Sales Skills for Your Resume (Examples & Tips)

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By Kellie Hanna, CPRW, Career Advice Expert •Last Updated: June 25, 2024

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Sales professionals use outstanding persuasion and communication skills to promote products or services to potential customers. To work in sales, you must have a deep understanding of customer needs and an exceptional ability to build strong relationships to foster trust and loyalty. Success in this industry often hinges on adaptability, resilience, and a relentless drive to meet and exceed targets.

While employment in sales is expected to decline through 2032, about 1.8 million job openings in the field are projected each year for the next several years. You’ll need to write a great resume with the right sales skills to beat the competition and land your dream job.

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Examples of sales skills

From technical skillslike product knowledge and data analysis to interpersonal abilities such as communication and empathy, sales skills play a crucial role in engaging clients and closing deals effectively. Understanding and honing these diverse sales skills empower professionals to navigate challenges, build lasting relationships, and achieve sales targets with confidence. Below are some examples of various sales skills you can use to seal your next deal. Browse our library of resume examples for ideas on how to showcase your sales skills on your resume.

Hard skills

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities and knowledge we use to work and function daily. Sales professionals use hard skills to effectively navigate the complexities of the sales process, including:

Product knowledge
Data analysis
Market research
Inventory management
Creating sales reports
Delivering presentations
Negotiating contracts
Utilizing social media
Financial analysis
Strategy

Soft skills

Soft skills include interpersonal abilities such as communication, empathy, and adaptability, which are vital for navigating complex human interactions. Sales professionals rely on these skills to build relationships with clients, understand their needs, and effectively persuade them, ultimately driving sales success.

Here are 10 must-have soft sales skills:

Communication
Active listening
Empathy
Adaptability
Persuasion
Critical thinking
Resilience
Time management
Emotional intelligence
Collaboration

Computer skills

Computer skills are the ability to effectively use various software and digital tools to perform essential tasks efficiently. Technology plays a significant role in sales processes, so you must be adaptable and willing to learn new computer skills if you want a job in this competitive industry.

Here are 10 computer skills that will help you succeed in sales:

Email
Spreadsheets
Presentation tools
Sales tracking software
Customer relationship management (CRM) software
Video conferencing tools
Social media platforms
Basic e-commerce tools
Online collaboration tools
Project management software

Transferable skills

Transferable skills are abilities and qualities that can be applied across jobs, industries and situations. They help sales professionals adapt to changing circumstances, collaborate effectively with diverse teams, and succeed in various environments.

Useful transferable skills for the sales industry include:

Presentation
Adaptability
Confidence
Problem-solving
Self-motivation
Leadership
Organization
Decision making
Time management
Relationship-building

How to improve your sales skills

Improving your sales skills can enhance your effectiveness in the field. By adapting to changing market trends, customer preferences and business environments, you can foster client trust, build strong business relationships, and differentiate yourself from competitors.

Here are five ways to improve sales skills:

Participate in sales training programs or workshops from professional organizations or industry experts.
Seek feedback from mentors, managers, or colleagues to identify areas for improvement and refine sales techniques.
Study successful sales strategies and industry best practices through books, podcasts, online courses, or seminars.
Role-play sales scenarios with colleagues or in training sessions to practice new techniques and build confidence.
Stay updated on industry trends, customer preferences and emerging technologies through networking, conferences, and online resources.

Explore our library of sales resume examples and templates to craft an effective professional resume fast.

How to highlight sales skills on your resume

Be strategic about incorporating sales skills into your resume. While a dedicated skills section is essential to showcase your job-relevant abilities, it's also effective to highlight these skills throughout your resume to demonstrate your proficiency and expertise.

Here’s how to effectively display your sales skills in your resume in seven steps:

First, consider your resume format. There are three standard formats, each highlighting your sales skills differently.
Next, choose an appropriate resume template to display your sales skills clearly and professionally.
Review the job description and match your sales skills and accomplishments to the job requirements.
To make a great first impression, add two or three of your top skills to your professional summary or resume objective.
Use your work history section to show what you’ve accomplished with your sales skills. "Implemented a new case management system that improved efficiency by 30%, resulting in a 20% increase in client satisfaction scores over six months."
Create a resume skills section to highlight your top sales skills. Consider creating categories to showcase specific skills, like “Interpersonal Skills” and “Computer Skills.”
Use your education section to add relevant coursework or negotiation and communication strategies certifications to demonstrate your commitment to developing and honing your sales expertise.

Common tools and technologies used in sales

Sales professionals rely on various tools and technologies to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in their work.

Here are some common tools and technologies used in sales:

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software: Examples like Salesforce, HubSpot CRM and Zoho CRM help sales teams manage customer interactions, track leads and streamline the sales process.
Email marketing platforms: Tools like Mailchimp, Constant Contact and HubSpot Email help create and send targeted email campaigns to prospects and customers, nurturing leads and driving engagement.
Sales automation tools: Platforms such as Outreach, SalesLoft and Yesware automate repetitive tasks, such as email follow-ups and scheduling, freeing up time to focus on building relationships and closing deals.
Data analytics software: Tools like Tableau, Google Analytics and Microsoft Power BI help analyze sales data, identify trends and gain insights into customer behavior, enabling data-driven decision-making.
Video conferencing platforms: Sales professionals rely on Zoom, Microsoft Teams and GoToMeeting to conduct virtual sales meetings, demos and presentations with clients and prospects.

Best sales certifications

Consider pursuing certifications to increase your credibility in the sales industry, demonstrate expertise in specific areas and stay competitive. Certifications validate their skills and knowledge and provide opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Here are five certifications for sales professionals:

Use action verbs to bring your sales skills to life and show how you have used them to impact past employers.

Key takeaways

Before you leave this guide to sales skills for a resume, remember these key points:

Sales professionals need various skills, communication and persuasion to CRM and project management software to drive business success.
Getting feedback and reflecting on your abilities can help you improve your sales skills.
Certifications can keep you competitive in the job market, increasing your credibility and demonstrating your expertise.
Add your sales skills to every section of your resume for maximum impact.

FAQ

What sales skills should I highlight on my resume and cover letter?

When crafting your resume and cover letter, prioritize those that align with the specific job requirements you’re applying for. Focus on demonstrating proficiency in key areas such as communication, relationship-building, negotiation and closing. Provide specific examples and quantifiable achievements that showcase your ability to meet or exceed sales targets, build strong client relationships, and effectively navigate the sales process. Tailoring your application to highlight these skills showcases your qualifications and increases your chances of securing interviews and landing your desired sales role.

What are some key factors to consider when pursuing a career in sales?

When pursuing a career in sales, it’s essential to consider factors such as your passion for building relationships, resilience in handling rejection, and ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. Additionally, you must understand the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement in refining your sales skills and staying competitive. Lastly, assessing your comfort with autonomy and goal-oriented work environments can help determine if a sales career aligns with your strengths and professional aspirations.

What education is required to become a sales professional?

Becoming a sales professional typically doesn’t require specific formal education, but most employers prefer that you have a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communication, or a related field.

How can I break into the field of sales without prior experience?

You can break into sales without prior experience through entry-level sales positions or internships that offer on-the-job training and mentorship opportunities. On your resume and in job interviews, highlight transferable skills such as communication, persuasion and relationship-building from previous roles or extracurricular activities. Read our comprehensive guide to writing a resume without work experience for more tips.

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. No Author. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Sales

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Kellie Hanna, CPRW

Career Advice Expert

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Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in digital media. She is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

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