This guide will provide you with expert advice to create a sales CV that will make a strong impression on potential employers. Alternatively, if you don't feel confident writing it yourself let one of our trained experts do it for you.
By Emma Alkirwi, The CV Guru Founder
Discover the perfect Sales CV for every stage of your career. Whether you're just starting out, moving up the ladder, ready for more responsibility, or stepping into an executive role, our curated examples will guide you. Below, find tailored CVs for entry-level, mid-level, experienced professionals, and executives.
Please note that the actual CVs created for you may not exactly resemble the images shown. Each CV is uniquely tailored to reflect individual experiences, skills, and the specific requirements of the job you're applying for. While we strive to maintain high standards of design and presentation, variations in layout and content will occur to best represent your professional profile.
Relationship-building skills are vital in sales as they turn prospects into loyal customers, underpinning success in any sales role. Highlighting these skills on your CV showcases your ability to foster trust and long-term partnerships, which are essential for driving sales and achieving targets.
By showcasing specific examples of your success, such as revenue growth, client acquisition, or market expansion you achieved, you provide concrete evidence of your impact in previous roles. This approach helps potential employers visualise the value you can bring to their team, making your application more compelling and memorable.
Whether you excel in cold calling, have a knack for email outreach, or thrive on in-person networking, detailing these channels demonstrates your ability to adapt and succeed in various selling environments. Explain how you've effectively used each channel to engage prospects and close deals.
Describe the unique approaches you took to identify new opportunities, such as leveraging emerging technologies, exploring untapped markets, or customising solutions to meet specific client needs. Explain the impact of these strategies, including increased sales figures, improved customer engagement, or enhanced brand recognition.
Highlight specific campaigns or projects where you played a crucial role, detailing the objectives, your actions, and the outcomes. Whether launching a new product or securing a pivotal deal, these milestones add authority to your CV. You can also take this to the next level by using sales figures and percentages to reinforce your claims.
Explain how, upon achieving your initial targets, you proactively set higher goals, aiming not just to meet but to redefine industry standards. This approach not only highlights your determination and ambition but also showcases your ability to forecast trends and adapt strategies for sustained growth.
Certifications boost your sales CV by showcasing your dedication to skill enhancement and industry knowledge. They mark you as a committed professional, making your application stand out. Here is a list of sales-related certifications that will catch the eye of employers:
Even without direct sales experience, joining professional groups and networking events can significantly enhance your CV. They demonstrate your eagerness to immerse yourself in the sales community and your proactive approach to building relationships.
Project management experience equips you with a suite of transferable skills highly valued in sales roles, even if you're new to the field. Leading projects demonstrates your ability to plan, execute, and adapt—skills that directly correlate with managing sales cycles.
On your CV, illustrating your capacity to adjust swiftly and maintain your resolve amidst challenges showcases essential sales traits. Such qualities ensure you can manage the dynamic nature of sales tasks, from strategising under pressure to recovering from missed opportunities.
A well-written profile summary on your CV can significantly impact your job prospects. Here are tailored examples of personal summaries for entry-level, mid-level, and experienced sales professionals.
Start by placing your most relevant sales achievements and experiences prominently at the top, ensuring they catch the eye immediately. Use a clear, logical structure that guides the reader through your career progression, highlighting key skills such as communication, negotiation, and relationship building.
Incorporating action words into your CV is a powerful way to showcase your sales success, injecting energy and clarity into your achievements. Words like 'achieved', 'expanded', 'negotiated', and 'delivered' vividly convey your contributions and the active role you've taken in driving results.
Opt for a palette that conveys professionalism while adding a touch of personality (think muted blues, greens, or even a subtle grey to highlight sections or headings). This strategy not only differentiates your document from the standard black-and-white format but also guides the reader's eye to key information, such as achievements and skills.
The guidance from "The CV Guru" is based on real first-hand experience of writing many Sales CVs over the years. Here's our expert tips for enhancing your CV:
Including client testimonials on your CV offers a unique and compelling endorsement of your sales skills, directly from those you've impressed. This approach provides tangible proof of your ability to achieve results and build lasting relationships, setting you apart from other candidates.
Adding a mini case study of a successful sale to your CV highlights your strategic approach and problem-solving skills. It offers potential employers a clear example of your expertise in action, demonstrating your value as a sales professional.
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Using infographics to summarise your sales milestones on your CV makes your achievements instantly visible and engaging. This visual tool transforms your successes into an easy-to-understand format, helping potential employers quickly grasp the extent of your impact
Implementing a gamification score for each sales skill on your CV introduces an innovative and interactive element to showcase your competencies. This approach quantifies your abilities in a creative manner, allowing potential employers to easily assess your strengths.
The CV Guru offers a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance your job application process, including:
Our dedicated team of CV experts are happy to answer any questions you may have. Just get in touch!