Sales Resume: How to Write an Effective Sales Resume in 2022
A sales resume is a document that shows potential employers how well you meet their needs. It tells them why you should get hired.
To write a great sales resume, you need to understand the job description. It means understanding what skills, experience, and qualifications are required.
If you don’t know these requirements, you need to find out before writing your resume. Otherwise, you risk wasting everyone’s time with a resume that doesn’t match the job description.
I’ll teach you everything you need to know about writing effective sales resumes in this post. So, you can jump-start your lucrative career in sales.
What is a Resume?
You can do cold calling or look at job search websites to land you an interview with a potential employer, but the first step towards landing any job would be to send in your resume.
A resume is a document used to introduce yourself to potential employers. It includes your education history, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. In short, it’s a gateway to showing that you are the ideal candidate for the job.
There are many different types of resumes, including chronological, functional, and combination. Each type has its purpose, and you should choose the one that best fits your situation. For example, if you’re applying for a job in sales, a functional resume might be most appropriate.
Chronological resumes include a list of jobs and dates, starting from when you were born. Functional resumes focus on skills and achievements rather than specific positions. Combination resumes combine elements of both styles.
Regardless of which style you decide to use, you should constantly tailor your resume to fit each position you apply for. When creating your resume, consider these tips:
• Include a summary section that highlights your essential qualifications.
• Make sure that every bullet point is related to the job you’re applying for.
• Avoid using too much text. Keep it short and sweet.
• Don’t forget to add contact information, including your phone number and address.
Before submitting your resume, practice making eye contact and smiling; these small changes can go a long way toward improving your chances of landing the job you’ve been dreaming of.
How is a Sales Resume Different from a Regular Resume
A sales resume is a document that highlights your skills and experience in sales. It differs from a traditional resume in several ways.
First, a sales resume focuses on selling techniques and tactics rather than general job history.
Second, it includes specific examples of past work experiences. (professional experience you have acquired throughout the years)
Third, it emphasizes the benefits that you bring to a company. (competition of sales target). A sales resume is targeted at anyone involved in the sales profession or looking to join the sales profession. It can also be used as means of career progression.
While a traditional resume would focus on your education and career path, a sales resume focuses more on your skills and experience in sales. The goal is to highlight your strengths and demonstrate your ability to sell effectively.
In addition to highlighting your skills and experience, a sales resume includes details about your previous jobs.
These include the names of companies where you worked, the dates you were employed, and the titles you held. In addition, it might mention the number of years you spent working for each employer.
There are many reasons why a sales resume is different from a traditional resume. For example, a sales resume is usually shorter than a traditional resume.
It also emphasizes the skills and experience that are most valuable to employers. Finally, it’s designed to showcase your abilities as a sales professional.
How To Write A Sales Resume
Writing a sales resume is a great way to highlight your skills and experience while showing potential employers that you’re qualified for the position. It’s also an excellent opportunity to practice your writing skills and learn about different types of resumes.
To create a sales resume, you’ll need to include a cover letter, summary, objective, qualifications, accomplishments, and references. The cover letter is usually included at the top of the resume, followed by the summary and sections.
Include a short introduction in the cover letter that explains who you are and what you’re interested in.
Then, briefly describe your education and work history. Finally, explain why you’re applying for the job and mention any special skills or experiences that you bring to the table.
Next, write a brief summary of your career highlights. Include the most significant projects you worked on and the names of companies you were employed with. Mention the number of years you spent working at each company and provide details about your roles.
After that, write down your objectives. These are the goals that you hope to achieve throughout your career. For example, if you’re looking for a job in customer service, your objectives might be to build relationships with customers and resolve their problems.
Then, write down your qualifications. Include information about your education, training, certifications, awards, and honors. Qualifications are the skills and abilities that you’ve developed throughout your career.
Finally, list your accomplishments. Accomplishments are the tangible results that you’ve achieved during your career. Be sure to include the dates that these achievements occurred and the type of role that you played in them.
Now that you have everything written out, it’s time to format your resume. Start by creating a bulleted list of your objectives. Next, add bullet points under each section of your resume. Finally, fill in the blanks with your accomplishments.
Once you’ve finished formatting your resume, send it to prospective employers. If you cannot find a job immediately, consider sending multiple copies of your resume to various companies.
Tips on Writing an Effective Sales Resume
Think About Your Best Sales Achievements
Sales resumes are very different from other types of resumes. While most resumes focus on skills and experience, sales resume highlight specific achievements.
These achievements should be related to your job title and position, and they should demonstrate your ability to sell effectively.
Your resume should include a section where you describe your best sales accomplishments.
Include details about each achievement, including who you sold to, what was accomplished, and how much money was involved.
Make sure that these achievements are relevant to your current role, and if possible, try to tie them back to your previous roles.
Include a brief summary of your sales successes in the body of your resume. This section should be no longer than two pages, and it should contain a few bullet points describing your achievements.
The bullets should be organized into three categories: sales techniques, selling products, and closing deals.
Make sure that you emphasize the positive aspects of your sales achievements. Don’t dwell on problems or failures; instead, focus on how you overcame obstacles and achieved success.
Create A Header That Hooks Them In
One of the best ways to create a strong sales resume is to include a header that hooks them in from the beginning. The header should contain a clear title that gives them a quick overview of what you’re selling, followed by bullet points that outline your qualifications.
It is where you can stand out from other candidates. Make sure that each section has its color and font style to stand out from the rest of the text.
Also, try to avoid using too many fonts or colors. Stick to two or three main ones, and add a few accenting elements here and there.
Add Specific Details To Stand Out From The Crowd
The next thing you want to do is make sure that your resume stands out from the crowd.
A potential employer would see thousands of resumes; you have to stand apart from the rest for that; you don’t need to go overboard, but adding some extra details will help you get noticed.
For example, if you work for a large company, you might want to mention that you were part of a team that won a prestigious award. Or, if you worked at a small business, you could point out that you helped increase their revenue by 10 percent.
If you’re applying for a sales position, you’ll also want to include information about your sales training and certifications. However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t spend too much time talking about these things. Instead, just briefly mention them in the body of your document.
Build Your Resume In Reverse-Chronological Format
Sales resumes are usually written in reverse-chronological format. The most recent job experience is listed first, followed by previous jobs, education, and skills.
This format works fine if you’re applying for a sales position, but it doesn’t work as well for other types of positions. For example, if you’re applying for an administrative assistant position, listing your most recent job experience first would look bad.
Instead, you should write your resume in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job experience and working backward through your career history. In short, showcase your sales work experience.
In addition to being more effective, this approach gives you more flexibility in choosing where to place your skills and accomplishments.
For example, if your last job was in customer service, you might put your customer service skills at the top of your resume, followed by your leadership skills and technical skills.
It’s also worth noting that many employers prefer applicants who have worked for multiple companies over those who haven’t.
So if you’re thinking about switching careers, consider taking a break from your current employer and applying for a few different positions. It could give you a chance to build a more robust portfolio of experiences and demonstrate your ability to adapt to new environments.
Optimize it for an ATS
In today’s job market, recruiters look for job applicants who can demonstrate their skills through a resume. In other words, if you haven’t optimized your resume for an ATS, you could be missing out on opportunities.
An ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, and these programs allow employers to scan resumes and match them against open positions. When recruiters use an ATS, they can save time and focus on finding qualified applicants instead of spending hours manually reviewing each resume.
To optimize your resume for an ATC, follow these tips:
• Include contact information. Make sure that your name, phone number, and email address are included on every resume page.
• Keep it short. The average recruiter spends less than two seconds scanning a resume, so make sure that everything is concise and easy to read.
• Include a summary section. This section should include your most relevant work experience, education, and skills.
• Don’t forget to highlight accomplishments. Recruiters love to see evidence of past achievements, so make sure that you include specific examples of your successes.
• Include a professional photo. Many recruiters prefer to see pictures of potential employees rather than just a generic headshot.
These tips will help you create a resume an ATS quickly scans. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be ready to apply for jobs online.
Include These Key Sales Facts
Sales resumes are often used to sell yourself to potential employers. But if you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to include critical sales facts that demonstrate your skills and experience. Here are five tips to help you write a killer sales resume:
1. Include the most recent job title.
2. Make sure that every bullet point includes a specific skill or qualification.
3. Don’t forget to mention accomplishments and achievements.
4. Include a summary section that highlights your strengths.
5. Finally, proofread your resume thoroughly before sending it off.
Use the Right Lingo
Sales resumes are usually written formally, but you’ll need to use the right lingo if you want to stand out from the crowd. For example, instead of saying “I’m a sales professional,” say “I am a sales pro.” This change will give off a more confident vibe and make you seem more knowledgeable.
It is important to write your sales resume in an active voice and avoid grammatical errors to make it more professional.
Also, try to avoid using acronyms in your resume. Instead, spell out the full name of the company or organization you work for. It will make it easier for hiring managers to understand who you are and what you do.
Create a Killer Cover Letter
If you’re applying for a sales position, you probably already know how important cover letters are. They’re one of the first things recruiters have to review when looking at applications.
If you want to get noticed, you’ll need to make sure your cover letter is compelling.
Here’s some advice on how to craft a killer cover letter:
1. Start with a strong introduction. Your cover letter needs to grab the attention of the reader immediately. Start with something like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources Director.”
2. Explain why you’re interested in the job. You don’t need to tell the employer about all of your qualifications, but you can briefly outline why you think this particular job would be ideal for you.
3. Mention any relevant experiences. Demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job by including information about previous positions.
4. Proofread carefully. Double-check spelling errors and grammar mistakes.
5. Send your application as soon as possible. The sooner you send in your application, the better your chance of getting hired.
Highlight Those Numbers
Salespeople always talk about the importance of showing off their numbers. But how exactly does this work? What kind of numbers should you include? And how can you highlight these numbers without coming off as boastful?
Include numbers that demonstrate your success over time. For example, if you were hired to manage a team of salespeople, including the number of leads generated per month.
Or if you were responsible for closing $1 million in business last quarter, have that figure in your resume. Any quota achievement you have done can be an extensive way to show what you bring to the table.
Make sure that your numbers are accurate. In other words, don’t exaggerate or lie about your accomplishments. Instead, focus on highlighting the facts. Include figures that are easy to verify and that aren’t easily disputed.
It’s best to keep your resume focused and concise. Don’t try to cram everything into one section. Instead, break down your resume into sections based on your job title and responsibilities. Then, write each section separately. Also, avoid including too many numbers.
Finally, don’t forget to add a summary paragraph at the end of your resume. This paragraph includes the highlights from your resume and additional details about your successes. It is where you can briefly mention your most impressive achievements.
Don’t Ignore Training and Technical Skills.
Sales resumes are a crucial part of the job application process. However, many sales professionals overlook training and technical skills when preparing theirs. These are two areas where you can stand out from other candidates.
Training and technical skills are essential to being successful in today’s market. It’s important to highlight these skills on your resume since recruiters tend to look for these qualities over experience. The relevant skills could make you stand out from the rest of the crowd.
To make sure that you include these skills, consider asking yourself questions like:
• What was the most recent training course that I took?
• How much experience do I have with the technology I’m applying for?
• Do I have any certifications or specializations?
By taking the time to answer these questions, you’ll be able to create a strong resume that highlights your strengths and shows recruiters precisely what you bring to the table.
Sprinkle Action Verbs Throughout Your Resume
Sales resumes are usually lengthy documents filled with lots of text. While it’s true that you need to include plenty of details about yourself, you shouldn’t just write about everything that happened during your career. Instead, focus on highlighting your accomplishments and skills.
To do this, sprinkle action verbs throughout your resume. These words describe what you did to accomplish a goal or solve a problem. For example, if you were responsible for launching a new product, you could say that you “launched a new product.”
This technique helps to highlight your achievements and shows potential employers that you’re capable of taking the initiative. It also gives you a chance to talk about your work experience without being too verbose.
Don’t Forget To Include Your Soft Skills.
It’s easy to forget about soft skills when focusing on hard skills, but they’re just as important.
Employers look for candidates who can communicate effectively and work well with others when applying for jobs. These soft skills include being organized, having strong interpersonal skills, and showing initiative.
Include these soft skills in your resume by including examples of how you’ve demonstrated them in previous positions.
For example, if you worked as a project manager, including a description of how you managed projects and kept everyone on track. If you were a sales representative, describe how you handled demanding customers and how you built rapport with clients.
Remember that your resume needs to stand out from other applicants, so make sure that it includes plenty of relevant experience and details about your past roles. Don’t worry about making every section perfect; instead, focus on highlighting the essential parts of your resume.
Top Skills for a Sales Resume
Whether you’re applying for a sales position or just trying to land a job, having a solid resume is key to landing the role. But if you’re struggling to figure out what skills to include on your resume, here are six critical skills that every sales professional needs to have.
1. Communication skills –
Salespeople are expected to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and managers. Salespeople who excel at communication are usually promoted to higher positions.
Communication is a key skill for anyone going into the sales trade. To succeed in sales, you must communicate clearly and concisely. It’s also helpful if you can speak confidently and persuasively.
Avoid jargon and focus on the message instead of the messenger when communicating.
In addition to verbal communication, salespeople must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. For example, you might write emails, proposals, and other documents conveying your ideas.
It’s also essential to learn how to listen. Listening skills are essential for salespeople because they can understand customers’ needs and concerns.
Finally, salespeople must be able to work well under pressure. As a result, salespeople need to be comfortable working independently while maintaining a positive attitude.
2. Problem-Solving Skills –
Salespeople who can solve problems are usually seen as precious assets to companies. These individuals can work through challenges and obstacles, and they always seem to find a solution.
This skill set includes problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. It’s essential to be able to look at situations from different perspectives and find creative solutions. In addition, salespeople must communicate effectively with customers and other employees.
To develop these skills, salespeople need to practice them regularly. For example, if you’re having trouble closing deals, try asking yourself questions like “What could I be doing differently?” or “Why am I struggling to close this deal?” The answers to these questions might lead you to a solution.
Also, remember that salespeople aren’t just limited to selling products. They can also sell ideas, services, and experiences. So, if you’re interested in learning more about sales, consider taking a class or joining a professional organization.
3. Negotiation Skills –
Salespeople who negotiate effectively tend to close more deals and earn higher commissions. Negotiating is a skill that takes practice and experience, but if you learn how to do it correctly, it can pay off big time.
First, understand that negotiation is a two-way street. It’s not just about what you want; it’s also about what the other person wants. So, instead of focusing solely on yourself, focus on what the other person needs.
Next, try to determine whether the other person has a legitimate reason for wanting what they do. If you can figure out where the other person is coming from, you’ll be able to work together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Finally, remember that negotiation is a game of giving and take. Don’t expect to win every single deal. Instead, aim to strike a balance between what you want and what the other person needs while still respecting each other.
4. Self-Motivation Skills –
Salespeople are constantly under pressure to close deals and meet quotas. But if you’re self-motivated, you’ll be able to push through these challenges and still perform at a high level.
Self-motivation is essential to success in sales, and it’s something that most people struggle with. However, you can learn to overcome this obstacle and become a top performer. Research shows that self-motivated salespeople tend to outperform their peers.
To begin, set goals for yourself. For example, you might decide that you want to hit $10,000 in monthly sales revenue within six months, or you want to increase your sales performance within a year. Once you’ve set your goal, write down everything you need to do to achieve it. Then, break each task into smaller pieces.
For instance, instead of saying, “I’m going to sell 10 leads this month,” say, “I’m going sell five leads today, two leads tomorrow, and three leads next week.” The point here is that breaking tasks down into smaller chunks helps you focus on the little things you need to do every day to reach your big goal.
Next, create a plan for achieving your goals. Write down precisely what you need to do to accomplish each task. Make sure that you include deadlines for each step. Finally, reward yourself when you complete each task. It doesn’t matter whether you give yourself a pat on the back or a small gift card; just make sure you acknowledge your progress.
Once you clearly understand what you need to do, you’ll be more likely to stay motivated. And if you feel like giving up, remind yourself why you started in the first place. Remembering why you decided to pursue sales will help you persevere.
5. Time Management Skills –
Salespeople who work from home must manage their time effectively to succeed. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the number of tasks that need to be completed each day, especially when working alone.
To avoid becoming overwhelmed, set aside specific times during the week to complete certain tasks. For example, you could schedule yourself to spend 30 minutes every Monday morning reviewing emails and responding to customer inquiries. It will allow you to focus on other aspects of your job while still progressing toward your daily goals.
It’s also essential to prioritize your tasks. Try to tackle the most urgent ones first, then move on to less critical items. It will give you greater satisfaction when you finish and help you feel more productive overall.
6. Excellent Customer Service Skills –
Excellent customer service skills are essential to success in sales. Customer service is one of the most critical factors in determining whether someone will buy from you or not.
It’s important to remember that customers aren’t always going to be happy, so it’s crucial to provide excellent customer service.
In addition to being friendly and helpful, you should also have product knowledge. Make sure that you answer questions clearly and thoroughly and offer solutions to problems if possible.
If you’re unsure of what to say, ask your colleagues or friends who work in customer service.
It’s also essential to be able to empathize with your clients. If you understand where they’re coming from, you can relate to them better and build stronger relationships.
When you’re having conversations with potential customers, try to imagine yourself in their shoes. What would you want to hear from a company representative? How could you benefit from working with them?
Tips for sales resume for different roles
Entry-Level Candidate Sales Resume
Sales resumes are usually written for entry-level positions, but they can work just as well for mid-level jobs.
To create a successful sales resume, you need to focus on three main points:
1. The job title. Make sure that you include the correct job title in your resume. It’s easy to assume that everyone knows what you’re applying for, but if you don’t specify the exact position, you could end up being disqualified from the interview stage.
2. The company name. Include the company name in your resume and its location and contact details. It helps potential employers understand who you’re working for and where you’d fit into the organization.
3. The sales job description. Include a brief summary of the responsibilities associated with the position. For example, if you’re applying for a customer service representative position, mention that you’ll be handling phone calls and emails.
4. The skills section. This section highlights the skills you possess that would be useful for the job. For example, if your goal is to become a sales manager, include your experience managing other employees.
5. References. Always ask your references for a recommendation letter. It shows that you’re willing to put in extra effort to land the job.
6. Contact information. Include your complete address, phone number, and email address. It makes it easier for companies to reach out to you if they have any questions during the hiring process.
7. Cover letter. Include a cover letter explaining why you’re interested in the job and your contact information.
8. Resume format. Choose a standard resume format, such as the chronological resume format.
9. Professional photo. Add a professional photo to your resume. It gives employers a sense of who you are and allows them to form their own opinions about you.
10. Summary. At the top of your resume, add a summary highlighting your most notable accomplishments.
11. Objective. Write a clear objective statement at the beginning of your resume. It lets employers know exactly what you’re hoping to accomplish.
Sales Manager Resume
Many different resumes are available online, but most fall into two categories: traditional and functional resumes. Traditional resumes focus on listing skills and experience, while functional resumes highlight specific job responsibilities.
In general, sales managers tend to combine both types of resumes. For example, a sales manager might include a section describing their previous role as a sales representative and sections detailing their current responsibilities as a manager.
Whether you choose a traditional or functional resume, it’s essential to tailor it to each position you apply for. Include relevant work history, education, certifications, awards, and other accomplishments. Also, include contact information for references and ask if you can submit additional materials.
Your resume should always be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. The best way to do this is to create a separate resume for every position you apply for.
Don’t just copy and paste the same resume over and over again. Instead, customize it based on the job requirements you’re applying for, including the company culture, industry, and location.
It will allow you to stand out from the crowd and give employers a clear idea of who you are.
Sales Executive Resume
Sales executives are responsible for managing teams of salespeople who sell products and services to customers. Sales executives must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while staying organized and focused on the big picture.
To succeed in this role, you need to possess strong communication skills, excellent organizational abilities, and the ability to multitask effectively. In addition, you need to be able to work independently and meet deadlines.
In terms of experience, sales executives usually require three years of prior sales management experience. However, if you have previous experience selling online, you could potentially qualify for a position as a digital sales manager.
Your sales executive resume should include a cover letter highlighting your qualifications and explaining why you’re interested in the job. Include details about your past experiences, including specific examples of your successes and failures.
Make sure to mention any certifications or awards you received during your career. These types of achievements demonstrate your commitment to excellence and your dedication to learning new skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you really need an objective or summary?
I’m going, to be honest with you. I’ve been thinking about this question for a while, and I think it’s time to share my thoughts on the subject.
The short answer is: Yes, you need one. It’s not optional. If you don’t write an objective, your resume won’t get read by anyone.
If you want to make sure your resume gets noticed, then you need to focus on writing a compelling objective statement.
While there are many different kinds of objectives, here are some common ones:
Objective Statement Examples
1. To provide quality customer service to clients.
2. To increase profits by increasing client retention rates
3. To help our company achieve its goals
4. To develop a team of highly skilled employees
5. To create a culture of continuous improvement
What to Include in a Sales Representative Resume
The first thing that you need to do is decide whether you want to use a chronological resume or a functional resume. A sales representative resume is an important document that you should be prepared for when applying for any type of job. It’s your chance to show the hiring manager what makes you unique and why they should hire you over other candidates.
There are pros and cons to either type of resume. A chronological resume lists everything from most recent to least recent. This format is excellent for someone who has a lot of experience because they can highlight their accomplishments. However, it doesn't tell the story of how you got where you are today. A functional resume tells how you have contributed to your organization's success. You will also list your responsibilities as well as your skills and abilities.
Here are some things to include in a sales representative resume:
• Objective statement
• Education history
• Work history
• Skills and abilities
• References
• Cover letter
The Bottom Line:
In conclusion, if you’re looking to land a sales job, you have to write a resume that will get noticed. And if you’re writing a resume for a sales position, you have to tailor it specifically to the company you’re applying to.
It means focusing on the skills and experiences that align with their needs. But even if you’re not applying for a sales role, you still need to write a resume that highlights your strengths and shows your accomplishments.
Your career objective should drive you to write a resume to land the jobs you want. After all, you never know when you might find yourself selling again!