How to Write a Sales Executive Resume—Example & Guide

Are you a sales professional aiming to elevate your career trajectory? Crafting an all-star sales executive resume is your first step towards landing the golden sales positions.

For a sales executive resume to land you in the big leagues, you need more than just a list of skills and responsibilities. You need to show the company that with you on board, the line will always go up.

In this guide:

• A sales executive resume sample worthy of a Fortune 500 company.
• How to craft an effective job description for your sales executive resume.
• Proven techniques and real-life examples to enhance your chances of landing a top sales executive role.

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder with 20+ resume templates and create your resume now.

Create your resume now

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.”
Patrick

I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work!
Dylan 

My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful!
George

Create your resume now

If you’re looking for other management resume guides, check out:

• Business Resume
• Case Manager Resume
• CEO Resume
• CFO Resume
• General Manager Resume
• Marketing Director Resume
• Office Manager Resume
• Product Owner Resume
• Program Manager Resume
• Supervisor Resume

Sales Executive Resume Example

Sales executives promote and sell products or services to customers. Their primary goal is to generate revenue by identifying potential clients, understanding their needs, and persuading them to purchase.

1. Choose the Best Format for Your Sales Executive Resume

Your sales executive resume is your personal brand statement. It’s what you use to attract, engage, and maintain interest. Recruiters are time-sensitive creatures, so make every second of their time count with a professional and easy-to-read resume format.

Here’s how to do it:

• Use the best resume style for you. The reverse-chronological format puts your most recent work experience at the forefront, but you should use it only if you have no gaps in employment. If you do, choose a skills-based resume or a combination format instead.
• Set the font on your resume to a readable classic like Cambria or Times New Roman in a 10–12pt.
• Have the margins on the resume be at least 1 inch on all sides. Additionally, set the spacing to 1.15 to allow some beneficial white space to enter the document. In the sales world, clarity and professionalism are non-negotiable.
• Since you’re a seasoned professional, you don’t need to go out of your way to keep the resume on one page. You can opt for a two-page resume to present all of your relevant work experience.

2. Write a Summary for Your Sales Executive Resume

A resume introduction is the elevator pitch of your job application. In a few short lines, you tout your achievements, showcase your skills, and state your intent to close the deal on that job. To write an effective resume summary, follow these rules:

1. Use a poweradjective (efficient, reliable)
2. Add your job title (Sales Executive)
3. Showcase years of experience (7+, 10+)
4. Present your skills (CRM software and market analysis)
5. Highlight the nicest 1–3 achievements (150% increase in sales within the first year)

Expert Hint: If you opted for a combination resume format, see our guide on how to make a summary of qualifications. This type of introduction will fit the hybrid resume style better.

3. Create the Perfect Sales Executive Resume Job Description and Skills Section

Here's where you flex your sales muscle. Your resume job description, and skills section prove your ability to deliver results.

You can’t just list duties here. This will tank your stock in an instant. You must paint the full picture of your impact:

• Take your time reading the job ad.
• List standard details such as job title, company name, dates of employment, and location.
• Utilize bullet points to highlight specific successes and responsibilities within each role rather than just listing duties.
• Quantify your achievements on a resume with hard numbers—like exceeding targets by 150% or building a client base of 500+. This will solidify your standing as a top sales performer.
• Be selective in your choices - only include experiences that are relevant and showcase your skills in a positive manner. 

Sales is a battlefield where only the sharpest tricks and tools will suffice. To make your sales executive resume combat-ready, remember to include both soft skills that emphasize your interpersonal talent and hard skills (your technical savviness).

List about 5–10 key skills on your resume for a sales executive position. Below, you’ll find some of the most popular ones.

Sales Executive Resume Skills

• Negotiation skills
• Relationship-building abilities
• CRM software expertise
• Market analysis proficiency
• Time management skills
• Communication skills
• Creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Sales techniques and strategic thinking
• Persuasion and influence tactics
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Organizational skills
• Administrative skills
• Leadership abilities
• Customer service orientation

Expert Hint: As seen on Selling Power, over 96% of respondents of the Second Nature Sales Coaching Survey agree that effective sales coaching made a big difference in the performance of their salespeople. If you have experience coaching others, don’t hesitate to show it.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now.

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now.

4. Show the Best of Your Education 

Education on a resume may not always be the make-or-break factor in sales, but it can certainly help if it's showcased correctly.

Make sure to list your universty name, degree, and graduation date. You can stop there. After all, what makes a sales executive is the vast number of professional achievements.

But you can also push further. Shine some light on academic achievements and relevant coursework that set you on the path to sales success. Do it only if they bring some impact or prove previous points on your resume.

5. Finish Strong With Bonus Sections

Sometimes, it's the extra something that can seal the deal. Additional sections on your resume can pique interest and show a unique dimension to your sales persona. Consider adding 1–3 of the following:

• Volunteering: Volunteering experience can demonstrate leadership and community engagement, which are highly valued in sales.
• Language Levels: Highlight fluency or proficiency in any additional languages to underline your ability to connect with a diverse clientele.
• Hobbies and Interests: Only list them if they demonstrate traits beneficial to sales, such as competitive sports indicating a personal drive and competitive spirit.
• Certificates: They enhance your credibility and signal potential employers that you are proactive in acquiring and refining the skills necessary for success.
• Publications: Include any articles, papers, or publications you have authored or co-authored related to sales, business development, or industry-specific topics.
• Professional Memberships: Present memberships in industry associations, sales organizations, or networking groups relevant to your career. 

Expert Hint: Boost your job application by writing a sales executive cover letter. Make sure to highlight your specific achievements and experiences that demonstrate your success in driving sales and building strong relationships with clients.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

Key Points

Your sales executive resume should be a living, breathing reflection of your abilities and potential. Remember to:

• Use a well-structured and clean format to present your information logically and compellingly.
• Focus on a strong resume summary that encapsulates your value proposition.
• Tailor your job descriptions to emphasize quantifiable achievements and relevant skills.
• Add beneficial bonus sections to round out your sales story.

Ready to revamp your sales executive resume and command the attention it deserves? Hope you're excited to take the next step in your career. Share your insights and experiences with the community below. And if you have any questions, ask ahead. I’ll answer them as soon as possible.

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines, ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets. Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.