To land a SaaS account executive role, your resume needs to show strong sales skills and software knowledge. In this article, we provide proven resume examples along with advice from hiring managers. Learn how to highlight your achievements, what keywords to use, and how to format effectively.
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Here's what we see in top SaaS account executive resumes.
Show Measurable Impact: The best resumes show impact with numbers:
Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned in the job description. Some popular ones are
Tailor For Seniority: Senior roles need more experience. Include phrases like
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For SaaS account executives, the position of your education section can change based on your experience. If you are an entry-level hire, place education at the top. This shows employers your recent qualifications.
If you have been in this field for some time, list education after your work experience. However, if you've completed significant additional education recently, place it before your experience to explain any gaps in employment.
In the SaaS industry, you'll want to highlight specific technical skills like CRM proficiency and familiarity with SaaS product lifecycles. Employers look for these competencies.
Also, showcase your ability to work in fast-paced environments by listing examples of handling high volumes of sales or managing multiple accounts simultaneously.
Keep your resume to one page if you have under 10 years of experience. This length is enough to show your skills and achievements as a SaaS account executive. When you have more experience, especially in sales roles that require a record of success, two pages can provide the necessary space to detail your career progress and key wins. For senior professionals, a two-page resume is acceptable to cover the breadth of your experience.
Focus on your most relevant sales experiences and skills. Make sure your most impressive achievements in software sales are on the first page to grab attention. Use simple templates and clear formatting to maximize space. Convey your ability to understand customer needs and manage a sales cycle effectively within this space. Removing less relevant information will ensure your resume remains succinct and impactful.
Provide quantifiable sales achievements like meeting or exceeding quotas, or increasing customer retention rates. Numbers make your accomplishments clear and concrete.
Mention relevant certifications or training in sales methodologies (e.g., SPIN Selling) to show you understand sales strategies used in the SaaS industry.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can be a hurdle in your job search, but with the right approach, you can make sure your resume stands out to hiring managers. Remember, the ATS is designed to scan for keywords and phrases that match the job description. To improve your chances as an account executive in the software as a service (SaaS) field, focus on including relevant terms.
Here are some tips to help your resume pass the ATS:
You should change your resume to match each job you apply for. This shows you have the right skills and experience. It also shows you understand what the job needs. A good resume for a software as a service sales role should have details that show you can sell software and work with clients well.
When creating your resume, focus on your achievements, not just job duties. This helps you stand out as a strong candidate for account executive roles in software services. You want to show how you've made a real impact.
Instead of listing common responsibilities, like 'managed client accounts,' be specific about what you achieved. For example:
Avoid just saying you 'met sales targets.' Instead, give details like:
These changes help you prove your value to potential employers.
When you're looking to land a job in software sales, your resume should highlight the specific skills that show you can do the job well. Remember, you don't need every skill listed, but focus on the ones that best match your experience and the role you're aiming for.
Here are some important skills to consider:
Include these skills in a dedicated section on your resume to help you get past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) screening. The ATS is software that helps hiring managers by sorting through resumes to find the ones that best match the job description. By using the same words and phrases that are in the job posting, you can increase your chances of your resume getting noticed. Also, be sure to give examples of how you've used these skills in your past roles, ideally with measurable results, like how you've grown a customer base or met sales targets.
When you're looking to impress as a candidate for a SaaS sales role, it's key to show any leadership experience or promotions you've earned. This not only reflects your ability to lead but also your growth within a company.
Think about times you've guided a team or led a project. Even if you weren't in a formal leadership role, instances where you took charge can demonstrate your potential. Here are ways to show this:
Remember to focus on results and the impact of your leadership. Use clear numbers or outcomes to show your success. For example:
When you write your resume, showing your impact in past roles is key. Numbers help. They make your achievements clear and easy to understand. Here's how you can use metrics to show your success:
Also, consider how you've helped clients. Have you increased their efficiency or saved them time?
Use these tips to think about your work. Even if you're not sure of the exact numbers, make a good estimate. Use numbers that show your strong impact. This will help your resume stand out.
When you're applying for account executive positions at SaaS firms, remember that your resume should reflect the company's size. If you're targeting a big company like Salesforce or Oracle, highlight your ability to manage large portfolios and navigate complex sales cycles. Use phrases like 'Managed accounts with annual contracts exceeding $500,000' to show your experience with significant deals.
On the other hand, if you're aiming for a role at a smaller startup, such as a company like Slack in its early days or Zoom before it became a household name, focus on your adaptability and direct impact. You might say 'Drove a 40% increase in customer base through targeted outreach and personalized demo presentations'. Small companies value hands-on experience as you'll likely handle a broader range of tasks.