Outside sales can be challenging. Your resume should show skills, experience, and results. In this article, we provide examples and advice to help you. Learn to highlight your achievements, and use industry terms hiring managers look for. Get tips on structure, keywords, and what to avoid.
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Here's what we see in the best resumes for outside sales roles:
Show Impact With Numbers: The best resumes use metrics to show outcomes. Highlight achievements like
Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Demonstrate Industry Knowledge: Show that you know the industry. Use phrases like
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Place the education section after your work experience on your resume if you have been in the workforce for a while. This shows your practical skills and success in sales first, which are critical in outside sales roles.
If you have recently finished a significant course like a sales training program, put your education before your experience. This highlights your new knowledge which is valuable when dealing with diverse customers and understanding different sales techniques.
Include specific sales metrics like revenue generated, accounts managed, or percentage of sales growth. For instance, 'Increased sales by 20% in Q1 2022.'
These numbers show your success and make your resume stand out. Employers want to see how you have performed in previous sales roles.
Keep your resume for outside sales roles concise. If you have less than 10 years of sales-related experience, aim for one page. This shows you understand the value of clear, straightforward communication. Highlight your core achievements and relevant job experiences to grab attention quickly.
For seasoned sales professionals with a wealth of experience, a two-page resume can be effective. Be sure to prioritize. Start with your most recent and relevant sales successes on the first page, ensuring these highlights are seen first. Remember, use space wisely and maintain good readability with standard margins and font sizes.
Networking is key in the sales industry. Join industry groups and attend events. Mention any relevant associations or professional groups you are part of on your resume.
Show any connections or relationships you have built with clients. Employers appreciate a strong network in the sales field.
When you apply for a job in outside sales, it is important to make sure your resume can be read by applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems help hiring managers by sorting through many resumes quickly. Here are some tips to help your resume show up well in these systems.
When tailoring your resume for a position in outside sales, focus on your impact. Detail how your work has led directly to sales growth and customer acquisition. Employers look for strong evidence of your ability to sell and meet targets, so showing measurable achievements is key. Use precise, relevant terms that clearly communicate your sales credentials.
When you update your resume, it's important to show skills that prove you're good at selling. You should list these in a skills section. This helps your resume get past the automated tracking systems (ATS) that many companies use.
Choose skills that match the jobs you want. You don't need to list everything. Think about what you're good at and what the job ad asks for. Put your skills near the top of your resume so they're easy to find.
If you're good at using any specific sales tools or software, include these too. This shows employers that you're ready to start with less training. Remember, keep your sentences short and your language simple so the hiring manager can see your skills quickly.
When you update your resume, showing that you have moved up or led a team is key. Think about your work in outside sales – have you ever trained new team members or led a project? These are signs of leadership. If you've been promoted, this shows growth. Let's look at how you can show this.
Even if you're not sure, think about times when you took charge or helped others. Did you ever step in when your manager was away? Or maybe you were chosen to show new software to your team. These all show leadership. Here are ways to include them:
As a hiring manager, I recommend you show your value by including numbers in your resume. Numbers make your achievements clear and easy to understand. For example, you can use percentages to show growth in your territory or the number of new accounts you've opened.
Think about your work as an outside sales professional. What have you done that had a measurable impact? Here are some ways you can quantify your effect:
Even if you're unsure about the exact numbers, you can estimate. Think back to specific sales goals or milestones and how you met or exceeded these. It's better to show an educated guess of your impact than to leave out this critical information. Remember, numbers stand out and provide solid proof of your success in sales roles.
If you've taken on leadership roles or earned promotions in outside sales, it's crucial to highlight these achievements on your resume. Here are ways to show your growth and leadership:
Remember to keep your descriptions clear and simple. You want to make it easy for hiring managers to see your leadership skills and career growth.
When you apply for roles in outside sales, it's important to show how you've grown. If you've been a leader or moved up in a company, your resume should reflect that. This tells hiring managers that you have a track record of success and the potential for more.
Think of times you took the lead on a project or helped your team reach a goal. These are good examples to include. Remember, even if you were not formally a manager, showing you took on extra responsibilities can count as leadership.