Sales Director Resume: Examples, Sample & Template

Skills and experience aren’t the only factors recruiters consider in a candidate.

It is an inconvenient truth, but how you present these achievements matters more than you may think.

For that reason, the sales director resume you’re pitching to get a great job needs to feature appropriate thought and direction.

This guide will show you:

• An example sales director resume better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• Easy techniques for writing a sales director resume that will land you more interviews.
• Practical tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a sales director resume.
• How to describe experience on a resume for a sales director to get any job you want.

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See these related articles for salespeople and directors as well:

• Retail Resume Examples
• Sales Manager Resume Examples
• Sales Representative Resume Examples
• Sales Associate Resume Examples
• Marketing Manager Resume Examples
• Marketing Director Resume Examples
• Executive Resume Examples
• IT Director Resume
• HR Director Resume
• Resume Examples for All Jobs

Sales Director Resume Example

Now, let’s show you how to replicate this success with your own perfect sales director resume:

1. Format Your Sales Director Resume Correctly

Sales directors lead the efforts of sales teams to generate as much revenue as possible. They are indispensable in developing and implementing any company’s big-picture sales strategies. The goal of your sales director resume should be to establish yourself as the biggest fish in the pond.

Before we get down to the real business of you showing your industry prowess, we need to take a step back.

Rushing into your resume writing process doesn’t pay off. Being prepared for the task could mean the difference between success and failure.

Here’s a list of resume tips to treat as a checklist before sending it out:

• Start with your current contact information at the top of the resume.
• Organize your resume into sections for work experience, education, skills, and any other relevant information.
• Make it easy for the reader to scan your resume. Use a clean, professional font.
• Start each part of your resume with clear headings to simplify it.
• Use appropriate resume margins.
• Highlight your major sales achievements and leadership experience with a chronological resume format.
• Save your sales director resume in PDF to avoid any formatting issues when the recruiter opens your file.

Pro Tip: As a sales director, being proficient in time management skills is vital, so show them you're a natural. How? Keep your resume to one page and cut out the fluff.

2. Pitch Your Best Self with a Sales Director Resume Summary

In the competitive sales world, you only have a few seconds to stand out.

Let’s say you fail to do so when writing a hotel director of sales resume. At best, they’ll refer you to the repo to be a receptionist..

That’s why you need a resume profile, or in your case, the executive summary equivalent of one.

A resume summary delivers your best qualities to the recruiter on a silver platter.

In 3–4 sentences, state:

• The position you’re applying for,
• Your years of experience in the role,
• Most impressive accomplishments, alongside percentage and dollar values.

Throw a resume power word into the mix (reliable or results-driven). They’ll be awestruck!

Read more: How to Write the Perfect Resume Introduction

3. Share Your National Sales Director Resume Job Description

McKinsey identifies 6 essential building blocks for securing the future of any business. You’d be wise to demonstrate that, too.

The work experience section is where they’ll look to see how good you are at hunting new business. Ensure their impression is you’re armed to the teeth and not just brandishing a NERF gun.

List your most recent sales director position, including the company name and job title.

Then, use resume bullet points to highlight your accomplishments and skills. Use numbers and action words to show off your results-driven mentality.

The crucial point is to use between 4 and 6 points for your latest job. Older ones are of less importance, and 3 bullets should suffice.

Pro Tip: When applying for any company, adapt your resume to their unique situation.

4. Sort Out Your Education a Resume for Sales Directors

Should you worry about the resume education section?

It’s easy to explain all the doubt away, claiming that 15+ year industry veterans don’t need it.

But no resume is complete without education.

So, list the following :

• School name
• Obtained degree
• Majors and minors
• Graduation year

Avoid things like a high GPA or relevant coursework. They will detract from the experience or skills sections.

Read more: Director of Operations Resume: Examples and Guide

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5. Show off Tailored Skills on Your Sales Director Resume

The skills list is a must on your resume. First, have a look at this one:

Best Sales Director Skills – List of Examples

• Sales Intelligence Tools
• Strategic Planning
• Lead Generation
• Negotiation Skills
• People Skills
• Active Listening
• Customer Relations
• Market Analysis
• Revenue Growth
• Sales Management
• Market Positioning
• Product Knowledge
• Market Segmentation
• Competitive Analysis
• Sales Forecasting
• Presentation Skills
• Management Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Mentoring & Coaching
• Market Trend Awareness
• Product Launch
• Performance Evaluation
• Target Achievement
• Data Analysis
• Lead Qualification
• Account Management

Don't be tempted to make the greenhorn mistake by ignoring the importance of a targeted resume skills section.

Showcase your relevant expertise with these steps:

• Compile a comprehensive list of your professional skills. Categorize them into hard skills, soft skills, and technical skills.
• Use keywords from the job posting to make your resume ATS-friendly.
• Highlight around 10 skills relevant to their situation.
• And, for extra points and a standing ovation, prove these skills in the work experience section’s job descriptions.

Pro Tip: Take another look at our sample list—sales intelligence tools are not listed first for no reason.This 2020 LinkedIn report found that many successful sales departments are using them.

6. Add More Sections to Your Sales Director Resume

If you’re going to direct people, they need to know you have at least some charisma.

Giving your sales director resume a unique touch can be your golden ticket.

Show off your versatility with additional resume sections like:

• Volunteer work
• Passion projects
• Memberships in industry groups
• Awards received
• Hobbies and interests
• Sales conferences you attended

Read more: What Else to Include on a Resume

7. Attach a Cover Letter to Your Sales Director Resume

A solid cover letter can mean the contract is signed, done, dusted, and gets you home by 5.

And all of that before you even set foot in the door.

Here's how to write a cover letter that'll leave a lasting impression:

• First, cover letter formatting is as crucial as the resume, so get it on point.
• Then, start with a powerful cover letter opening statement. It’s meant to catch their eye, so lead with an impressive statistic or achievement.
• Use the body to highlight your sales expertise and experience and discuss what makes you an all-star player.
• Prove how your goals are aligned and how you’re the perfect fit for their team and their culture. Try to sell yourself with your words—that’s what you do best, so use it!
• Close your application letter by including a solid call to action. Words have power, so they'll call you back if they see you promise them a tasty goal.
• Remember, following up after a week is a definite home run in the sales world!

Read more: What Else to Write in a Cover Letter?

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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That’s the stuff!

A sales director resume for the ages!

Thanks for reading. Do you have any extra directorial insight to share? Or maybe you’ve got stories about how your chiseled sales director work experience section landed you a sweet gig? The comments section is always open!

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Sources

• McKinsey & Company, "Six building blocks for creating a high-performing digital enterprise"
• LinkedIn, "The state of sales 2020 report"