8 years ago
April 13, 2016

What a Good Sales Resume Looks Like

you see a sales job opportunity that appears to be the job of your dreams. The first step to getting in the door is to have a great sales resume.

Rhys Metler

Every now and then you see a sales job opportunity that appears to be the job of your dreams. Just reading the description of the position and the qualities that the company is looking for, you know that you would be perfect for this job. All you need to do is get your foot in the door and you know that the company will agree that you are the one for the job. The first step to getting in the door is to have a great sales resume.

Your sales resume is going to be your first impression. You want to make sure that you have covered all of the key elements that the company is looking for while, at the same time, letting them know all of your achievements.

Here are some specific items that you need to include in your sales resume.

  • Numbers and Results. You want to include actual data. You can’t argue numbers and results so this is the time to brag. If you increased sales in your area by 100%, say so. Sales managers look for numbers and they look for what you were able to produce. Talk about quotas and how you surpassed them. Include numbers or percentages regarding cold calls and closed deals.
  • Awards and Accolades. Make sure to include all of the sales awards that you have won when you are writing your sales resume. Don’t list them at the bottom of the resume. You worked hard to earn them, show them off at the top of your sales resume.
  • Accomplishments. In addition to talking about your numbers and results, talk about what you have achieved. Highlight any successful negotiations or new business that you brought in.
  • Training and Certification. List any sales training you have participated in. Include conferences and seminars. If you were a presenter, this should be a highlighted item in your sales resume.
  • Skills Summary. Don’t bother writing an objective for your sales resume. Sales managers rarely read them. Instead, include a skills summary that will allow the company to see specifically what you can do for them. Keep it short. No more than 2 or 3 sentences is enough.
  • Remember Your Audience. In addition to reading the job description, find out what you can about the company. Look at their web site and try to gain some insight as to what the corporate culture is and how you can fit in. When you are describing your skills, talents and competencies use words and phrases that will help you fit in with the new company.
  • Bullet it. Chances are that the sales manager will be reading many many sales resumes. As much as possible, bullet your information so your sales resume is easily readable. A busy person is much more likely to read a list of bullet points rather than some lengthy paragraphs.
  • Use The Right Words. Certain words are far more powerful than others. Being innovative sounds stronger than being original. Use buzz words and industry keywords. Using industry jargon in your sales resume will show that you have the background and know the lingo of the industry.
  • Be Polished. As simple as it seems, make sure you review your sales resume to check for any spelling errors or typos. A few misspelled words can make all of the difference between a great resume and one that is put at the bottom of the pile.

Don’t be shy. You need to sell yourself. Your objective is to make your sales resume show off who you are and what you have accomplished. Your goal is to have that sales resume get you in the door so you can show the company how you can use your skills and abilities to help them.

Rhys Metler

Rhys is a tenacious, top performing Senior Sales Recruiter with 15+ years of focused experience in the Digital Media, Mobile, Software, Technology and B2B verticals. He has a successful track record of headhunting top performing sales candidates for some of the most exciting brands in North America. He is a Certified Recruitment Specialist (CRS) and has expert experience in prospecting new business, client retention/renewals and managing top performing sales and recruitment teams. Rhys enjoys spending quality time with his wife, son, and daughters, BBQing on a hot summer day and tropical vacations.

salesforce-popup