Sales Representative Resume: Skills & Examples to Stand Out

Your resume is the first impression for hiring managers in this competitive sales world. Whether you're a fresh entry-level sales associate or an experienced sales manager, writing a winning resume is what makes all the difference between landing the job you have your heart set on and missing the opportunity. This blog post walks you through how to write a compelling sales representative resume that stands out and highlights your unique sales skills and accomplishments.

Check out the free templates for sales representative resumes.

Template 1

Template 2

Template 3

Template 4

1. Start with a Strong Summary Statement 

The summary, or opening statement, of the resume, will immediately capture the reader's attention. Use 2-3 sentences to identify your experience, key skills, and why you would be a good fit for the job. Because you are tailoring this section to the job to which you are applying, emphasize what you can contribute to the organization.

Example: "Dynamic and results-driven sales representative with 5+ years of experience in B2B sales. Proven track record of consistently meeting and, in many cases, exceeding targets while building strong client relationships. Consultative sales and account management skills to help drive growth at [Company Name]."

2. Highlight Key Skills

All sales jobs require a mix of hard and soft skills, so be sure to emphasize those on your resume as well. Again, highlight the relevant ones for the job in question.

Essential Sales Skills to Highlight

• Lead generation
• CRM software examples: Salesforce, HubSpot
• Negotiation and closing
• Product knowledge
• Communication and presentation
• Prospecting
• Client relationship management
• Territory management

Be sure that the skills you provide match the job posting, and then explain examples of these in your experience area.

3. Emphasize Sales Achievements and Not a To-Do List

Sales managers look for people with a history of achievement. Qualify your achievements. Do not write a litany of job duties, but rather emphasize measurable achievements.

Examples:

• I increased territory sales by 30% in the first six months.
• Generated $500,000 per year of new business from strategic networking and lead generation.
• Consistently achieved 120 per cent of quota over the last three years.
• The bottom line is, that in sales, numbers speak louder than words. Use specific metrics that speak to your success.

4. Tailor Your Work Experience for the Job You Are Applying for

Your work experience will depend on the exact job you are applying for, and you should customize it accordingly. Use bullet points for your responsibilities and accomplishments, but really highlight those responsibilities and accomplishments that matter most for the job.

Example: Sales Representative | ABC Solutions | May 2020 – Present

• Developed and executed efficient sales tactics that were by quarterly and annual sales goals.
• Conducted product demos and pitches to various prospects. This led to an increase in new account generation by 20%.
• Key Account Management Maintained and nurtured more key accounts, thereby leading to an increase in recurring revenue by 15%.

5. Include Relevant Certifications and Education

In the sales field, formal education is often less important than your track record and skills. However, it can be enhanced by adding some certifications. For example, include any courses or training you've undertaken related to sales.

Certifications to Consider:

• Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
• HubSpot Sales Software Certification
• Courses on training negotiation
• Courses on leadership and sales management

Example:

Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Sales and Marketing Executives International, 2022

Advanced Negotiation Skills, LinkedIn Learning, 2021

6. Using Action Words

When you write about your experience, make your impression of achievement and impact using powerful action verbs. Action verbs; Do not use passive voice instead, work on how you implemented your actions to deliver the outcomes.

Positive Action Verbs:

• Accelerated
• Closed
• Expanded
• Generated
• Negotiated
• Spearheaded
• Exceeded
• Cultivated

Using action verbs, you will give your resume a more dynamic and powerful feel.

7. Customize Your Resume to ATS

As applicant tracking systems now screen resumes for most companies, you will need to tailor your resume to get past those systems. Use the keywords you identify in the job posting throughout your resume, especially in your skills and experience areas.

Tips:

• Use the exact wording used in the job posting (business development instead of new client acquisition).
• Keep formatting crisp and away from graphics so applicant tracking systems can easily read it.
• Standardize headings.

Sales managers are very busy and will often scan your resume. Make your resume at least one page and easy to read. Bullet points, bold headings, white space, and a professional tone work for you. Avoid the most graphic or overwrought language you can.

Conclusion

A salesman's resume would be a tool that would point out how well you drive results and build relationships. Follow these tips by emphasizing achievements, tailoring your experience to the role, and using strong action verbs-and you'll be well on your way to crafting a resume that will stand out to hiring managers.

While writing a resume, you should keep in mind that your resume is only your personal sales pitch. Just as in a sales meeting, speak to what makes you unique, why you are a great fit for the company, and how you can drive success in that role.