Sales Resume Examples & Templates

The best resume format for a sales role depends on your level of work experience and career goals. We’ve detailed each format below so that you can decide which one is right for you.

• Chronological format: This format will benefit entry-level applicants. The layout focuses on skills such as communication, negotiation and relationship-building, allowing you to showcase everything you can do as a sales professional.
• Combination format: This format puts your skills and work experience on equal footing. It’s a great option if you have a few years of experience as a sales professional and relevant skills that you want to feature prominently on your resume. 
• Functional format: This format lists work experience in reverse-chronological order, emphasizing career progression and longevity in roles. It’s particularly effective for demonstrating stability and growth within the sales industry.

Check out our sales resume templates to see how different formats are used. We also recommend browsing our library of 800+ resume examples for real-world samples and tips.  

Hiring managers for sales jobs look for applicants who have a mix of soft skills and hard skills in the sales industry. Here are a few examples of sales skills:

• Active listening
• Persuasion
• Time management
• Problem-solving skills
• Adaptability
• Resilience
• Product knowledge
• Networking
• Closing techniques
• Interpersonal skills
• Presentation skills
• Emotional intelligence
• Confidence
• Self-motivation

Explore our guide on how to write a resume for examples and tips to learn how to write a sales resume that stands out to hiring managers. 

Employers in the sales industry often look for certifications that demonstrate a candidate’s expertise and commitment to professional development.  

Here are some certifications commonly sought after for sales roles:

• Salesforce Certifications
• HubSpot Inbound Sales Certification
• Hootsuite Social Selling Certification
• Sandler Sales Training Certification
• Dale Carnegie Sales Training Certification
• Certified Professional Salesperson (CPSP)
• LinkedIn Sales Navigator Certification
• Miller Heiman Group Sales Certification

These certifications can vary in relevance depending on the specific role, industry and company preferences, so it’s essential to tailor your resume with certifications that are relevant to the job description. 

Use one of our professional resume templates to easily format the certifications section of your resume.

Including a cover letter with your sales resume is generally recommended, especially if you want to make a strong first impression and stand out from other candidates. See our guide on how to write a cover letter for tips and examples from career experts. 

While your resume provides a summary of your work experience and skills, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to delve deeper into your achievements and provide context for your accomplishments. You can share specific examples of successful sales projects or initiatives you’ve led.

Sales roles often require strong communication skills, and your cover letter is a chance to showcase your ability to write persuasively and effectively. See our cover letter examples for additional guidance.

Making your sales resume stand out is crucial in a competitive job market. Our Resume Builder provides ready-made content suggestions written by Certified Resume Writers to help you get started. 

Here are some additional tips to help you create a compelling and memorable sales resume:

• Quantify achievements: Highlight your accomplishments in previous sales roles with quantifiable results. Include metrics such as sales revenue generated, percentage of sales growth, number of new clients acquired or awards received.
• Showcase sales techniques: Demonstrate your proficiency in sales techniques and methodologies, such as consultative selling, solution selling or relationship-based selling.
• Include testimonials: If possible, include testimonials or recommendations from clients or colleagues to validate your sales abilities and professionalism. This can add credibility to your resume and provide additional evidence of your competence.
• Include relevant certifications: If you have relevant certifications or training in sales techniques, CRM systems or industry-specific tools, be sure to include them on your resume to demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Read our guide, “How to List a Degree on Your Resume” for tips on adding certifications to your resume.

Double-check your completed resume for any grammatical errors or typos, as these can detract from your professionalism and attention to detail. 

We recommend using our ATS resume checker to scan for common errors and suggestions for improving your resume score.

A good summary for a sales resume should be concise and compelling, highlighting your key strengths and experiences relevant to the sales role you’re applying for. 

Here’s an example of a strong sales resume summary:

“Results-driven sales professional with over 10 years of experience exceeding targets and driving revenue growth in medical device sales. Proven track record of building and nurturing client relationships and leveraging consultative selling techniques to identify customer needs and deliver tailored solutions. Skilled in negotiation, communication and closing deals to consistently achieve and surpass sales goals. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams and leveraging market insights to drive strategic sales initiatives.”

This resume summary can be further customized by incorporating specific accomplishments or metrics that showcase your sales prowess.

Explore our guide on how to write a resume with no experience for expert tips and examples. Here are a few essentials when writing a sales resume without prior professional experience:  

• Emphasize soft skills and personal qualities: In addition to technical skills, sales roles require strong interpersonal skills, resilience, drive and a positive attitude. Showcase these on your resume to highlight your potential. 
• Include relevant coursework or education: If you’ve completed coursework or training related to sales, marketing, business or communication, be sure to include it on your resume. 
• Focus on transferable skills: Even if you don’t have direct sales experience, you likely possess transferable skills that are valuable in a sales role. Identify skills such as communication, persuasion, customer service, problem-solving and teamwork.

By following these tips and highlighting your strengths and potential, you can create a compelling sales resume even without direct experience in the field.

A good resume headline for a sales position should succinctly convey your expertise, relevant skills, and career goals. Here are a few examples:

• Dynamic Sales Professional Driving Revenue Growth and Client Success
• Results-Oriented Sales Specialist | Expert in Relationship Building and Closing Deals
• Top-Performing Sales Representative | Proven Track Record of Exceeding Targets
• Strategic Sales Leader | Skilled in Consultative Selling and Market Penetration
• Sales Executive with a Knack for Identifying Opportunities and Driving Profitability

Choose a headline that best reflects your skills and achievements. Showcasing your value proposition as a sales professional will capture the attention of hiring managers.