CV Guide: Sales (Template Included)
As a sales professional, your CV is the key to unlocking new career opportunities. It is essential to highlight your skills, experience, and accomplishments in a manner that will make you stand out to potential employers. However, writing a compelling CV can be a challenging task, particularly if you're uncertain about where to start.
In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to writing an effective CV that will help you secure your next job. We'll cover everything from the critical components your CV should include, to how to structure your work experience, and how to showcase your sales achievements. By following our guide, you'll be able to craft a winning CV that will impress potential employers and help you stand out from the competition.
We have also created a CV template to make this process as easy as possible for you.
1. Start with a clear header
This should contain your name, contact details (email, phone number), and location. The header should be positioned at the top of the page and be easy to read.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This is the first section of your CV that a potential employer will see, and it should grab their attention immediately. By providing your contact information, you make it easy for employers to get in touch with you for further discussions.
2. Write a professional summary
This should be a brief introduction that summarizes your skills, experience, and career goals.
The summary should be tailored to the job you are applying for.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This section provides an overview of your skills and experience, and it helps the employer quickly understand your value proposition as a sales professional.
EXAMPLE
Driven sales professional with over 7 years of experience in the technology sector. Proven track record in business development, client relationship management, and sales target achievement. Looking to leverage my skills and experience in a challenging sales role to drive revenue growth.
3. Highlight your relevant skills
In this section, list the skills that make you a strong sales professional. You can also mention any relevant certifications or training courses.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This section helps the employer understand your sales skills and knowledge. It gives them an idea of what you can do and how well you can do it.
EXAMPLE
Sales Skills: Business Development, Lead Generation, Client Relationship Management, Sales Presentations, Contract Negotiations, Market Analysis, CRM Software (Salesforce, HubSpot)
Languages: English (Native), Japanese (Fluent), Spanish (Basic)
Certifications
Certified Sales Professional, CSP (2021)
Certified Inside Sales Professional, CISP (2020)
4. Describe your work experience
In this section, list your work experience, starting with the most recent job first. For each job, describe your role, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Be sure to highlight any significant sales achievements.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This section gives the employer an idea of your work history and your contributions to previous sales roles. It helps them understand your level of experience and expertise.
EXAMPLE
Senior Sales Executive
ABC Company, New York, USA
June 2018 - Present
Exceeded annual sales targets by an average of 15% for three consecutive years
Managed and nurtured relationships with key client accounts, contributing to a 30% increase in repeat business
Spearheaded new business development initiatives, resulting in a 20% increase in new client acquisition
Sales Representative
XYZ Company, Chicago, USA
August 2013 - May 2018
Consistently met or exceeded monthly and quarterly sales targets
Established a solid client base and successfully turned leads into repeat customers
Contributed to the team's effort in exceeding the annual sales target by 25% in 2017
5. List your education
In this section, list your educational qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates), along with any relevant coursework or projects.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This section helps the employer understand your educational background and how it relates to your sales skills.
EXAMPLE
XYZ Business School
Master’s Degree, Business Administration
2011 - 2013
ABC University
Bachelor's Degree, Marketing
2007 - 2011
6. Highlight your soft skills
In this section, mention any soft skills that you possess, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
Soft skills are important for sales professionals, as they often work in teams and interact with clients. This section shows the employer that you not only have sales competence but also possess the interpersonal skills required to work effectively in a sales environment.
EXAMPLE
Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, demonstrated through successful sales deals and strong client relationships
Strong teamwork and leadership skills, proven by leading sales team initiatives and training junior sales professionals
7. Proofread and edit
After you have completed your CV, proofread and edit it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that the formatting is consistent throughout.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
A well-written and error-free CV shows the employer that you are detail-oriented and have strong communication skills. It also helps you make a good impression and stand out from other candidates.
Bonus: Should you include hobbies?
Including a section about your hobbies and interests in your CV can depend on several factors, including the culture and expectations of the industry you're applying to, and the requirements of the specific job you're applying for. If relevant and professional, hobbies can add a personal touch to your CV and help you stand out as a well-rounded individual. But remember, it's important to prioritize the essential elements of your CV, such as your marketing skills and work experience.
Use our CV template
To make this process even easier, we've created a Google Docs CV template that you can use.
Simply open the link, go to the "File" menu, and click "Make a copy" to save it to your own Google Drive. Then, you can fill in the template with your own information and adjust it to suit your needs.
This customizable template is designed to highlight all the essential aspects we've discussed in this guide, ensuring your CV is well-structured and compelling to potential employers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing an effective CV as a sales professional requires a focus on highlighting your sales skills and achievements. By following these steps, you can create a CV that showcases your strengths and positions you as a strong candidate for sales roles.