Free Sales Resume Templates & Examples

Sales Resume Template (Text)

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be clear, professional, and easy to find at the top of your resume.

Make sure to include:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• City and state (ZIP code is optional)
• LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio (if relevant)

PRO TIP

Skip including personal details such as age, religious beliefs, or social media profiles on your resume unless specifically requested by the employer.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introduction in two to four sentences that highlights your key qualifications and gives hiring managers a quick overview of who you are. Its purpose is to capture attention and motivate employers to read further about your experience and skills.

Typically located at the top of your resume, this profile can be presented as either a summary or an objective, each serving distinct functions. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best option for your job search:

• A resume summary highlights key achievements, skills, and relevant experiences that align with your career goals in sales. This format is particularly useful for professionals with a solid work history or those changing roles who want to demonstrate their contributions and impact in the field.
• A resume objective highlights your career aspirations and what you aim to achieve in your next role. It’s especially beneficial for recent grads, coding bootcamp graduates, or professionals transitioning into sales with limited experience in the field.

Let’s take a look at an example of each to see how a resume summary and a resume objective differ:

Sales resume summary example:

Sales resume objective example:

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume is an important selling point. Employers assess your job history to understand not only the roles you’ve held but also the measurable impact you’ve achieved.

Your sales experience demonstrates how your skills in client relationship management and revenue generation align with the expectations of the target role.

The work experience section should contain:

• Job title
• Employer name and location
• Dates of employment (month/year)
• 3–5 bullet points describing your relevant responsibilities and achievements

Tailor your content to reflect the specific sales role you’re pursuing. Start each bullet point with an action verb (like “Achieved,” “Negotiated,” “Closed”) to create a stronger impact and highlight your contributions.

Incorporate quantifiable information or metrics whenever possible. Specific numbers and achievements illustrate your value and help differentiate you from other job seekers in the competitive sales market.

Consider using the following format:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Explore more examples of work experience tailored for sales professionals further down the page.

4. Skills

This skills section provides a concise overview of your sales abilities, showcasing relevant strengths in the field. It aids hiring managers in quickly evaluating your qualifications for potential roles.

Skills can be categorized into three groups:

• Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how well sales professionals interact with clients and colleagues. Key examples include active listening, persuasion, adaptability, and relationship-building.
• Hard skills are specific, quantifiable abilities gained through education, training, or direct experience. For sales professionals, examples include conducting market research, using CRM software, and developing persuasive sales pitches.
• Technical skills are the specific abilities required to perform tasks in a particular field. In sales, this includes skill with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, sales analytics tools, and email marketing platforms.

In general, aim to showcase a diverse array of relevant skills that align with the job requirements to illustrate your professional strengths. Find additional sales skills examples further down the page.

PRO TIP

If you’re an entry-level sales professional, consider placing your skills section near the top of your resume just after your summary. For those with more experience, it’s beneficial to position this section lower, weaving your skills throughout your work history for a more integrated approach.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume can improve the clarity of your qualifications. Begin by listing your most recent or relevant degree, including the degree type and the institution’s name.

If you have recently graduated, add details like your graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or higher), any honors received, and relevant coursework to give a fuller picture of your academic achievements.

Sales resume education section example:

PRO TIP

If you’re advancing from an Associate Degree in Sales Management to a Bachelor of Business Administration in Sales, or have earned another relevant degree, list them both in reverse-chronological order.

6. Certifications

Listing certifications on your resume can help bridge the gap when you have limited sales experience. While this section is not always included in traditional resumes, it’s incredibly valuable for most professionals in the industry. Employers often seek specific credentials for specialized roles, such as digital marketing certifications or sales management training.

Be sure to include only relevant certifications that improve your candidacy. Keep them current and clearly formatted to ensure they stand out to potential employers.

Sales certification examples:

• Certified Sales Professional (CSP) | Sales and Marketing Executives International | Expires: 01/2028
• Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP) | AA-ISP | Expires: 04/2027
• HubSpot Sales Software Certification | HubSpot Academy | Expires: 08/2028
• Salesforce Certified Administrator | Salesforce | Expires: 12/2027

Popular Resume Bullets for Saless

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder — based on what hiring managers respond to most.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV