Job Seekers Hub | How to write a resume for a sales job that will get you hired

Are you looking for a sales job but unsure how to write a resume that will help you land an interview? Whether you’re exploring sales as your first job or just another option in your career, it’s essential to know how to write a resume for a sales job.

Resume tips for sales positions are different from standard resume advice. You can’t just list your education and previous jobs; the competition is too steep with hungry applicants ready to pounce on anything unimpressive. Even if you have experience, it won’t matter unless you highlight it correctly.

So before submitting your application and tossing in the towel on getting hired quickly, read these resume tips for sales jobs. If you want the role bad enough, ditch your old CV and follow these tips instead:

Make it about the customer, not you

The first thing most recruiters and hiring managers will look at is your objective statement. Don’t write something that sounds like it’s about you getting a job. Make it about the customer. If possible, showcase a personal connection with the industry (that you haven’t mentioned in other sections). If any of your skills or traits are applicable to the role, make sure to include them in your statement. Remember, the customer is the one who pays your salary, so don’t make it about you.

Use action verbs and quantified statements

You want your resume to get in the hands of the hiring manager as fast as possible. If you have skills and experience, use action verbs instead of “improved” or “increased.” Make sure to include your education and any special certifications or training you’ve completed in each job. Before listing your job responsibilities, write out a few quantified statements about what you achieved. For example, “increased sales by 41%” is much better than “managed departments.” You’re already on the right track if you have “increased sales” or “reduced costs” in your statement.

Show off your key selling points

In each job description, hiring managers will want to know what you’re bringing to the table. What can you do for them? What are your key selling points? You don’t need to be a magician or a genius to work in sales. What you need is the confidence and the skill set needed to close deals and succeed in the position. Make sure you include the skills you learned in previous jobs and what you want to do in your new position. If you don’t have any experience but have a strong desire to work in sales, include any unique traits that make you a good fit. For example, are you a natural talker? Are you outgoing and friendly but can rein it in when needed? Do you have good communication skills? These are all traits that will make you a great candidate for a sales job.

Don’t just list responsibilities – showcase results

Many people are eager to list their previous job responsibilities, but there is a better way. Instead of listing what you did, showcase what you accomplished. If you managed a department, for example, explain how you achieved those results. Show how you improved profit, reduced costs and increased productivity.

Don’t forget the basics

You’re almost there! Just remember to include your contact details and relevant experience in other industries. If you have any additional skills or certifications, be sure to include those, too. If you have any fluency in languages or a unique skill that would be useful, be sure to list them, too. And don’t forget to include your education. Finally, remember to proofread your resume carefully. There’s nothing more embarrassing than a typo or grammatical error on a resume.

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