Inside sales representatives do most of their work in the office, contacting current and potential customers by phone or email. The job requires researching the potential customer base and making cold calls. Outside sales involves a combination of visiting current clients to maintain strong relationships and developing new ones by conducting research, reaching out to potential customers via phone, and arranging an initial visit. In either case, a successful salesperson knows the product inside and out. They’ve rehearsed their presentation and are prepared for any possible questions, resistance, or hesitation on the part of the customer.
Most companies train their sales staff by providing them with in-depth product knowledge and the company recommended sales approach. It’s inevitable that you’ll face rejection. It’s important to start fresh with the next call. Sales staff are present in any industry that has a product or service to sell. Advertising salespeople sell advertising space in print, online, or other media. Insurance salespeople sell insurance, and often require in-depth training because of the complicated nature of the business. Wholesale and manufacturing salespeople sell to other businesses. Any sales experience you have, no matter what industry, should be highlighted on your resume. While some sales jobs are local, others cover a large territory, which may require significant travel. Sales quotas are set by employers and are a measure of success. A successful salesperson earns top wages, usually a combination of salary and commission.Benefits of Working in Sales
The best salespeople share similar skills that makes them successful. They have the ability to identify with the customer, they’re goal-oriented, self-motivated, confident, and competitive. They can adapt to a changing economic landscape. Combine these very desirable traits with the enormous networking opportunities that are simply part of the job, and the possibilities for advancement or a successful job change are great.Why You Need a Resume
As you write your resume, it’s important to highlight your sales record, not just your employment record. Proven success will catch a potential employer’s eye. Resume-Now can provide you with well-written sales resume examples to help you get started with your own.Sales Resume Templates
The general best practices described here can apply across the board to almost every cover letter and every job search. Simply apply these broad tips to the cover letter templates by industry below to get the guidance you need to shape your letter and meet the needs of employers in your own chosen field.
Sales Resume Questions
How do you write a summary statement for a sales resume?
The summary statement of your resume is like an introduction. It sells you to the hiring manager and encourages him or her to continue reading. Use your sales skills when writing it. Make sure it stresses the most important points you want to get across about yourself. It also needs to align with the job description so you present yourself as a good fit for the position. Look over the sales resume sample for an idea of how to write this section.What should your education section look like in a sales resume?
The education section of your resume needs to showcase any training you have completed that is beneficial to a career in sales. You can include college degrees or classes, technical training, and professional development courses. You should list the name of the degree, course, or program followed by the date. The next line will state the school’s name. You may also include a list of courses taken. The sales resume sample offers a glimpse of how you should format the entries in this section.What goes in the qualifications section of a sales resume?
The qualifications section of a resume is the same as a skills section. It needs to bring attention to your core skills and abilities that specifically make you a good match for the sales position. It is helpful to review the job description so you can include key terms from it in this section. In addition, you want to format this as a list with bullet points. This makes it easy to skim, as you can see in the sales resume sample.How can you separate your sales resume from other candidates’ resumes?
Sales positions often have a lot of competition. Because of this, you have to ensure your resume stands out. One of the best ways to do this is to tailor it to the job description. If the job posting uses specific terms, then use those keywords in your resume. Try to match the wording to ensure you showcase how you match the qualifications listed in the job description. You want to leave the hiring manager with no question as to your ability to do the job. Get some ideas on what to include from the sales resume sample.What do you put on a sales resume for your first job?
Creating a resume when you have no work experience may seem impossible, but there are things you can do to fill out your resume and present a professional profile to a hiring manager. Focus on writing a stand-out professional summary that draws attention to your superior skills in sales and customer service. Keep the education section relevant. If you are a recent high school graduate, you may want to expand this section by listing courses you took that are applicable to a sales profession.
For the work experience section, consider any volunteer work or experiences you have had that relate to sales. For additional ideas, see a sales resume sample for a first-time worker. Our resume builder is also a great tool to help you. It allows you to easily create a resume in minutes that has a polished look.
How to write a Sales Resume
Create a list of your professional achievements
Use scratch paper to jot down your professional accomplishments.Write a header and place it at the top of your Sales resume
Make a header that includes the following information: your full name, email address, phone number, and personal website (if you have one).Craft a strong summary statement
Make a brief statement that covers the most important elements of your professional self. Cover your achievements and areas of expertise. Check the job description to make sure it aligns with your statement.Include your skills in a qualifications or areas of expertise section
Right below your summary statement, make a list of your best Sales skills. Make sure they apply to the job description.Showcase your Sales experience in a work history section
Include your relevant past jobs. Provide the company names, your dates of employment, and your title.Take a deep dive into your Sales work history
In bullet point form, detail your duties and achievements at each job. Use the list you made in step one as a guide. Make sure your points are applicable to the job description.Provide your education at the bottom
Remember to include the highest degree or diploma you obtained. Include the name of the school and the year you got it (or will get it).