Resume formats vary depending on the industry and position sought, and depending on the goals and experiences of the candidate. The job of a resume is to obtain an interview for you – your job is to win over the employer during the interview so an employment offer will be made.
 

Sales resumes present their own particular style with certain attributes expected in all Sales related resumes no matter the industry. Your resume must sell you to all readers. This is important for two reasons. The first is that all resumes should be written as selling tools, promotional documents. The second reason which is equally important is that many employers feel the sell-ability of your resume directly reflects your potential sell-ability for their company. Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer may have of you. The more effectively you sell your skills and potential using a brilliantly persuasive resume the more likely you’ll get called in for an interview. 

The first section is the most important part of the resume because it is the most read. It should display the title of the position you are seeking and the focused objective statement for which the entire resume is directed. Often a table displaying a core skill set including negotiation skills, strategic marketing skills, product launching, new market development or presentation / communication skills follows it.  

A Qualifications Summary can be used along with a skill set or alone but should be included in the top third portion on the first page of the resume. The purpose of the summary is to immediately promote your strongest skills and experience. It should not be used as an objective statement which describes what you want from the position. Your resume is to promote what you can do for others, not what you want others to do for you. The summary should be concise and inviting. Depending on the industry, specifics can be incorporated into the summary such as pharmaceutical knowledge or experience developing financial services as well as selling them. 

The next section is the Professional Experience area, it should promote your selling experience and the skills sought in the job description for which the resume is written. Each past position should emphasize your knowledge of the products or services sold and the market you sold in, marketing abilities, team participation skills, communication and negotiation abilities and your customer service experience. Even if you have limited sales experience other positions can still demonstrate many of the skills needed for a successful job. All positions should also highlight your tangible achievements including awards, promotions you have secured, and actual sales figures showing increases in revenues, productivity or sales percentages.  

Those with progressive careers in sales will undoubtedly advance in to management level positions. With these management positions additional skills will be looked for such as leadership; operations, budget and resource management; training implementations; problem resolution and customer relations. Supervision experience will also be looked for including staff size, and increases in sales, quotas or market shares. Remember to use actual numbers whenever possible; employers want to see concrete evidence of accomplishments and your contribution leading past sales teams. 

The next area on your resume is the Educational Background portion. If you have recently graduated from college (last 1-2 years) this area can be placed before the Professional Experience. It should include all formal education and any seminars, training programs or certifications related to your career. If you have had a career change, unrelated seminar experience or certifications do not need to be included on your new resume unless they can enhance your credentials. 

It is important to know the skills and achievements the companies you are looking at are focusing on. The skills, experiences and related education sought by your targeted company should be emphasized and emphasized on your resume and in your cover letter. Both documents should reflect what you could do for the company not the other way around.  

Employers are interested in what your potential contribution to their company and look for examples illustrated in your resume of what you have done for past employers and if you will fit in with the company’s unique environment. A well written resume that is focused and concise as well as easy to read and with no typos, will attract the right kind of employers extending interviews for the right jobs for you.