How to Create a Resume for a Job in Sales

So, you want a great sales job? A killer resume is key. Forget those boring, basic resumes. You need one that shouts your skills and passion. This guide? It's your secret weapon. We'll show you how to grab attention and land those interviews. Even how to beat those pesky computer systems that scan resumes, the ATS.

Why Your Sales Resume Matters

Think of your resume as your first handshake. It's your chance to prove you can deliver. In sales, it's all about results. And how you talk to people. Your resume needs to show you get that. It's not just a list of jobs. It's you on paper. Make it count.

Key Elements of a Successful Sales Resume

What goes into a top-notch sales resume? Here's the checklist:

• Contact Information: Name, number, email, LinkedIn. Easy peasy.
• Summary/Objective: Your sales story in a nutshell. More on that later.
• Skills: What you're good at. Hard and soft skills.
• Experience: Where you've worked and what you did. Show off those wins!
• Education: Degrees, certifications. The basics.
• Awards & Recognition: Brag a little! What have you won?

Choosing the Right Sales Resume Format

Think of your resume's format like the packaging of a product. It needs to look good and be easy to understand. Here are your options:

1. Chronological: Jobs listed from newest to oldest. Great if you've had a steady career.
2. Functional: Focuses on your skills, not your jobs. Not usually the best for sales. Employers want to see those results.
3. Combination: Mixes skills and job history. A solid pick for many salespeople.

Most sales folks do best with a chronological or combination format. Pick the one that shows you off best. And fits the job you want.

Crafting a Compelling Sales Resume Summary or Objective

Your summary or objective? It's your elevator pitch. Make it quick. Make it good.

• Summary: What you've done, what you're good at. What can you do for them? Use strong words. And numbers!
• Objective: What you want. Okay if you're changing careers. Or just starting out.

Example Summary:

"Sales pro with 8+ years crushing targets in tech. I build relationships, create strategies, and close deals. I'm a top performer, exceeding quota by 25% every year."

Highlighting Your Sales Skills

Show them what you can do. List both your hard and soft skills. Here are some ideas:

Hard Skills:

• CRM Software (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)
• Sales Automation Tools
• Lead Generation
• Sales Forecasting
• Account Management
• Product Demonstrations
• Cold Calling
• Negotiation
• Closing Techniques
• Market Research
• Sales Presentations

Soft Skills:

• Communication (Written and Verbal)
• Interpersonal Skills
• Active Listening
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management
• Teamwork
• Persuasion
• Adaptability
• Empathy
• Resilience
• Critical Thinking

Pro Tip: Match your skills to the job. Read the job description. What are they looking for? Use those words!

Quantifying Your Achievements in Your Sales Experience Section

This is huge. Don't just list what you did. Show what you achieved. Use numbers. Prove your worth.

Instead of: "I sold stuff."

Try: "I boosted sales by 30% in one quarter by creating a new lead strategy."

Examples of things you can quantify:

• Beat sales goals by X%
• Found X new leads
• Closed deals worth X dollars
• Made customers X% happier
• Stopped X% of customers from leaving
• Cut sales time by X%
• Grew market share by X%
• Trained X new sales team members

Use action words. Like these:

• Found
• Closed
• Negotiated
• Made
• Did
• Managed
• Led
• Beat
• Improved
• Cut

Optimizing Your Sales Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Remember those computer systems? You need to get past them! Here's how:

• Use words from the job post: Copy key words and use them in your resume.
• Keep it simple: No fancy stuff. Easy to read.
• Save it right: Usually Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF (.pdf) works best.
• Skip headers and footers: The computer might miss info there.
• Use clear headings: Like "Experience," "Skills," "Education."

The Importance of a Sales Cover Letter

Your resume is the what. The cover letter is the why. Why this job? Why you?

In your cover letter, do this:

• Say why you want this job at this company.
• Show off your best skills.
• Explain why you fit in.
• Show you know their product.
• Ask for an interview!

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Sales Resume

Don't mess up! Watch out for these:

• Typos: Check, check, check!
• Boring language: Be specific! Use numbers!
• Stuff no one cares about: Only include what matters to the job.
• No numbers: Show what you did!
• Ugly format: Keep it clean and easy to read.
• Lies: Make sure everything matches your LinkedIn and other profiles.

Sales Careers: Landing Your Dream Job

A great resume is just the first step. Network. Practice interviewing. Don't give up! Find the right sales job for you.

Final Thoughts on Creating a Winning Sales Resume

It takes work to make a great sales resume. But it's worth it! Follow this guide. Show off your skills. Get those interviews! Good luck!

Focus on how to show off your wins and match what companies want. You'll get noticed. And land that dream job!