3 Sales Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024
Create Your Resume NowWriting a sales resume can be more tricky than selling your recruiter their own pen. Luckily, I’m here to help you, and I’ve got the product just for you: this guide! I’ve got more than just a great list of sales skills for a resume—I will also teach you how to list sales experience on your resume and wow the recruiters.
This guide will show you:
- A sales resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
- How to write the best sales resume to land more interviews.
- Tips and examples of how to put achievements and sales skills on a resume.
- How to describe your experience on a resume for a sales position to get any job you want.
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Take a look at our dedicated guide for a sales representative resume, or check out our other sales-related guides here:
- Car Salesman Resume Examples
- Sales Associate Resume Examples
- Sales Manager Resume Examples
- Sales Assistant Resume Examples
- Retail Sales Associate Resume Examples
- Best Resume Samples for Any Profession
Sales Resume Examples
#1 Sales Resume Example for Experienced Professionals
Farrah Wolfe
Sales Professional
337-201-8742
f.c.wolfe@outlookmail.com
Linkedin.com/in/farrah-c-wolfe
Professional Summary
Accomplished and energetic sales professional with 8 years of experience in the automotive industry. Thanks to excellent customer service, great people skills, and a personable attitude, maintained top sales staff member status for the past 2 years. Secured a total of 4 key accounts for Cars&Go Ltd. Looking to join BNP Drivers to exceed expectations and increase profits for all parties involved.
Work Experience
Sales Professional
Cars&Go Ltd., Tampa, FL
February 2015–present
- Satisfied the needs and requirements of a diverse portfolio of over 25+ assigned client accounts.
- Ensured timely delivery of paperwork for both external and internal purposes.
- Presented between 5–10 vehicles daily for potential buyers.
- Provided advisory services for customers, keeping in mind the latest OSHA regulations, newest releases, and reputations of 8 different car brands.
- Personally responsible for driving overall company profits up by 2% year on year.
Key achievement: Sold over 2,000 cars to individual clients and assisted in signing multiple long-term contracts for vehicle fleets with over 20 companies.
Sales Associate
RedGreenYellow&Co., New Orleans, LA
July 2013–February 2015
- Excelled at creating a friendly atmosphere at the car dealership by providing proper customer service.
- Resolved financial issues on behalf of and with clients.
- Handled transactions up to $250,000.
Education
BA in Marketing
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Graduated: 2009
Key Skills
- Excellent customer service
- Extensive knowledge of the automotive industry
- Outstanding interpersonal skills
- POS knowledge
- Generating leads
- Maintaining great relations with existing clients
- Brand management
- Teamwork and excellent communication
- Problem-solving skills
Certificates
- Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP), National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP), 2015
- Sales and Customer Relationship Management, Florida International University, 2009
Languages
- English—Native
- French—Intermediate
Now, let’s take a look at another sales resume example, this time for a sales manager:
#2 Sales Lead Resume Example
Jacob Smith
Sales Lead
987-456-2004
jacobsmith@email.com
linkedin.com/in/jacobsmith65
Summary
Experienced Sales Lead with over 5 years in business development and operations. I'm seeking a new opportunity at TechNex, where I can apply my skills in customer relationships and data-driven sales strategies. During my time at DynamicCorp, I increased sales by 25% over two years through innovative marketing techniques.
Work Experience
Sales Lead
DynamicCorp, Lakeview, TX
June 2017–September 2022
- Created targeted sales strategies that boosted customer growth by 30% within two years.
- Used data analytics to identify market trends and develop growth opportunities.
- Supervised daily operations, including team meetings, performance reviews, coaching, and recruitment.
- Key Achievement: Developed a marketing plan that led to a 25% revenue increase.
Sales Associate
TechSmart Solutions, Lakeview, TX
April 2015–May 2017
- Launched new products, leading to a 35% increase in customer acquisition within one year.
- Developed customer satisfaction plans, improving client retention by 10% in four months.
- Built relationships with key regional partners to identify expansion opportunities.
- Key Achievement: Reduced budget costs by 20% while maintaining high-quality services.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration
State University of Texas, Lakeview, TX
Graduated: May 2015
- GPA: 3.8
- Dean’s List for three semesters
- Treasurer of the Business Club for one year
Skills
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Sales Analytics
- Market Research
- Pitching and Negotiation
- Budget Planning and Forecasting
- Digital Marketing
- Team Management
Certifications
- Certified Sales Professional (CSP), National Sales Association, 2019
Awards
- Top Sales Award 2017
- Member of the National Sales Organization since 2016
Languages
- English—Fluent
- Spanish—Conversational
Interests
- Running, with participation in half-marathons
- Digital art and blogging on a personal website
- Traveling and exploring nature
These two sales resume examples look great. It’s time for a third one: a sales resume example with no experience.
#3 Sales Resume Example with No Experience
Robert Johnstone
Junior Salesperson
987-456-7890
rjohnstone99@email.com
linkedin.com/in/rjohnstone99
Objective
Enthusiastic junior salesperson with a strong foundation in customer service, communication, and teamwork. Eager to learn and apply sales techniques to achieve targets. Aiming to build a successful career in sales by leveraging interpersonal skills and a proactive attitude.
Experience
Customer Service Representative
RetailCo, Townsville, FL
March 2023–Present
- Assisted customers with product inquiries, providing detailed information and personalized recommendations.
- Resolved customer issues, ensuring high satisfaction and positive feedback.
- Maintained store displays and updated product information.
Education
Associate's Degree in Business Administration
City College of Florida, Townsville, FL
Graduated: December 2022
- GPA: 3.5
- Active member of the Business Club
- Organized student-led sales workshops
Skills
- Customer Service
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Sales Fundamentals
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
Certifications
- Basic Sales Techniques, 2022
- Customer Service Excellence, 2023
Languages
- English—Native
Interests
- Playing soccer and participating in local leagues
- Volunteering at community events
- Exploring new technology and gadgets
What a great set of sales resume examples. Now, let me tell you how to write one that will sell you as a perfect candidate just as well.
1. Format Your Sales Resume Properly
Sales professionals are pros at reading the customer’s needs and expectations before providing great service. Show a similar approach with your resume and actively answer your recruiter’s needs.
Did you know an average recruiter spends 7 seconds looking at a resume, and an average job opening attracts 250 resumes? Make a readable resume that stands out and distinguish your document from others with the right resume format.
Here’s how to make a great sales resume structure:
- Start with your full name. Then add contact information to your resume. Your resume header section is the best place for it.
- Choose the reverse chronological layout for your resume for sales jobs. It closes the deal immediately by showing the recruiter exactly what they want to see—your latest job experience—at first glance.
- Divide your resume into distinct sections to boost its readability even more.
- Go with classic and professional resume fonts. Arial, Garamond, or Cambria set to 11–12 points will make your sales job resume highly readable.
- Keep the right resume length: a one-page resume examples work great most of the time. However, if you have 10+ years of experience, use a two-page resume instead.
- Save the resume file as a PDF to keep it intact.
- Name your resume file correctly. Your Name + Sales + Resume will work better than a 50% discount.
That approach to resume formatting gets interviews at the drop of a hat. Read more: Best Resume Writing Tips, According to Experts
2. Craft an Amazing Sales Resume Work Experience Section
Research shows that 20% of all salespeople make 80% of all sales. Make sure your recruiter will be certain that you’re a part of that winning 20%. The best place to prove you’ve got results? Work experience on a resume.
- Keep following the reverse-chronological resume format, putting your most recent job first, following it by the second to last, and so on.
- State your job title, and years worked. Include a company name at each entry.
- Describe your activities and great resume achievements in 4–6 bullet points for the freshest entry and 3–4 for others.
- Transfer the ABC – Always Be Closing approach. But in this case, make it ABCFYRA, or Always Be Clutching For Your Reader’s Attention. In other words, use resume action verbs as they help you do exactly that.
- Add as many numbers as possible to your work experience section. Numbers pop and you know well that only numbers matter.
- Tailor your resume to the given job, just like you would tailor a pitch to each customer by appealing to different values.
I’ve won your attention and interest, so now it’s time for the desire and action. With the below sales resume examples, you’ll never want to write anything but in the experience section. See for yourself:
Sales Resume: Examples of Work Experience
Right |
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Sales Professional Cars&Go Ltd., Tampa, FL February 2015–present Key responsibilities
Key achievement: Sold over 2,000 cars to individual clients and assisted in signing multiple long-term contracts for vehicle fleets with over 20 companies. |
Wrong |
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Sales Professional Cars&Go Ltd., Tampa, FL February 2015–present
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The first example delivers the result you want to get: it’s impressive, and it shows a professional at first glance. The second one is too generic, and it shows only your responsibilities and not your accomplishments.
What about writing a sales resume with no experience or an entry-level resume?
For juniors, responsibilities are out of the question, too. Instead, write about your relevant experience. Highlight what you’ve accomplished in previous jobs and sell your transferable skills: the abilities you can transfer from one job to the next.
Let’s look at the entry-level sales resume example:
Entry-Level Sales Resume: Examples of Experience
Call Center Representative
RedGreenYellow&Co., New Orleans, LA
July 2013–February 2015
Key responsibilities
- Excelled at creating a friendly atmosphere by providing proper customer service.
- Resolved financial issues on behalf of and with clients.
- Handled customer inquiries.
- Excelled in great interpersonal skills.
Customer service, handling customer inquiries, and having great interpersonal skills. These are some of the skills that are valuable for any salesperson!
Pro Tip: Remember, a sales manager reading a sales resume knows what you do. So change the responsibilities to accomplishments real quick if you see them!
Creating a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide and use content from Certified Professional Resume Writers to have a resume ready in minutes.
When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.
3. Polish the Education Section on Your Sales Resume
Having the right education section can be just as important as creating the right work experience section. Especially if you’re only just starting your career in sales and have some impressive achievements from your college days.
Here’s how to ace your sales resume education section:
- Write down your degree on a resume.
- Include your major and minor.
- Add your GPA on your resume only if it equals or exceeds 3.5.
- Enclose the following achievements in bullet points:
Here’s how it looks like in action:
Sales Resume Examples: Education
Right |
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BA in Marketing University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL Graduated: 2009
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Wrong |
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BA in Marketing University of Central Florida
|
The first example is very relevant and very impressive. The second one doesn’t give you a lot of information while bragging about a low GPA. You know which one will make a great impression on recruiters.
Pro Tip: If you have 5+ years of experience, you can state your degree, school name, year of graduation and move on, especially if you have a lot of impressive achievements in your work experience section.
4. Pick the Right Skills for a Sales Resume
The skill set of an effective salesperson has to be incredibly versatile. You want to mix hard skills and soft skills. And you don’t want to list them all. Sounds tricky? Let me explain.
Follow these steps to select the best sales skills for resumes:
- Divide your skills into three categories: soft skills, hard skills, and technical skills.
- Go back to the job posting and scan it for the most important resume keywords mentioned. Usually, these are the qualities in their prospective sales hire.
- Cross-reference the spreadsheet and the job ad. See any matches? Great, put those skills front and center on your sales job resume. But don’t go beyond 10 skills!
Congrats, in less than 5 minutes, not only did you pass the watchful eye of the dreaded resume ATS, but you also impressed the hiring manager.
Here’s a sample list of sales skills for your reference:
Examples of Sales Resume Skills
- Product Knowledge
- Rapport Building
- Interpersonal Skills
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Lead Qualification
- Communication Skills
- Relationship Building
- Active Listening
- Organizational Skills
- Time Management Skills
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Customer Needs Analysis
- POS & Payment Handling
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Customer Service Skills
- Marketing Skills
- Brand Management
- Specialized Product Knowledge
- Contract Negotiation
- Self Motivation
- Client Nurturing
- Adaptability Skills
- Closing Sales & Signing Contracts
- Leadership Skills
- Decision-Making Skills
- Project Management Skills
Next, see how to incorporate sales skills on a resume:
Sample Sales Resume: Skills List
RIGHT |
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Skills for a Sales Resume With No Experience: Example
Right |
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Closed-Won!
Learn more about showing your great traits on a resume. Visit our guide: Best Skills to Use on a Resume
5. Show Your Personality and Extra Skills by Adding Other Sections to Your Sales Resume
Time to show your passionate side and prove there’s even more to you than your excellent skills and experience. To create the best sales resume, you should add some extra sections that will help you stand out even more from your competitors!
Here are some extra sections you can add to your sales resume template:
- Certifications and licenses on a resume easily prove you invest in professional development.
- Foreign languages on your resume will give you a boost, especially in large companies that work with international clients.
- Memberships in relevant associations go a long way towards proving you’re dedicated to your career.
- Awards on a resume demonstrate you’ve earned recognition from the industry.
- Publications and appearances turn any pro into an authority. And having an authority on board is always more welcome.
- Hobbies and interests on a resume add a personal touch; however, in a VP of sales resume, they’d look silly.
- Volunteer work on a resume gives the recruiter a glimpse of your individuality and commitment to social issues.
As an example, have a look at how you can include certificates in your sales resume:
Sales Resume Examples: Additional Sections
Right |
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Certificates
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Wrong |
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Interests
Languages
|
Relevancy vs whatever the second example shows you. Don’t list English if you’re a native. Don’t list pizza, unless you apply for a salesperson in a large pizza company, but even then, don’t do it like that.
Want to learn more about acing every part of your resume? Read our guide: What to Put on a Resume
6. Create a Great Sales Resume Summary or Sales Resume Objective
Your sales resume is almost ready, but you have to keep rolling a bit more. You’ve got to keep fighting for your recruiter's attention every step of the way: remember about those 250 resumes and those 7 seconds? The best way to keep them interested is by crafting a compelling profile section of your resume.
It’s like a powerful elevator pitch at the top of your resume, describing your strengths and best accomplishments. But if it’s basically an opening of your document, why do I mention it here? That’s because you write it last. Everything you can use there is already written in your resume.
There are two types of introductions to your resume for sales:
- Sales professionals with 10+ years of experience create a resume summary.
- Sales professionals with less than 10 years of experience create a resume objective
Great news? There are formulas you can use to make it even easier!
How to write a sales resume summary?
Adjective + Job Title + Years of Experience + Achievements + Skills + What You Want to Do for the Employer
How to write a sales resume objective?
Adjective(s)/Certificate(s) + Your Job Title or Degree + seeking employment as + Position Name at + Company Name + to apply my + Your Relevant Skills + to help + What Do You Want To Help The Company Achieve
What is an example of a professional summary for a sales resume?
Sales Resume Example: Summary
Right |
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Accomplished and energetic sales professional with 8 years of experience in the automotive industry. Thanks to excellent customer service, great people skills, and a personable attitude, maintained top sales staff member status for the past 2 years. Secured a total of 4 key accounts for Cars&Go Ltd. Looking to join BNP Drivers to exceed expectations and increase profits for all parties involved. |
Wrong |
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Sales Professional with 8 years of experience. Excellent customer service skills and personable attitude. Team player responsible for key accounts looking to join BNP Drivers. |
While the first example is simply perfect with all the numbers, achievements and goals, the second one simply lacks significance.
Now, what is a good objective for a sales resume?
Sales Resume Example: Career Objective
Right |
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A self-driven and personable sales associate with excellent customer service skills. Handled hundred-thousand worth of financial transactions and resolved clients' issues at ease for RedGreenYellow&Co. Aiming to become a professional salesman under the Green Car Co. wings by leveraging the bachelor's degree in marketing and relationship-building skills. |
Wrong |
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A sales associate with great sales skills looking for a job at Green Car Co. |
Once again, the first example is a full catalog of things that will keep the recruiter reading on. The second one, on the other hand, gives obvious information that is not impressive nor interesting.
Pro Tip: Whether you write a sales resume summary or objective, remember to include a measurable achievement or two. And keep it short and sweet: 4 sentences should suffice!
7. Add a Professional Cover Letter to Your Sales Resume
If you’re wondering whether a cover letter is necessary, the short answer is: duh! Not having one can be your losing point against the next resume on your recruiter’s desk. But you need a good one to turn it into your winning point!
Here’s what you should do:
- Format your cover letter properly and make it 100% consistent with your resume.
- Start the cover letter by introducing yourself. Write how you found out about the job and list a few of your sales career highlights to get the reader hooked.
- Emphasize what makes you and the company a match made in heaven. In short, you need to sell yourself in your cover letter, and the second paragraph is a great place to do it.
- Finish the cover letter with a compelling call to action and an offer to achieve a specific goal for the company if hired.
- Mind the right length of a great cover letter. Don’t go over one page.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to send a follow-up email after submitting your job application. It shows you care about this position and are invested in getting a shot at working for that company.
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:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Key Takeaway
And there you have it! A perfect sales resume! Before you go, remember:
1. Start your sales resume with the right format.
2. Show your sales experience through accomplishments, not your duties.
3. Include the education section and add what’s impressive.
4. List your sales-related skills, mixing hard, soft, and technical ones.
5. Add some extra sections to back up your soft skills and position you as an interesting hire.
6. Summarize your sales qualifications in a summary or objective.
7. Top your application with a sales cover letter.
You’re ready to turn that lead into a sale. Good luck!
Do you have any questions about writing a sales resume? Visit the comment section below, and let’s talk!
Still looking for a guide on writing a resume for a different position? Take a look at these:
- Pharmaceutical Sales Resume Examples
- Leasing Agent Resume Examples
- Leasing Consultant Resume Examples
- Insurance Sales Agent Resume Examples
- Grocery Store Resume Examples
About Zety’s Editorial Process
This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.
Sources
- Eye tracking study shows recruiters look at resumes for 7 seconds, Mercy University
- Glassdoor's 50 HR and Recruiting Stats That Make You Think
- Top Sellers: Characteristics of a Superior Salesperson
- Professional Selling Skills, Achieve Global
Frequently Asked Questions about Sales Resume
What should I put on my resume for sales?
Your sales resume should showcase your achievements and demonstrate your ability to drive revenue growth. To achieve that:
- Start with a strong summary statement highlighting your experience, skills, and accomplishments.
- Use action verbs to describe your achievements, such as "increased sales by 30%" or "closed $1 million in new business." Be sure to include metrics that quantify the impact of your work.
- Include any relevant certifications or training you've received on top of highlighting your relevant experience.
- Emphasize your soft skills, such as excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Tailor your resume to the specific sales position you're applying for by including keywords from the job description.
What are the top sales skills?
The most important sales skills are:
- Product knowledge
- Market research and data analysis
- Communication
- Active listening
- Negotiation
- Relationship building
- Time management
- Emotional intelligence
- Problem-solving abilities
- Persuasion techniques
- Active learning habits
- Resilience
By developing these skills, sales professionals can effectively build relationships with customers, understand their needs, and close deals to drive revenue growth for their company while providing exceptional service to their clients.
How do I write a sales resume with no experience?
Even if you don't have direct sales experience, you can still demonstrate your skills and abilities on your resume.
Start by adding a summary or objective statement at the top of your resume highlighting your passion for sales and willingness to learn. Additionally, consider highlighting any relevant coursework, internship experience, or volunteer work that demonstrate your knowledge of sales techniques and customer service skills. Emphasize transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments in these areas.
What a good sales resume looks like?
To create a great sales resume, it's important to tailor your content to the job you're applying for
Write a strong summary or objective statement to communicate your unique selling proposition and enthusiasm for sales. Then, use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments in previous sales roles or related experiences. Be sure to quantify your achievements whenever possible—this is a great way to demonstrate the impact you've made on the job.
Finally, don't forget about resume formatting! Your resume should be easy to read and visually appealing. Use headers and subheadings to break up your content, and consider the bold or italic text to draw attention to important information.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a winning sales resume that presents your skills and qualifications in the best possible light.
How do you describe sales experience on a resume?
Sales experience is a valuable asset when it comes to creating a professional sales application. To showcase your skills and abilities on a resume, start by highlighting your most relevant experiences and accomplishments. Use bullet points to describe your previous roles in detail, including any quotas you met or exceeded, notable deals you closed, and other achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Don't be afraid to use numbers and data to quantify your successes—this helps potential employers understand your impact. Additionally, consider including any certifications or training programs you've completed that are relevant to the position.
Overall, a strong sales resume should show off your ability to build relationships with clients, close deals, and drive revenue growth. By emphasizing these professional skills and experiences in a clear and concise way, you'll make it easy for potential employers to see why you're the right person for the job.