writing “Increased sales,” write “Increased sales by 30% within six months.”
- Tailor your resume to the job: Research the job description and company to identify the specific skills and qualifications they are looking for. Then, customize your resume to emphasize those skills and qualifications.
- Include relevant keywords: Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, so it’s important to include relevant keywords that match the job description. Use the same language and terminology used in the job posting.
- Highlight your soft skills: Sales is a people-oriented field, so it’s important to highlight your soft skills, such as communication, interpersonal skills, and relationship building. These skills can help differentiate you from other candidates and demonstrate your potential for success in a sales role.
- Keep it concise: While it’s important to highlight your achievements and qualifications, it’s also important to keep your resume concise and easy to read. Use bullet points and short, clear sentences to communicate your experience and accomplishments.
- Proofread and edit: Ensure that your resume is free of errors and typos. Have someone else review it as well to catch any mistakes you might have missed.
By following these tips, you can craft a stand-out sales resume that showcases your qualifications, achievements, and potential for success in a sales role.
Buzzwords to Use in Sales Resume
Here are some buzzwords you can use in your sales resume to help catch the attention of hiring managers:
Skill or Attribute | Buzzword Examples |
Sales Skills | Consultative selling, relationship-building, closing techniques, lead generation, pipeline management, prospecting, negotiation, account management, customer retention |
Communication Skills | Persuasive communication, active listening, presentation skills, storytelling, public speaking |
Leadership Skills | Team management, coaching and mentoring, performance management, goal setting, strategic planning, delegation |
Industry Knowledge | Market research, competitive analysis, industry trends, product knowledge, market segmentation |
Technical Skills | CRM software, data analysis, social media management, email marketing, sales automation |
Personal Traits | Goal-driven, self-motivated, problem-solving, resilient, adaptable, positive attitude, teamwork, customer-focused |
Remember to use these buzzwords in context and provide specific examples to demonstrate your experience and expertise.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, crafting a stand-out sales resume requires highlighting your relevant experience, skills, and achievements in a clear and concise manner.
Begin with a strong sales resume summary that showcases your unique selling proposition and key qualifications. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements to demonstrate the impact of your sales efforts. Tailor your resume to the job and company, including relevant keywords and highlighting your soft skills. Finally, use buzzwords to catch the attention of hiring managers and demonstrate your expertise in the sales field.
By following these key takeaways, you can create a sales resume example that showcases your potential for success in a sales role.
