Crafting a CV that truly reflects your sales achievements and persuasive skills can be daunting. Our guide provides tailored advice to help you highlight your top sales figures and negotiation prowess, ensuring your CV stands apart in the competitive job market.
Structure, write, and edit your salesman CV to land the role of your dreams with our exclusive guide on how to:
- Create an attention-grabbing header that integrates keywords and includes all vital information;
- Add strong action verbs and skills in your experience section, and get inspired by real-world professionals;
- List your education and relevant certification to fill in the gaps in your career history;
- Integrate both hard and soft skills all through your CV.
Discover more industry-specific guides to help you apply for any role in the links below:
Resume examples for salesman
Explore additional salesman cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Salesman
- Comprehensive Career Trajectory - Isabella Watson's CV effectively maps her professional growth from a Customer Service Representative to a Sales Associate, highlighting clear progression within the sales and renewable energy sectors. Her shift from handling customer inquiries to actively generating leads and building client relationships showcases adaptability and a commitment to professional development.
- Integration of Soft Skills and Technical Knowledge - The CV reflects a balanced blend of essential soft skills like relationship building and customer engagement, paired with industry-specific technical knowledge in renewable energy, illustrated by certifications such as "Solar Energy Basics." This combination enhances her value as a sales professional capable of both technical understanding and interpersonal connection.
- Achievements Aligned with Business Impact - The document details significant achievements, such as the 'Sales Excellence Award' for boosting sales by 30% in six months and strategies that resulted in a steady 20% pipeline growth, showcasing how her contributions have directly impacted business outcomes. These accomplishments are not merely numerical but highlight the strategic importance of her initiatives.
Senior Salesman
- Logical flow and well-organized content - The CV is structured in a manner that provides clear and concise information. Each section is dedicated to relevant career aspects, from a comprehensive summary to detailed experience descriptions, making it easy for recruiters to grasp the candidate's profile at a glance.
- Consistent career advancement in sales - The career trajectory of the candidate reveals progressive growth within the lift solutions industry. From starting as a Sales Executive to advancing to a Sales Manager, the CV highlights natural promotions and increasing responsibilities, showcasing commitment and success in their chosen field.
- Industry-specific technical depth - The CV includes unique elements relevant to the lift industry, such as the "Lift Solutions Certification" and a demonstrated expertise in managing lift product installations. These specifics underscore the candidate's deep understanding of industry requirements and technical nuances.
Salesman Team Leader
- Strategic Career Progression - Florence Knight's CV demonstrates a career trajectory marked by strategic growth, advancing from Client Relations Manager to Sales Consultant and Property Evaluation Specialist. This progression reflects her ability to adapt and excel in increasingly complex roles within the sales and property evaluation sectors, showcasing her commitment to personal and professional development.
- Diverse Skill Set and Cross-functional Expertise - The CV highlights not only Florence's proficiency in roof inspections and property evaluations but also showcases her adaptability across various functions such as strategic planning, negotiation, and client relations. Her ability to interweave skills like data analysis and material selection demonstrates a well-rounded professional capable of integrating diverse expertise to drive business success.
- Achievements Highlighting Tangible Business Impact - Florence's accomplishments, such as leading a team to increase client acquisition by 30% and identifying storm damages that resulted in a 20% rise in repairs, underscore not just numerical success but significant business impact. Her achievements reveal a consistent pattern of contributing to revenue growth, enhancing client satisfaction, and optimizing operational processes.
Salesman Supervisor
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is neatly organized with a clear header, followed by sections that systematically outline the candidate's information. Each section is clearly labeled, enabling quick navigation and easy readability. The bullet points under each job position provide concise yet comprehensive insights into the roles and achievements.
- Consistent Career Growth in Sales - Max Wright demonstrates a consistent upward trajectory in his career, moving from a Sales Associate to positions such as Business Development Specialist and Sales Executive. This progression illustrates not only industry recognition for his skills but also his ambition and ability to handle more complex responsibilities over time.
- Integration of Technology for Sales Enhancement - Unique to this CV is the emphasis on technology utilization in sales, such as the application of CRM software to refine client interactions and boost efficiency. This demonstrates an understanding of modern sales tools and methods, crucial for staying competitive in today’s digital business environment.
Assistant Salesman
- Structured Growth Across Roles - Eva's career trajectory in sales demonstrates steady advancement from a Sales Executive to a Sales Consultant position, indicating her ability to manage increasing responsibilities and complex deals. Her shift into remote work and specialization as a Sales Expert highlights her adaptability and desire to remain at the forefront of industry changes.
- Balance of Technical and Soft Skills - The blend of technical proficiencies like CRM Software and Real Estate Analysis with soft skills such as Client Relationship Management and Verbal Communication paints Eva as a well-rounded professional. Her ability to balance data-driven approaches with interpersonal skills supports diverse roles across different environments.
- Significant Achievements with Quantifiable Impacts - The achievements section effectively demonstrates Eva's capacity to drive significant business growth. By closing £150,000 in a record quarter and over £250,000 in a year, she solidifies her role as a high-performing sales professional, capable of exceeding targets and enhancing brand presence.
Salesman Manager
- Clear and Structured Content Presentation - The CV is well-organized, with distinct sections for achievements, experience, education, skills, and passions, making it easy for readers to quickly locate and comprehend critical information. This structure helps to convey a clear narrative of the candidate’s career path and strengths.
- Consistent Career Growth and Development - The candidate showcases a robust career trajectory, having successfully climbed the ranks from Business Development Manager to Regional Sales Manager. This growth demonstrates their ability to adapt, learn, and excel in varying roles within the sales sector.
- Measurable Achievements with Significant Business Impact - The CV highlights impactful achievements with measurable results, such as a 25% boost in regional sales revenue and a 20% improvement in sales efficiency. These accomplishments underscore the candidate's capability to effect significant positive change within an organization.
Salesman Director
- Strategic Career Progression - Ava Phillips' CV effectively showcases her career progression within the FinTech industry, demonstrating a clear path from a Sales Consultant to a Senior Sales Manager at Bloomberg LP. This trajectory highlights her capacity for growth and her increasing responsibilities, reflecting her expertise and leadership capabilities in driving sales and client engagement strategies over the years.
- Detailed Presentation and Structure - The CV is meticulously structured, starting with a concise and impactful professional summary. Each section is well-organized, providing clear insights into her professional journey. Her roles are delineated with precise bullet points, succinctly capturing the essence of her responsibilities and achievements, which aids clarity and readability.
- Emphasis on Data-Driven Achievements - The CV emphasizes achievements with notable impact, such as a 25% increase in sales revenue and a 40% increase in revenue streams. These metrics demonstrate her effectiveness in using strategic initiatives to produce substantial business results, boosting the company's bottom line and illustrating her value as a sales leader.
Executive Salesman
- Structured Presentation Enhancing Readability - The CV is well-organized, facilitating ease of reading with clear sections for education, experience, skills, and achievements. Bullet points and concise wording ensure that the detailed professional journey is easily digestible.
- Dynamic Career Progression in Automotive Sales - Poppy Griffiths' career trajectory illustrates strong upward mobility, moving from an Automotive Sales Assistant to a Sales Executive. This growth is marked by increased responsibility and leadership roles, effectively demonstrating industry commitment and advancement.
- Industry-Specific Expertise with CRM Platforms - The CV highlights significant proficiency in CRM and digital campaign tools, which are crucial in today's automotive sales environment. The candidate’s integration of CRM to streamline the sales process underscores technical depth and innovative use of technology for improving customer engagement.
By Role
Automobile Salesman
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV is well-organized, making it easy to navigate through each section. The layout provides a logical flow from the personal information and summary to experience, education, skills, and more, ensuring clarity and conciseness in conveying the candidate's information.
- Progressive Career Development - Charlie Thomas's career trajectory is exemplary, showing clear progression from Sales Representative to Senior Sales Consultant. This growth within the automotive sales industry highlights not only professional advancement but also the development of specialized skills and leadership capabilities over time.
- Industry-Specific Expertise - The CV emphasizes unique, industry-specific competencies such as CRM system implementation and inventory management innovations. These technical skills, combined with in-depth product knowledge and experience in automotive sales, position the candidate as an industry leader capable of driving substantial business growth and improvements.
Pharmaceutical Salesman
- Clear career progression in sales - Joshua Patel's CV reveals a well-defined career trajectory, showcasing his advancement from a Retail Sales Associate at Sainsbury's to a Senior Sales Associate at Boots UK. His experiences indicate a strong upward mobility within the sales sector and demonstrate his ability to adapt to more complex responsibilities over time.
- Industry-specific expertise in pharmaceuticals - The CV provides insights into Joshua's specialized skills in pharmacology sales, supported by his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacology. His familiarity with pharmaceutical products enhances his capability to develop effective customer engagement strategies tailored to this niche market, making him an asset in the pharmaceutical sales industry.
- Quantifiable impact and achievement-focused content - Joshua's CV features a range of remarkable achievements that are quantified, such as doubling sales in six months and achieving a 150% increase in store sales. These accomplishments demonstrate the significant impact of his contributions, reinforcing his effectiveness in driving sales and exceeding business targets through strategic initiatives.
Real Estate Salesman
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV's presentation is well-organized with a logical flow, making it easy to read and navigate. It uses concise bullet points under each job experience that clearly itemize key responsibilities and achievements, allowing the reader to quickly glean important information.
- Progressive Career Development - Emily’s career trajectory is impressive, illustrating steady growth and increasing responsibility within the real estate sector. Rising from a Sales Specialist to a Senior Sales Executive signifies her ability to take on leadership roles and excel in more challenging environments.
- Industry-Specific Skills and Tools - The CV highlights Emily's proficiency in tools such as CRM software, particularly Salesforce, indicating her ability to leverage technology to enhance sales processes. Her inclusion of market data analysis and contract negotiation demonstrates technical depth specific to real estate.
- Demonstrated Leadership and Soft Skills - Emily’s leadership abilities shine through her experience in leading a team, her recognition in team leadership awards, and her capacity to enhance team productivity. Her interpersonal communication skills are evident through her role in customer retention and training workshops.
- Flexibility and Cross-Functional Abilities - Emily's adaptability is underscored by her involvement in cross-functional teams and her ability to streamline processes, which indicates a breadth of experience that transcends sales alone. It suggests a knack for integrating diverse business aspects into her sales strategy.
- Quantifiable Achievements with Business Relevance - Emily’s CV effectively showcases her achievements with metrics that highlight substantial business impact, such as a 35% increase in revenue and consistent attainment of sales targets, elucidating her capability to drive impressive business outcomes.
- Comprehensive Role-Relevant Sections - The CV encompasses all pertinent sections, including professional experience, education, skills, and achievements. Each section is relevant to her role as a sales representative, providing a holistic view of her qualifications and capabilities.
Technical Salesman
- Career Growth and Leadership Progression - Alice Barnes' CV clearly illustrates a robust career trajectory, evolving from a Sales Associate to a Senior Sales Executive. This upward mobility showcases her growing expertise and leadership skills, highlighting her ability to manage high-value clients and lead cross-functional teams to significant achievements.
- Industry-Specific Expertise and Technical Proficiency - Her proficiency in leveraging CRM software to enhance client relationship management, alongside her capacity to develop and implement tailored sales strategies, sets her apart in the sales industry. This technical depth complements her focus on building lasting client relationships that drive repeat business.
- Impactful Achievements with Quantifiable Outcomes - The CV meticulously documents substantial business impacts, such as a 30% increase in quarterly sales and a 40% overachievement in sales targets. These results underscore her effectiveness in driving growth and highlight her strategic execution skills, making her a valuable asset in achieving business objectives.
Insurance Salesman
- Strong Emphasis on Client Relations and Satisfaction - Arthur Davies' CV showcases an impressive focus on improving client satisfaction and retention across different roles. For instance, his ability to increase client retention by 15% and resolve 98% of client inquiries within 24 hours underlines his commitment to exceptional client service and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for an insurance agent.
- Diverse Experience and Proven Career Progression - The career trajectory presented in this CV is marked by significant growth and increased responsibilities, from an Insurance Sales Representative to a Senior Insurance Agent. This progression demonstrates not only expertise within the insurance industry but also leadership potential, given his influence in training new agents and spearheading process improvements.
- Effective Use of Strategic Networking and Sales Techniques - The CV highlights Arthur's strategic initiatives, such as expanding the client base by 25% and increasing sales by 20%, showcasing his adept use of networking and sales methodologies. These achievements indicate a deep understanding of market dynamics and client needs, crucial for getting results in the highly competitive insurance sector.
Medical Equipment Salesman
- Consistent career progression - The CV clearly illustrates Poppy Griffiths’ career trajectory from a Sales Account Executive to a Senior Medical Sales Representative, showcasing significant growth and upward movement within the industry. This progression reflects a steady accumulation of responsibilities and trust from employers, reinforcing Poppy's capability to adapt and excel in increasingly demanding roles.
- Significant achievements with actionable insights - Poppy's accomplishments are not simply numerical; they are contextualized to demonstrate clear business impact. For instance, expanding territory sales by 35% and improving client retention by 40% are both tied back to innovative strategies and enhanced client relations, indicating both a holistic understanding of business needs and strategic prowess.
- Subdivision into relevant CV sections - Each section of the CV is purposefully structured to present relevant information succinctly and effectively. Elements such as experience, education, skills, courses, achievements, languages, and passions are categorized meticulously, highlighting how they align with the role of a Medical Sales Representative. This structure aids in smoothly guiding the reader through the candidate’s narrative.
Software Salesman
- Strategic career growth and promotions - The candidate's career trajectory showcases a significant growth pattern, advancing from an Account Manager to a Senior Business Development Manager. This progression not only highlights their ability to take on increased responsibilities but also evidences their consistent performance and ambition within the healthcare sector.
- Implementation of cutting-edge AI tools - The CV stands out by showcasing Amelia's expertise in integrating AI into medical billing processes, which is a unique and forward-thinking approach in the healthcare industry. Her efforts in enhancing billing accuracy and efficiency underscore her technical depth and innovative thinking.
- Achievements with direct business impact - Amelia’s accomplishments are not just numerical milestones but are presented in terms of their impact on business operations. For example, achieving a 25% boost in billing accuracy and generating significant new contracts underline her ability to contribute effectively to organizational goals and client satisfaction.
Hardware Salesman
- Logical Career Progression - Florence Knight’s career trajectory reflects consistent growth, advancing from a Business Development Associate to a Senior Sales Manager in top-tier companies, illustrating a clear path of increasing responsibilities and leadership roles within the sales industry.
- Innovative Use of SaaS Platforms - The CV highlights Knight's proficiency with SaaS solutions, which is critical in the hardware sales and digital commerce sectors. This involves leveraging CRM analytics to enhance customer engagement and introducing new services based on data-driven decisions, showcasing industry-specific expertise.
- Strong Cross-Functional Collaboration - Knight's ability to enhance customer experiences and retention by collaborating with cross-functional teams demonstrates adaptability and the capability to work effectively across different departments, a key skill for driving company-wide success in dynamic environments.
Regional Salesman
- Structured Career Progression - Florence Knight's CV outlines a well-structured and progressive career trajectory in the sales and customer relations industry. With each role, she demonstrates clear growth, transitioning from a Sales Associate position to a Sales Specialist, while consistently taking on new challenges and responsibilities. This advancement is indicative of her adaptability and commitment to career growth within her chosen field.
- Emphasis on Customer Engagement and Satisfaction - Throughout her roles, Florence has prioritized increasing customer satisfaction and engagement, a crucial element in sales. She has implemented strategic customer service initiatives, resulting in significant satisfaction improvements. This customer-centric approach denotes not just enhancing immediate sales but fostering long-term client relationships, increasing repeat business, and building a loyal customer base.
- Application of Strategic Sales Methodologies - Florence's use of strategic sales methodologies tailored to agricultural sales showcases her unique industry-specific expertise. By implementing innovative sales approaches and strategic planning, she achieved notable revenue growth and expanded market share. Her ability to adapt to industry trends and integrate them into her sales strategy underlines her technical depth and relevance in the agricultural sector.
National Salesman
- Strong Career Progression - Scarlett Murphy's CV displays a clear trajectory of growth in the sales industry, moving from a Sales Consultant at BT Group to a Senior Sales Executive at Salesforce. This progression demonstrates her ability to advance and take on more responsibilities, underscoring a track record of success and adaptability to different company environments.
- Focus on Measurable Achievements - The CV is distinguished by its detailed achievements that are not just numeric but also express substantial business impact. Scarlett showcases improvements such as a 30% increase in annual revenue and the launch of training programs that boosted productivity, proving her effectiveness in driving growth.
- Comprehensive Skills and Continuous Learning - The inclusion of advanced courses like "Advanced Negotiation Skills" from Harvard Business School highlights Scarlett's commitment to continuous learning and mastery of industry-specific techniques. Additionally, her skills in CRM systems and Salesforce underline a proficient use of tools that enhance sales operations.
International Salesman
- Structured Presentation Enhancing Readability - The CV is well-organized, presenting information in a structured manner that enhances readability. Each section is clearly delineated, allowing hiring managers to effortlessly navigate through the candidate’s qualifications and experiences. This clarity and conciseness in content presentation underline the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively, a key asset for any business analyst role.
- Diverse Career Progression - Noah's career trajectory shows significant progress and adaptability within the educational and tech domains. Transitioning from a Market Research Leader to a Sales Cycle Simulator highlights a versatile skill set capable of addressing varied business challenges. Each role builds upon the previous, demonstrating a clear path of growth, skill amplification, and an increasing level of responsibility, which are pivotal in a business analysis career.
- Industry-Specific Methodologies and Tools - The CV reveals deep expertise in market analysis and technology integration, emphasizing unique methodologies such as conducting in-depth stakeholder interviews and using data analytics tools. The description of experiences in processing large data sets for insightful forecasting is particularly indicative of robust analytical skills and technical depth, essential for driving innovation and efficiency within tech-centric roles.
Field Salesman
- Clear and Impactful Content Presentation - The CV is structured with clarity, presenting information in a concise and organized manner. Each section follows a logical flow, making it easy for potential employers to quickly glean key details such as experience, education, and skills.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - The career path of George Johnson demonstrates consistent growth through promotions from a Sales Representative to a Senior Sales Manager, reflecting not only industry experience but also leadership and strategic acumen in technology sales.
- Strategic and Business-Relevant Achievements - The accomplishments outlined, such as increasing sales revenue by 35% and expanding the customer base by 50% at TechCorp, underscore a deep understanding of market needs and effective execution of strategic initiatives with real business impact.
Structuring your salesman CV layout: four factors to keep in mind
There are plenty of best practices out there for your CV layout and design. At the end of the day, a clear format and concise CV message should be your top priority. Use your CV design to enhance separate sections, bringing them to the forefront of recruiters' attention. At the same time, you can write content that:
- Follows the reverse chronological order in the experience section by first listing your most recent jobs;
- Incorporates your contact information in the header, but do skip out on the CV photo for roles in the UK;
- Is spotlighted in the most important sections of your CV, e.g. the summary or objective, experience, education, etc. to show just how you meet the job requirements;
- Is no longer than two-pages. Often, the one-page format can be optimal for your salesman CV.
Before submitting your CV, you may wonder whether to export it in Doc or PDF. With the PDF format, your information and layout stay intact. This is quite useful when your CV is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS) . The ATS is a software that scans your profile for all relevant information and can easily understand latest study on the ATS , which looks at your CV columns, design, and so much more.
PRO TIP
Use bold or italics sparingly to draw attention to key points, such as job titles, company names, or significant achievements. Overusing these formatting options can dilute their impact.
The top sections on a salesman CV
- Sales Experience showcases proven results and successes.
- Sales Skills section demonstrates specific competencies and abilities.
- Key Achievements highlights top sales milestones and accolades.
- Industry Knowledge emphasises expertise in relevant sectors.
- Customer Relationship Management reflects ability to maintain and grow client bases.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight quantifiable sales achievements by specifying revenue targets met or exceeded, as well as the percentage growth in sales figures you've contributed to within previous roles.
- Showcase your ability to cultivate client relationships by mentioning any repeat business you've secured, long-standing client partnerships you've maintained, or customer satisfaction scores you've achieved.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the sales process by detailing your experience with various sales techniques, sales funnel management, lead generation strategies, and customer retention approaches.
- Include any relevant product or industry-specific expertise to show that you understand the market and can hit the ground running with minimal training.
- Emphasise your adaptability and continuous professional development by listing sales training programmes or certifications you’ve completed, or how you’ve effectively adapted to new sales technologies or changing market demands.
Recommended reads:
Making a good first impression with your salesman CV header
Your typical CV header consists of Your typical CV header consists of contact details and a headline. Make sure to list your professional phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio (or, alternatively, your LinkedIn profile). When writing your CV headline , ensure it's:
- tailored to the job you're applying for;
- highlights your unique value as a professional;
- concise, yet matches relevant job ad keywords.
You can, for examples, list your current job title or a particular skill as part of your headline. Now, if you decide on including your photo in your CV header, ensure it's a professional one, rather than one from your graduation or night out. You may happen to have plenty more questions on how to make best the use of your CV headline. We'll help you with some real-world examples, below.
Examples of good CV headlines for salesman:
- Senior Sales Manager | B2B and B2C Expert | Strategic Planning | 10+ Years' Experience | MBA
- Junior Sales Associate | Customer Acquisition Specialist | CRM Skills | 2 Years in Tech Sales
- Territory Sales Representative | Market Expansion Strategist | Key Account Management | 5 Years' Experience
- Sales Executive | SaaS Solutions | Lead Generation & Conversion | 7 Years in Software Sales | Cert. Prof. Salesperson
- Inside Sales Consultant | B2C High-Volume Sales | Product Launches | 3+ Years' Experience | BA Hons
- Business Development Director | International Markets | Negotiation Pro | 15+ Years' Expertise | Sales Excellence Award
Opting between a salesman CV summary or objective
Within the top one third of your salesman CV, you have the opportunity to briefly summarise your best achievements or present your professional goals and dreams. Those two functions are met by either the CV summary or the objective.
- The summary is three-to-five sentences long and should narrate your best successes, while answering key requirements for the role. Select up to three skills which you can feature in your summary. Always aim to present what the actual outcomes were of using your particular skill set. The summary is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals.
- The objective is more focused on showcasing your unique value as a candidate and defining your dreams and ambitions. Think about highlighting how this current opportunity would answer your career vision. Also, about how you could help your potential employers grow. The objective matches the needs of less experienced candidates, who need to prove their skill set and, in particular, their soft skills.
Still not sure about how to write your CV opening statement? Use some best industry examples as inspiration:
CV summaries for a salesman job:
- Seasoned sales professional with over a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, adept in CRM software and persuasive communication. Spearheaded a groundbreaking regional sales strategy, resulting in a 30% surge in revenue for ABC Pharma Ltd.
- Dynamic sales executive with 8 years' frontline experience in the competitive telecommunications sector, proficient in Salesforce and client relationship management. Accomplished a record-setting sales increase of 40% year-over-year for XYZ Communications Inc. by leveraging advanced consultative selling techniques.
- Former financial analyst with 5 years' experience, eager to transfer analytical and negotiation expertise to a sales career. Exceptional track record of managing multibillion-dollar portfolios, now focused on excelling in sales strategy and client acquisition to achieve outstanding revenue growth for a forward-thinking sales organisation.
- Ambitious marketing coordinator with 4 years' experience, looking to transition into a sales role. Recognised for exceptional event coordination and lead generation campaigns that resulted in an increased market share by 15% for Creative Solutions Ltd, aiming to drive sales through effective client engagement and product promotion.
- Keen to embark on a sales career, I bring unwavering enthusiasm and a commitment to learning cutting-edge sales techniques. My objective is to leverage my extensive customer service background and in-depth product knowledge to exceed sales targets and contribute to the company's success.
- Highly motivated individual, with no formal sales experience but a passion for customer interaction and a dedication to ongoing personal and professional development. My goal is to immerse myself in the sales environment, providing unparalleled customer experiences and fostering long-term client relationships.
The best formula for your salesman CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Expertly managed a diverse product portfolio, consistently achieving a 15% quarterly sales increase through the strategic implementation of upselling techniques and product knowledge.
- Led the regional sales team of 10, fostering a culture of achievement and motivation that resulted in a 20% increase in team sales targets over two years.
- Successfully opened 30+ new accounts in one fiscal year, through effective networking and relationship-building strategies, surpassing the annual target by 25%.
- Conducted market research to identify emerging trends, enabling the adaptation of sales strategies that resulted in capturing a leading market share within the sector.
- Oversaw the sales process from lead generation to closing, employing a consultative selling approach that resulted in a customer retention rate of 85%.
- Implemented a CRM system which streamlined the sales pipeline, leading to a reduction in lead conversion time by 30% and increasing the efficiency of follow-up procedures.
- Collaborated closely with the marketing team to co-develop targeted campaigns for key demographics that boosted qualified lead generation by 40%.
- Regularly exceeded personal sales targets by at least 10% each quarter through the effective use of data-driven sales tactics and a commitment to continuous professional development.
- Maintained thorough product knowledge across all categories, ensuring the ability to provide exceptional service and support, evidenced by a personal customer satisfaction rating of 95%.
Sales Executive
Senior Business Development Manager
Oracle UK
05/2018-Ongoing
- Developed and implemented a strategic sales plan targeting large enterprises which expanded our customer base by 35% by the second year.
- Led a team of 5 sales representatives, mentoring them on product knowledge and sales techniques which increased team sales by 20% year-over-year.
- Initiated and cultivated relationships with key decision-makers in the tech sector, consistently exceeding quarterly sales targets by an average of 15%.
Sales Consultant
Fleet Sales Specialist
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd
03/2015-12/2017
- Identified opportunities within the automotive sector, delivering bespoke service solutions, and drove an average annual revenue growth of 25%.
- Delivered dynamic presentations at trade shows that captured audience attention and generated an average of 80 new qualified leads per event.
- Conducted market analysis to identify emerging trends, positioning the company to leverage new technologies resulting in a 10% increase in market share.
Sales Associate
Real Estate Sales Agent
Foxtons
08/2013-02/2015
- Closed deals for high-end residential properties, consistently reaching sales targets and achieving a record sale of £3.5 million for a premier London townhouse.
- Collaborated with marketing to create engaging online campaigns that increased web traffic by 40% and enhanced client interest.
- Provided exceptional post-sales support, improving customer satisfaction scores by 30% through personalised follow-up and communication.
Territory Sales Manager
Regional Sales Representative
Johnson & Johnson Ltd
01/2012-07/2013
- Planned and executed sales strategies within my designated territory, directly contributing to the company's penetration into three new markets.
- Managed and grew a client portfolio by 50% by leveraging deep industry knowledge, resulting in a significant increase in repeat business.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to streamline the order fulfillment process, reducing delivery times by an average of 20%.
Area Sales Manager
Software Solutions Advocate
Adobe Systems Europe
06/2009-12/2011
- Directed sales initiatives within my region that captured a 15% surge in B2B sales for our SaaS products within the first year.
- Engineered a turnaround strategy for underperforming territories, converting them into profitable sectors within 12 months.
- Facilitated intensive sales training programs which empowered the team to collectively enhance their closing ratios by over 25%.
Technical Sales Engineer
Industrial Solutions Sales Lead
Siemens PLC
11/2017-09/2019
- Expertly matched client requirements with company offerings to modify industrial equipment, driving a 150% increase in bespoke solutions sold.
- Implemented a CRM tool tailored to the industry needs, improving lead tracking accuracy and the sales cycle by 35%.
- Fostered an environment of collaboration between sales and engineering teams, leading to a 20% reduction in pre-sales qualification time.
Sales Operation Coordinator
Sales Process Specialist
IBM United Kingdom Ltd
04/2016-03/2018
- Streamlined sales pipeline management which led to a 40% increase in efficiency and a 30% boost in sales performance metrics.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive sales reports that provided insight into sales trends, enabling strategic adjustments that increased quarterly revenues by 18%.
- Championed a sales training initiative that emphasized data-driven sales approaches, augmenting the team's capacity to meet diverse client needs.
Customer Service Sales Representative
Client Engagement Executive
Vodafone UK
10/2011-11/2014
- Delivered outstanding customer service that increased customer retention rates by 25% by resolving queries and ensuring satisfaction with our service.
- Created up-selling strategies during service calls that generated an additional £250,000 in upsell revenue over the three-year period.
- Managed critical client accounts which brought in revenues exceeding £1 million annually through consistent engagement and relationship-building.
Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents
Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:
- List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
- Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
- Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
- Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.
Looking for more good examples for your first job? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
If applicable, briefly mention a situation where things didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it, demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt.
Key salesman CV skills: what are hard skills and soft skills
Let's kick off with the basics. You know that you have to include key job requirements or skills across your CV. For starters, take individual skills from the job description and copy-paste them into your CV, when relevant. Doing so, you'll ensure you have the correct skill spelling and also pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. There are two types of skills you'll need to include on your CV:
- Hard skills - technical abilities that are best defined by your certificates, education, and experience. You could also use the dedicated skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies you're apt at using that match the job requirements.
- Soft skills - your personal traits and interpersonal communication skills that are a bit harder to quantify. Use various CV sections, e.g. summary, strengths, experience, to shine a spotlight on your workspace achievements, thanks to using particular soft skills.
Remember that your job-winning CV should balance both your hard and soft skills to prove your technical background, while spotlighting your personality.
Top skills for your salesman CV:
HARD SKILLS
Product Knowledge
CRM Software Proficiency
Lead Qualification
Sales Presentation Skills
Negotiation Techniques
Marketing Strategies
Customer Needs Analysis
Sales Reporting
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Financial Acumen
SOFT SKILLS
Communication Skills
Active Listening
Empathy
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Teamwork
Time Management
Persuasiveness
Resilience
Networking Ability
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Further professional qualifications for your salesman CV: education and certificates
As you're nearing the end of your salesman CV, you may wonder what else will be relevant to the role. Recruiters are keen on understanding your academic background, as it teaches you an array of hard and soft skills. Create a dedicated education section that lists your:
- applicable higher education diplomas or ones that are at a postgraduate level;
- diploma, followed up with your higher education institution and start-graduation dates;
- extracurricular activities and honours, only if you deem that recruiters will find them impressive.
Follow a similar logic when presenting your certificates. Always select ones that will support your niche expertise and hint at what it's like to work with you. Balance both technical certification with soft skills courses to answer job requirements and company values. Wondering what the most sought out certificates are for the industry? Look no further:
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Recommended reads:
Key takeaways
What matters most in your salesman CV-writing process is for you to create a personalised application. One that matches the role and also showcases your unique qualities and talents.
- Use the format to supplement the actual content, to stand out, and to ensure your CV experience is easy to comprehend and follows a logic;
- Invest time in building a succinct CV top one third. One that includes a header (with your contact details and headline), a summary or an objective statement (select the one that best fits your experience), and - potentially - a dedicated skills section or achievements (to fit both hard skills and soft skills requirements);
- Prioritise your most relevant (and senior) experience closer to the top of your CV. Always ensure you're following the "power verb, skill, and achievement" format for your bullets;
- Integrate both your technical and communication background across different sections of your CV to meet the job requirements;
- List your relevant education and certificates to fill in gaps in your CV history and prove to recrutiers you have relevant technical know-how.
