How to Write a Resume for a Job in Sales

How to Write a Sales Resume That Gets You Hired

Want that dream sales job? It all starts with a killer resume. A great sales resume shows off your best stuff, making you stand out from the crowd. This guide will walk you through it, step-by-step. We'll even cover a winning sales cover letter!

What Recruiters Look For

Sales recruiters aren't just looking at words. They want proof you can actually do the job. They're searching for people who can:

• Find new customers: Show them how good you are at spotting potential clients.
• Close deals and smash those targets: Use numbers! Did you make more money than expected? Let them know!
• Build awesome relationships: Recruiters want to see you're good with people.
• Use the right tools: Are you a whiz with Salesforce? Mention it!
• Handle anything: The sales world changes fast. Show you can roll with the punches.

Building Your Winning Resume

Keep it short, focused, and all about your results. Here’s what you need:

1. Contact Info

Simple and professional: Your name, phone number, email, and maybe your LinkedIn link. No need for your full address.

2. Summary/Objective (Optional)

A short summary is great for showing your best skills. An objective statement is better if you’re just starting out. Always tailor this to the specific job.

Example Summary: I'm a highly motivated sales pro with 5+ years of experience crushing sales targets in tech. I build strong client relationships and close big deals. I'm looking for a challenging role where I can help a company grow.

3. Work Experience – The STAR Method

This is huge. Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Use numbers!

Example using STAR:

• Situation: Sales were down for a key product.
• Task: I needed to boost sales.
• Action: I researched the market, found new customers, updated our sales materials, and trained the team.
• Result: Sales jumped 25% in six months!

4. Skills

List your skills, both hard and soft. Make it easy to read. Match the job description!

Examples:

• Hard Skills: Salesforce, HubSpot, Sales forecasting, Lead generation, etc.
• Soft Skills: Communication, Persuasion, Problem-solving, Teamwork, etc.

5. Education

List your degrees, certifications, etc. Include the school, degree, major, graduation date, and GPA (if it's above 3.5).

6. Awards (Optional)

Got any awards? Show them off!

Sales Resume Examples

There are lots of examples online. But remember: Don't copy! Use them for ideas, then write your own resume.

Crafting a Killer Cover Letter

Your cover letter lets your personality shine. It should add to your resume, not repeat it. Here's what to include:

• Personal Greeting: Use the hiring manager's name if you can.
• Great Opening: Grab their attention right away.
• Show Your Skills: Go into more detail than your resume.
• Show Your Enthusiasm: Let them know you really want the job.
• Call to Action: Ask for an interview!

More Resume Tips

• Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong verb (achieved, managed, etc.).
• Use Numbers: Show your impact (increased sales by 20%, etc.).
• Tailor it: Change your resume for every job.
• Proofread!: Typos are a bad look.
• Professional Format: Use a clean font like Times New Roman or Arial.
• Keep it Short: Aim for one page.

The Bottom Line

A great resume takes work, but it's worth it. Use these tips to create a resume that gets you noticed. Remember to tailor everything to each job. Good luck!