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Table of contents

Key account manager resume examples
Choose the best format for your account manager resume
How to write an account manager resume in 5 easy steps
Add a cover letter
Key account manager resume — key takeaways
Frequently asked questions from job seekers

Key account managers are great strategists. You can nurture important client relationships and drive business growth like nobody else. Your expertise leaves clients satisfied and companies eager for your leadership.

Then why do you lose confidence whenever you think about making or refreshing your resume?

A thoughtfully designed key account manager resume can serve as your professional platform, bringing you closer to your dream job in the business world. We can help you make a resume that’s just as compelling as your sales pitches.

This guide will show you:

Popular key account manager resume examples.
How to write an engaging key account manager resume.
Key account manager resumes for different stages in your career.
Why key account managers should be writing cover letters.
Key takeaways to help you in your job search.

Need to polish your resume right away? Get support with our AI Resume Builder. Choose a design suitable for a career in the business world and get section-by-section advice, including auto-generated text you can easily edit.

Key account manager resume examples

Entry-level account manager resume example

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Why this is a standout key account manager resume sample

Starts with a strong resume objective
The candidate effectively uses a career objective to highlight their strategic thinking, relationship-building skills and commitment to driving client success, making them an ideal fit for a key account manager role.
Includes two prominent skills sections
In addition to a traditional skills section, this resume includes a well-organized professional skills section. They break the section into three categories with bullet points to make for easy scanning.
Touches on work history
Without much work experience, this candidate wisely decided to de-emphasize their skills. That said, they do include a work history section for an opportunity to mention their previous roles.

Experienced account manager resume example

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Why this is an exceptional key account manager resume sample

Showcases a progressive career path
This key account manager adeptly demonstrates their broad-ranging expertise by integrating it into a thorough, detailed employment history section, utilizing a chronological resume format to highlight their career progression.
Chooses a tasteful design
The candidate has opted for a clean, professional design that effectively highlights their information without distracting from the content. The use of bullet points, bold text for headings and ample white space makes the resume easy to read and scan.
Quantifies achievements effectively
The candidate’s productivity is underscored by incorporating tangible metrics, such as the number of accounts managed or the percentage of revenue growth in previous roles. Adding metrics helps potential employers understand your capacity for delivering results.

Are you looking for a different job title? Check out our other resume examples:

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Choose the best format for your account manager resume

Your resume format plays a pivotal role in narrating your professional journey. There are three main formats to choose from. Each one is suitable for a different stage in your account manager journey.

Seasoned account managers would benefit most from the chronological resume format. This format emphasizes stability by focusing on your work history, allowing you to highlight your skills within the context of each role you’ve held. Starting with the most recent and working backward, this format is easy to scan and a great way to highlight experience.
Midcareer account managers might want to consider the combination resume format. This hybrid format helps you balance your skills and experience. For example, if you’re aiming for a senior account manager position, you can use this format to showcase your account management skills alongside your work history, giving each one similar balance.
New account managers should opt for the functional resume format. This format can be your ally for an entry-level role or career transition. For example, if you’re transitioning from a sales role to account management, a skills-based format gives ample space to your transferable skills like communication or negotiation.

After you’ve selected the right format, the next step is to choose a design that is both professional and visually appealing.

Select a striking key account manager resume template

Create your resume

How do you put your best face forward with potential employers? Pick an appropriate resume template.

Your template should reflect your profession. For account managers, that means your template should be easy to navigate, much like the client portfolios you manage.

There are a few options to consider.

You can use a modern resume or a creative resume for a touch of color and eye-catching formatting while keeping a professional veneer.

While modern templates are a great choice, there’s also something to be said for a simple template. As an account manager, you understand that sometimes the most effective strategies are the simplest ones. This classic style will make your resume appear straightforward and organized.

Remember, hiring managers often skim resumes quickly, so choose a template that makes your key skills, experiences and accomplishments easy to spot. Clear section headings, bullet points and ample white space can help guide the reader’s eye.

If you’re seeking a specific file format, check out our Word resume templates or opt for a Google Doc template.

Now, let’s get to the core of why you’re here — how to create a resume that accurately captures your account management skills and achievements.

How to write an account manager resume in 5 easy steps

Embarking on the journey to your next account management role begins with a standout resume. Here’s how you can craft one in just five steps.

Step 1

Study the account manager job description carefully

Job advertisements are a wealth of information, especially for account managers. By analyzing these ads, you can identify key skills and competencies — such as client relationship management, strategic planning or cross-selling — that are in demand and continuously evolving in the business industry. You can also see exactly what specific companies or industries expect you to know and tailor your resume accordingly.

This is important because employers in the business industry use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter out candidates who don’t satisfy certain criteria. These criteria typically involve a set of keywords related to skills and qualifications.

A well-written account manager resume is customized to include keywords showing employers you have what it takes to perform the role. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, you’ll be eliminated before a human ever sees your resume.

To make an ATS-friendly resume, you’ll need to customize it to the job description. That’s why if you can incorporate the right keywords successfully, you’ll improve your chances of landing a job interview.

For example, if the job description for the account manager role you seek asks for experience with client relationship management, strategic planning, cross-selling and CRM software, you’ll want to be sure to use those exact words in your account manager resume — as long as they apply to your experience.

Meanwhile, look for opportunities in your professional summary, skills section and work experience section to add your identified keywords. Then, go through your resume and make sure what you wrote matches the wording in the job description so that the ATS recognizes it.

By incorporating the relevant keywords found in the job ad into your resume — like “client relationship management” and “strategic planning” — you’ll successfully navigate the ATS, bringing you one step closer to your resume being reviewed by a real person and not just a machine.

Now, it’s time to start writing. Don’t fret — this is far easier than managing a complex client portfolio. While it may sound like a lot, once you get used to the process, it should only take you a few minutes to do and will get your account manager resume better results than if you don’t tailor it.

Step 2

Craft a compelling professional summary or objective

Kickstart your resume with an engaging resume profile. Resume profiles come in two distinct types — professional summaries and career objectives — and both can be incredibly effective for account managers.

Professional summaries are succinct overviews of your career and are ideal for those with a robust and consistent work history. They work exceptionally well for account managers with significant quantifiable achievements to share, such as increasing client retention rates or expanding a key account’s revenue.

Career objectives, conversely, outline your career goals and aspirations. They are particularly beneficial for account managers who are new to the field, such as recent graduates and career changers. They provide an opportunity to highlight transferable skills and the unique value you can bring to a new organization.

Let’s take a look at how each of these would look on an account manager’s resume

Account manager professional summary example:

Seasoned account manager with over 10 years of experience specializing in client relationship management and strategic planning. Proven track record of expanding key accounts and improving client retention, with a 30% increase in repeat business. Known for exceptional customer service and ability to create personalized account strategies.

Account manager resume objective example:

Recent graduate of XYZ Business School seeking to apply knowledge of strategic planning, client relationship management and excellent communication skills as an account manager at ABC Company. Passionate about driving client success and committed to helping clients achieve their business goals.

Step 3

Showcase your account manager skills

As an account manager, you possess a wide range of skills — it’s time to let them shine on your resume. Your skills section should showcase a blend of strategic and interpersonal abilities.

Hard skills demonstrate your proficiency in areas like strategic planning, client relationship management and revenue growth, while interpersonal or soft skills highlight your ability to communicate effectively and provide excellent customer service.

Let’s look at examples of skills that account managers often include on their resumes.

Strategic and interpersonal skills for an account manager resume

Hard Skills

Strategic planning
Client relationship management
Revenue growth
Cross-selling and upselling
CRM software
Account retention

Soft Skills

Communication
Empathy
Customer service
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Attention to detail

Here is an example of a strong account manager skills section:

Proficient in strategic planning and execution of key accounts.
Expertise in managing client relationships and expanding revenue.
Exceptional communication, collaboration and customer service skills.
Proficient in using CRM software and data analysis for account management.
Competent in cross-selling and upselling strategies.
Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Pro tip

If you’re transferring into an account manager position, don’t underestimate your transferable skills. Skills from other roles or industries can be highly valuable. Whether it’s negotiation skills from a sales role, project management skills from a marketing position or customer service skills from a support role, your transferable skills can give you a competitive edge in account management.

Step 4

Build a compelling work experience section

As a key account manager, your resume is your professional showcase, reflecting your skills and experiences. The most effective way to highlight your previous achievements is by detailing work experience on your resume. List your roles, starting with the most recent, with bullet points highlighting your responsibilities and achievements for each one.

Your strategic planning abilities and problem-solving skills should be the stars of your resume, but remember that you couldn’t do it alone. Don’t forget to highlight any team collaborations or projects to underline your ability to work within diverse teams and contexts, an important factor in your field.

Here’s an example of a great account manager work history entry:

Account Manager, ABC Solutions
Portland, OR
January 2018 – Current

Manage key accounts and provide high-quality client service, improving client satisfaction scores by 20%.
Work with a team of over 10 professionals, fostering a culture of client-centered care and strategic planning.
Implemented personalized account strategies, leading to a 15% increase in client retention rates.
Collaborate cross-functionally with sales and administrative teams to optimize account management, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue.
Kept pace with emerging industry trends and tools, leading to early adoption of innovative strategies for improved client satisfaction

Pro tip

Quantifiable metrics can put a specific value on your contributions. Being an account manager is about driving results, and the numbers speak volumes about your abilities. Remember, you want your skills and achievements to leave a lasting impression.

Step 5

Detail your relevant training and certifications on your account manager resume

Credentials and certifications can significantly enhance your professional journey.

Add education on your resume by listing your highest level of education first, such as a high school diploma, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree.

Next, you’ll want to mention any relevant certifications you’ve earned. This could include certifications in project management, customer relationship management (CRM) software or even business strategy courses if you’re aiming for a leadership role in a company.

How to list your account manager education:

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Certified Strategic Account Manager
Strategic Account Management Association, Chicago, IL

Certified in Salesforce CRM
Salesforce Training, Online

Optional sections for your key account manager resume

Awards and professional affiliations

As you prepare your account manager resume, consider highlighting your most remarkable achievements with an awards section. These recognitions can show off your innovative work, excellence in account management or contributions to major business projects. They should underscore your potential to provide value to any organization.

Similarly, spotlighting professional affiliations or memberships can give you an edge. These credentials display your commitment to continually developing your expertise and knowledge in the field of account management.

How to list awards on your account manager resume:

Account Manager of the Year – September 2024

Received recognition at the National Business Awards for creating an innovative account strategy that improved client satisfaction and increased revenue.

Best Business Strategy Article – May 2020

Awarded by the American Business Association for a published article on the implications of personalized account management in customer retentio

Projects

Tangible projects and important initiatives form the backbone of a compelling account manager resume. Featuring significant projects on your resume gives insight into your strategic and problem-solving skills. It’s particularly effective when these skills align with the requirements of your target role. Employers love to see this!

How to list projects on your account manager resume:

Implementation of CRM system
Led the transition to a new CRM system in the company, improving client management efficiency and increasing client satisfaction.
Community business initiative
Spearheaded a community business project to improve access to business education, resulting in a 15% increase in community engagement.
Client retention improvement project
Implemented a project to improve client retention, leading to a 20% increase in client retention rates over two years.

Languages

Account management is a people-oriented job, and your proficiency in multiple languages can be a huge advantage. After all, mastering various languages significantly broadens your ability to communicate with a diverse client population. These skills can give you an edge in a competitive field.

How to list languages on your account manager resume:

Proficient in Spanish and French
Familiar with American Sign Language

Interests and hobbies

Adding hobbies and interests to your account manager resume can provide a peek into your personality and other interests, supplementing your professional accomplishments. But it’s important to maintain a balance. Your chosen hobbies should reflect transferable skills and be pertinent to the business field.

How to list interests and hobbies on your account manager resume:

Participate in business networking events.
Maintain a blog on business trends and innovative strategies.
Mentor aspiring account managers.

Continuing education

In the ever-evolving field of account management, continuing education is a must. Whether it’s attending workshops, completing online courses, or earning advanced certifications, showing your commitment to learning and staying current in your field can give you an edge.

How to list continuing education on your account manager resume:

Advanced Account Management Certification, State Business Academy
CRM Software Workshop, National Business Institute
Online Course in Strategic Planning, Business Online Learning Center

Volunteer work

Volunteer work, especially when it’s related to your field, can be a valuable addition to your resume. It shows your dedication to the community and your willingness to use your skills to benefit others.

How to list volunteer work on your account manager resume:

Provided business consultations at local business fairs.
Volunteered at a local nonprofit, providing basic business strategies for growth.
Organized a charity event to raise funds for business education in underserved communities.

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Hiring managers often have to sort through hundreds of applications for one role. A well-crafted cover letter could be just what you need to stand out from the rabble.

Even when a cover letter isn’t mandatory, you should consider writing one. It’s the final polish that makes your resume shine. This is your chance to highlight your key skills and experiences that your resume might not fully capture.

It’s also the perfect platform to share your career journey and an opportunity to explain any potentially concerning aspects of your resume, like a lengthy career gap.

If you’re unsure where to start, our guide on how to write a cover letter and successful cover letters examples can provide some inspiration and show you why some cover letters stand out more than others.

To ensure your cover letter looks polished and professional, choose a cover letter template to customize in our Cover Letter Generator. Ideally, it should follow the same formatting as your resume.

Remember that a cover letter is more than just an accessory to your resume — it’s a reflection of your commitment to your account management career. So, let your passion for client success shine through, and you’ll be one step closer to getting a callback.

Key account manager resume — key takeaways

Customize your resume to the job description
Align your resume to each job description, including account management skills, strategies and procedures mentioned in the listing.
Showcase relevant credentials
Include any business-related certifications, such as Advanced Account Management Certification or CRM Software Certification.
Highlight your relationship-building skills
Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients is a crucial part of account management. Be sure to showcase your ability to foster and sustain these relationships.
Quantify your achievements
Whenever possible, include metrics to showcase your success, such as the number of accounts managed or the percentage increase in client retention.
Highlight your practical experiences
Your practical experiences will always be an important part of landing a job. Be sure to detail the type of setting, the strategies you implemented and any significant accomplishments during this period.
Include industry-specific knowledge
If you have deep knowledge of the industry your clients operate in, be sure to mention this. It can demonstrate your ability to understand and cater to your clients’ unique needs.
Consider adding a cover letter
A cover letter adds context to your resume and allows you to explain in your own words why you’re the ideal candidate for the job. A well-crafted cover letter can leave a lasting impression.

Frequently asked questions from job seekers

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.