How to Write a Sales Resume

Writing a sales resume is somewhat different than writing an administrative or other professional resume. When creating a sales resume, you should emphasize achievements and results rather than merely listing previous jobs and responsibilities. In sales, the goal is profit and you need to show your potential employer how you can contribute.

As with all resumes, start with your name, mailing address, telephone number and email address at the top of the resume.

The first section of your resume should be an objective or summary statement. The objective statement should be one or two sentences summing up the goals of your job search. You can choose to have a summary statement instead, which will basically summarize your career in sales in a few short, concise sentences.

Next, you will list your previous employment. Make a list of your previous sales jobs, including dates of employment and position held. This list should be in chronological order, starting with your most recent position.

The meat of your resume will be in the next section entitled, "Achievements." In a bulleted list, give specifics on what you have accomplished at your prior sales jobs. If you increased company sales by 40 percent over a six month period, then state that. If you have won any sales awards or honors, list those too. Be very specific - this is the part of the resume where you are proving your worth to a potential employer.

Add a final section under "Training" or "Certifications." In this section, you should create another bulleted list with any certifications you have received. Additionally, you should list any sales seminars, workshops or training programs that you have attended.

At the bottom of your resume, you can list two or three references, including phone numbers. If you do not want to include references on the resume, just make a note that "References are available upon request."

Be sure to proofread your resume. Typographical errors turn off every employer.

Print the resume and you are ready to go get that sales job!