Business Resume Examples and Templates
Table of Contents
A sales resume is like your personal advertisement, designed to emphasize the most compelling aspects of your career. It must demonstrate how your industry knowledge and communication skills come together to achieve sales targets. In this guide, we’ll offer tips and strategies to show potential employers you can build customer relationships and close a deal.
Key takeaways:
- Highlight industry expertise: Elevate your value proposition with an emphasis on sales experience in the company’s industry and where your unique expertise lies.
- Describe achievements using numbers: Throughout the professional experience section, use concrete numbers to describe instances of sales growth, revenue generated, and customer satisfaction.
- Incorporate keywords for applicant tracking systems: Ensure your application makes it through applicant tracking systems (ATS) by including relevant sales-related keywords from the job description in your resume.
Most Popular Sales Resumes
Entry-Level Sales Resume Example
Why this entry-level sales resume is strong:
This resume example leverages hard numbers and sales metrics to paint a compelling picture of the candidate’s early career experience. Its bullet points showcase the candidate’s ability to collaborate effectively with leadership teams to enhance the customer experience, making it a great fit for entry-level sales representative positions.
Mid-Career Sales Resume Example
Why this mid-career sales resume is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate’s expertise in account management using tangible examples from their career. Featuring the number of contracts and their exceptional quota attainment rates helps set this document apart from the competition.
Senior-Level Sales Resume Example
Why this senior-level sales resume is strong:
In this resume example, the candidate features an extensive background managing enterprise-level accounts valued at up to $5 million. The bullet points also draw attention to their cross-functional leadership skills, which makes them a strong applicant for senior-level roles.
Sales Associate Resume Example
Why this sales associate resume is strong:
This example emphasizes measurable achievements, like a 120% sales target, and demonstrates strong skills in customer engagement and training, which are critical in retail environments. Learn more about crafting a compelling sales resume summary here.
Sales Director Resume Example
Why this sales director resume is strong:
This resume showcases leadership and quantifiable results, such as a 35% revenue growth and expanded market share. It effectively highlights strategic planning skills. Learn more about resume strategies here.
Medical Sales Resume Example
Why this medical sales resume is strong:
This resume highlights measurable results, such as $2.5 million in sales, and technical skills crucial to medical sales success. Learn how to tailor your resume for specific industries here.
Sales Engineer Resume Example
Why this sales engineer resume is strong:
This example balances technical expertise with sales achievements, such as $10 million in secured contracts. Discover more on highlighting technical skills here.
Outside Sales Resume Example
Why this outside sales resume is strong:
This resume demonstrates impressive results, such as 150% of sales targets and a $3 million revenue increase. Learn more about key skills for a winning resume here.
Inside Sales Representative Resume Example
Why this inside sales representative resume is strong:
Sophia’s resume demonstrates her ability to leverage CRM tools and deliver exceptional results in virtual environments. Her quantifiable achievements are further enhanced by tactically using resume action words.
Car Sales Representative Resume Example
Why this car sales associate resume is strong:
In this resume example, the candidate leverages eye-catching monetary figures and sales data to grab the attention of potential employers. The applicant’s 26% close rate stands out in particular, as the industry average is between 17% and 20%.
Inside Sales Representative Resume Example
Why this inside sales representative resume is strong:
This resume highlights key metrics like a 130% quota achievement and improved retention, showcasing measurable impact. Learn more about crafting effective resumes here.
Regional Sales Manager Resume Example
Why this regional sales manager resume is strong:
This resume demonstrates leadership skills and quantifiable results, such as 120% sales target achievement. Learn more about effective sales skills here.
Enterprise Sales Executive Resume Example
Why this enterprise sales executive resume is strong:
This resume emphasizes impressive metrics, like $10 million in annual contracts, and highlights key enterprise sales skills. Learn more about showcasing achievements on resumes here.
Territory Sales Manager Resume Example
Why this territory sales manager resume is strong:
This resume showcases strategic planning skills and measurable success, like a 35% revenue increase. Learn more about tailoring your resume here.
Sales Account Manager Resume Example
Why this key account manager resume is strong:
This resume demonstrates expertise in relationship management by featuring a wide array of measurable achievements, such as their contributions in maintaining over $8 million in annual revenue. Learn more about how to craft an effective resume here.
Retail Sales Manager Resume Example
Why this retail sales manager resume is strong:
This resume highlights strong leadership skills and quantifiable results, like a 40% revenue increase. Learn more about creating standout resumes here.
National Sales Manager Resume Example
Why this national sales manager resume is strong:
This resume showcases leadership and large-scale sales impact, including $50 million in annual revenue. Learn more about highlighting achievements on resumes here.
Automotive Sales Consultant Resume Example
Why this automotive sales consultant resume is strong:
This resume highlights sales expertise and quantifiable achievements, such as $3 million in revenue. Learn more about how to feature key sales skills here.
SaaS Sales Specialist Resume Example
Why this SaaS sales specialist resume is strong:
This resume emphasizes achievements in SaaS sales, including a $4 million pipeline. Learn more about effective resume strategies here.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Resume Example
Why this pharmaceutical sales representative resume is strong:
This resume highlights key metrics like $2.5 million in annual revenue and showcases strong industry-specific skills. Learn more about tailoring your resume for success here.
Sales Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates
How To Write a Sales Resume Example
Often, hiring managers sift through dozens of applications to fill just one position, so you must write a sales resume that stands out. Start strong with a modern resume template. Your sales resume should include these sections:
- Contact information
- Profile
- Key skills
- Professional experience
- Education and certifications
1. Share your contact information
The first thing hiring managers should see on your sales resume is your name and a few ways they can contact you. Provide your phone number, email address, and location, followed by a link to your LinkedIn profile. This ensures you can be easily reached for further questions or to continue the application process with an interview.
Example
Your Name
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code
LinkedIn
2. Write a brief summary of your sales qualifications
Think of the profile section as the opening pitch to your resume. To grab the attention of hiring managers and make them want to know more, start strong by including key details about who you are as a sales professional. Display your job title, years of experience, and any industry expertise or specializations that set you apart.
For instance, perhaps you led a major sales campaign or have specialized knowledge of a product or service in the employer’s industry. Include these details in your profile. Consider what the employer is looking to add to their sales team, and adjust what you include here to speak to the company’s needs.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Strategic sales leader known for driving double-digit revenue growth across the technology and fintech sections. Focused on incorporating data-driven insights to inform sales methodologies and empowering sales teams of up to 50 members to perform at their peak.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Passionate sales associate and marketing professional with a three-year background in customer service. Focused on understanding customer needs, using knowledge to drive sales and increase engagement. Quick learner who prioritizes customer satisfaction through personalized service, friendly demeanor, and product expertise.
3. Create a powerful list of your sales experience
A results-driven professional experience section should include the most engaging aspects of your sales career so far. Hiring managers want to know you have the track record necessary to drive the business forward, meeting or exceeding their sales targets. Use bullet points to outline impressive career achievements and demonstrate your sales acumen.
While you’re often closing deals on your own, it takes a team of professionals to succeed. Describe times you’ve worked cross-functionally to achieve a goal. Or, perhaps you’ve taken on responsibility as a team lead. Emphasize any leadership abilities to show you have the potential for professional development.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Senior Sales Strategy Associate, Snowflake Inc., Bozeman, MT
February 2018 – present
- Manage a portfolio of key enterprise accounts that generated over $5 million in recurring annual revenue
- Maintained knowledge of Snowflake’s latest product suite for sales presentations
- Partnered with the data analytics team to design and implement a data-driven sales forecasting model that improved forecast accuracy to within 5% of actual sales
- Utilize Salesforce to track and manage customer interactions, opportunities, and progress toward sales quotas
- Participated in at least 10 events per year to network with potential clients and industry leaders while increasing brand exposure
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Sales Associate, Alo Yoga, Boston, MA
May 2019 – present
- Prioritize client satisfaction through personalized and friendly customer service in alignment with the Alo brand mission
- Process an average of 50 transactions per day with speed and accuracy
- Conducted 13 in-depth product training sessions for customers each quarter to ensure thorough understanding of features, benefits, and usage guidelines
- Lead regular product knowledge workshops for over 20 sales associates
- Partner with sales leadership team to learn about and launch new products, consistently selling more than $50,000 in merchandise each month
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
Your professional experience encompasses more than the daily responsibilities listed in a job description; employers need evidence of your career success. Establish your sales credibility by including specific numbers and metrics. Quantifying your accomplishments demonstrates an ability to achieve measurable results that impact the company’s bottom line.
Do
- “Implemented pricing strategies that resulted in a 10% increase in profit margins and a 5% increase in sales volume for assigned territories.”
Don’t
- “I was responsible for adjusting pricing models based on market analysis in an effort to improve profitability and sales metrics.”
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application
Although your resume is about you, it should be written with your prospective employers in mind. As a sales professional, you know all about helping customers find solutions. So, apply this theory to yourself. Be the solution to a company’s problem by customizing your sales resume to meet the hiring manager’s needs.
You can do this by tailoring each resume you send out. Use keywords from job listings to feature certain skills above others and use specific company language. For example, if the job ad mentions “lead generation,” include that phrase in your resume. Provide specific examples of times you successfully implemented lead-generation campaigns.
What if you don’t have experience?
Even if you don’t have direct sales experience, you likely have plenty of transferable abilities to leverage. Skills and experience gained in customer service jobs, mentorships, and school will be an asset to any sales resume. Let’s review how you can dig deeper and mine your professional history for sales-compatible experience:
- Education: Include any sales or business-related coursework you’ve completed.
- Certification: Consider earning a sales certificate if you do not already have one.
- Customer service: Highlight jobs you’ve had within industries like retail, food service, and hospitality.
- Internships: Include business internships you may have participated in or consider applying for internships now.
4. Include sales-related education and certifications
While many entry-level sales positions require a high school diploma, management positions will often demand a four-year degree. However, most hiring managers are most interested in seeing that you have the necessary sales experience. No matter your level of education, start with your highest academic achievement first. Include the school name, location, and dates of attendance.
Include any relevant certifications you’ve earned to stand out from other sales professionals. An industry-related credential that shows you’re an expert in the field or proof of proficiency in a common software program can help differentiate you from other well-qualified candidates.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Business Administration
Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA | June 2017
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example:
Certified Salesforce Sales Cloud Consultant, Trailhead, 2022
5. Include a list of skills and proficiencies related to sales
Whether you’re a sales representative or team leader, adding a key skills section to your sales resume communicates your essential abilities in a way that’s easy to read. Organize your skills into a bulleted list, highlighting the most relevant qualities required for the job. Include hard and soft skills on your resume, as your industry know-how and interpersonal skills are equally important.
| Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
|---|---|
| Customer relationship management (CRM) software (HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho) | Account prioritization |
| Email automation | Coachability |
| Market research and buyer persona development | Consultative sales approach |
| Point of sale (POS) systems | Cross-functional engagement |
| Real-time sales forecasting | Emotional intelligence |
| Sales call coaching | Proactive lead generation |
| Sales data analysis and visualization | Storytelling |
Resume writer’s tip: Use strong action verbs
Keep your language concise by using action verbs. Instead of using first-person language (e.g., “I was responsible for upselling…”), begin sentences that describe your accomplishments with an action verb. This will make a greater impact by strategically using your words to show your achievements. Below you’ll find examples of action verbs you can use in your sales resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Achieved | Closed |
| Demonstrated | Developed |
| Drove | Enhanced |
| Exceeded | Expanded |
| Generated | Grew |
| Implemented | Increased |
| Negotiated | Optimized |
| Persuaded | |
How To Pick the Best Sales Resume Template
You need a template that will sell your skills well. A resume is your chance to make a good first impression on hiring managers, so make it count. The best resume template for a sales professional is clean and well-structured. Avoid those that look too busy, cluttered, or colorful. Well-designed templates draw the reader’s focus to what is most important — your sales accomplishments and qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sales Resume Examples and Advice
How do you align your resume with a sales job description?
You may be surprised to find out that employment for sales professionals is expected to decline over the next 10 years. Although competition will be tough for the newest positions, there will be nearly 2 million annual job openings to replace workers who leave the industry. To stand out from other applicants, align your resume with the job ad you’re responding to.
First, identify exactly what the employer is looking for in a sales professional so you can include the most relevant information. For example, suppose you’re applying to a tech company that needs someone who specializes in SaaS sales. In that case, if you had SaaS experience, you would highlight how you’ve optimized sales processes and improved engagement in that space.
What is the best sales resume format?
The chronological format is often the best choice for a sales resume as it follows your progressive work history and growth in the field. Hiring managers can quickly grasp your career trajectory and observe how you’ve developed your sales skills. This format allows you to elaborate on past sales achievements and showcase your expertise in specific industries or markets.
Expert advice:
Include a cover letter with your resume
Close the deal and increase your chances of landing an interview with a sales cover letter. Once you’ve finished your resume, craft a compelling cover letter to accompany it. Adding this personal touch to your application gives hiring managers insight into why you’re the best sales professional to help the company achieve its goals.
Check Out Related Examples
Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.
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