Guest Post: Six Resume Tips Dedicated For Sales Professionals

So you want to be successful sales professional? A job is the first thing that you will need in order to prove yourself. And for a job, a well drafted resume is the biggest priority. Here are some tips that are meant specifically for individuals preparing a CV for a sales position.

The jobseeker, particularly one seeking a sales job needs to understand that the odds are in favor of employees these days. There are more job seekers than good quality jobs available out there, especially in sales. A recruiter can tell you, for every job opening there are hundreds of applications within a matter of few days, all vying for the same opportunity. It is a given that not every candidate who has applied to the job will be called for an interview. Many of the resumes will be screened in its first stage itself. The HR or the ATS will make sure to narrow the pool down to only the most relevant dozen. So how will make you sure that your resume is able to sell your skills effectively?

Tip #1

Do not put an objective statement

If you apply to a job these days, an objective statement is considered nothing more than wastage of valuable real estate on your resume by HR managers. It is better to avoid objectives and use that space to list your key skills and qualifications. Sometimes professionals even end up misstating the obvious which doesn’t aligns with the role for which they are applying. You may have only 3-4 seconds to impress the recruiter and the best way to do that by synthesizing your qualifications and experience upfront.

Tip #2

Put your best stuff on top of the resume

Right from where your resume begins, it should state how you helped contributing to employer’s bottom line. Choose the best 3 or 4 results of your previous project and put them at a place where he reader won’t miss them. Your resume should highlight your sales capabilities and the value you can add to potential employers. The words should be chosen as such to make it look like a high-impact sales pitch. Make sure the employer sees your success story before going downwards towards the career history section of the resume. A positive impression is guaranteed. If you are considering a change of industries good sales results can ease the recruiter’s concern over your ability to adapt and make a change.

Tip #3

Achievements: Put out the numbers

You are applying to a sales position. It is natural for a recruiter to expect the resume packed with results which means a lot of numbers. Spend as little time as you can on the job responsibilities section as most hiring managers are already aware of what a salesperson usually does. Instead, put your focus on the achievements in the form of sales increases, growth in RoI, growth in competitor ranking, expansion of client base and number of awards received. To understand the complete potential of your work and achievements at the previous organization ask yourself questions and compare your work with peers.

Tip #4

Include training and certifications

Continuing education is actually very important for career advancement, whether it is sales or any other industry. If you have earned some certifications along the way, it is the right time to list them. Many companies give a lot of attention to such certifications and also invest in developing their staff. If you already have such training, you might be given preference over candidates who will need to learn.

Tip #5

Include all the right buzzwords

With ATS playing a greater role by the day in screening resumes, it is important that your CV is rich with all the relevant keywords. Buzzwords like channel sales, territory expansion, negotiating and closing, inside sales, outside sales, sales expansion, product marketing, sales presentation and more deserve a mention on a sales resume.

Tip #6

Confidentiality should be given due attention

Sales strategies and performances are considered confidential information in most organizations. No company would like to give away its sales success strategies, therefore, make sure not to include any information that would compromise your current or past employers’ confidential information. You can of course include information that is already in the public knowledge. Giving away confidential information puts a very strong question mark on your integrity. This should also be remembered while giving an interview for a sales job.

Contributor: Saurabh Tyagi

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