20+ Sales Resume Examples

The Sales Resume Guide for 2024

I've gathered our most important resume guidelines we recommend all job seekers should follow for a better shot at getting invited for an interview.

But if you want to skip straight to resume-writing, check out our free AI Resume Builder. Simply enter a few details and our technology will generate a tailored and ATS-friendly resume in minutes.

Here’s what we’re going to cover in this guide:

• How to properly format your resume for success in 2024
• How to talk about your work experience and personal projects
• How to create a competitive skills section
• How to customize your resume for each job you apply to

Check out more sales resume examples:

• Sales Director Resume Examples
• Sales Assistant Resume Examples
• Director of Sales Resume Examples
• Sales Representative Resume Examples
• Assistant Director of Sales Resume Examples

Formatting a Sales Resume

Reverse chronological structure: Recent experience first

A reverse chronological resume is the most popular, which almost all job seekers should be using. This format means listing out the most recent and relevant things first. It starts with the most recent timeline, and you work your way backward, e.g. the latest job position comes first in your work experience section, not the oldest. Structuring your resume this way makes your career timeline more established. 

Sales Resume Length

Stick to a one-page resume.

Most Sales have found that their best shot at landing an offer is by having a one or two-page resume. This includes a collection of resume sections that cover relevant past experiences. Your resume should be no longer than three pages. The risk of going beyond two pages is including irrelevant content that could distract from your qualifications.

Avoid Common Sales Resume Format Mistakes

1) Resumes must include as much content as possible.

2) Uniform and labeled section headers

When it comes to creating an ATS-optimized resume, it’s good to know how it will be read by the software. Like most human readers, the ATS will read from left to right and top to bottom. 

3) Minimal white-space

9 Expert Business Resume Examples To Use For Business-Related Jobs(Including Writing Tips)

Key Sections for a Sales Resume 

A Tailored Resume Summary 

In a competitive field like sales representative, hiring managers sometimes review hundreds of applications for a single position. Writing a resume that stands out is difficult, so solve that problem by including a compelling introduction for your resume. Begin your resume with a resume summary, which is a 2–3 sentence paragraph about your job-relevant skills and career goals.

           International Sales Representative at AirBnB with 9 years of experience in sales growth, Business development, and achieving business goals. Proven track record of creating, implementing, and executing strategies to drive company growth. Applying for a position as an International Sales Representative at Company C to help grow the business in South East Asia.

          International Sales Representative with 7 years of experience in sales process. Proven success in building and managing International sales teams. Strong understanding of Salesforce and CRM. Proactive in finding new ways to grow local sales channels. Applying for a position as International Sales Manager for Company A.

          International Sales Representative with 6 years of experience in new lead generation, International Market, and Account management. Proven success in identifying and launching new opportunities in new and existing markets. Applying for the position of International Sales Representative to drive efforts through strategic partnerships.

You can read more about how to create a resume summary with artificial intelligence here.

Your Relevant Professional Experience 

Employers will want to know what you’ve done in your previous job position to get an insight into your skills and expertise. Knowing what you’re familiar with will help them make a decision and see if you’re a good fit compared to the other applicants.

However, you should also be including any positive results you’ve accomplished.

Business Certifications

Emphasize your credentials. You can include the following resume certifications: Sales Management(SIOR), Professional Certified Marketer(PCM), Project Management Professional(PMP), Certified sales Development representative(AA-ISP), Certified Inside Sales Professional(CISP), Salesforce Certified Administrator, Customer service and Sales Certified Specialist, Certificate in Global Business Services(CertGBS) or other business methods or processes.

Skills for a Sales representative Resume

We suggest adding the categorized skills section at the end of your resume. Be sure to include those that are specifically mentioned in the job ad; these are the most important "keywords" that will help rank your resume highly when it is scanned by an automated applicant tracking system (ATS) during its first round of review.

Hard skills usually include transferable abilities with software, tools and or other professional resources. But don’t forget to include soft skills like teamwork and interpersonal skills, which are necessary to coordinate with an agency, designers, marketing people, business owners and clients. 

Here are more key soft and hard skills that look great on a Sales resume:

Hard skills to consider

• Business programs: Sales Management, Product development, revenue growth, business development, Distribution channel, international sales and business management, account management
• Industry credentials: Sales Management(SIOR), Professional Certified Marketer(PCM), Project Management Professional(PMP), Certified sales Development representative(AA-ISP), Certified Inside Sales Professional(CISP), Salesforce Certified Administrator, Customer service and Sales Certified Specialist, Certificate in Global Business Services(CertGBS) 

Soft skills to consider

1. Communication
2. Negotiation
3. Time Management
4. Responsibilities and Organizational
5. Critical Thinking
6. Empathy
7. Adaptability
8. Humility

Business Resume Content

Using Metrics to Quantify Experiences

Don’t simply fill your resume with lists of your sales job responsibilities. To impress the hiring manager, put your experience in context with specific examples and hard numbers that prove you’re an accomplished business specialist.

Describe how you accomplished something in your previous corporate role. Showcasing resume achievements that took place as a result of your contribution will help show how you can bring that same success to a new company. It’s also effective in creating a strong impression and demonstrating your level of ability by highlighting the impact you’ve made.

Without any evidence, it’s hard to trust everything that someone might say. Be factual and take an objective approach. Numbers, figures, and statistics are your best friend. These will make your statements and points a lot more credible. 

Optimizing Resume Content with Business Keywords

Many hiring managers use applicant tracking systems to filter applications based on resume keywords they write in their job ads. The more sales-related keywords you can use, the higher the chances your resume gets past the ATS and onto the hiring managers shortlist of applications.

The ATS keyword research process doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it’s a straightforward process if you’re doing it with Rezi. Our AI Keyword Targeting feature allows you to upload a job description and instantly see which keywords should be included in your resume's content.

Learn more about speaking your employer's language: How to Tailor a Resume to a Job Posting

Instantly Generate Sales Resume Content

Job seekers can now use AI to create the perfect application with minimal effort. Our AI Bullet Points tool writes tailored content instantly and helps you prevent writer’s block. It’s that simple, yet highly effective in helping you catch the recruiters' attention and land more interviews.

To get personalized bullet points, all you need to do is enter a few details, such as:

• Name
• Industry
• Experience level

Include a Sales Cover Letter

Many job seekers today overlook the importance of a cover letter. The significant impact it can leave on your recruiters will play its part in the decisive moment for whether you’re going to get hired or not.

To put it simply, cover letters can be your gateway to improving your overall job application and a higher chance of getting the job.

Unless your resume is absolutely perfect with no flaws, why settle for less? A cover letter can greatly increase your odds of getting hired at the company you want to work for, even if it’s a competitive job posting.

Learn more about Rezi AI Cover Letter Builder here

‍