Sales CV—Examples and 25+ Writing Tips

Why don’t most sales CVs close the sale?

It’s simple.

They say a lot of what they’ve done.

But they don’t prove sales skills.

But—

You can do it if you brainstorm the right sales achievements first.

In this guide:

• A sales CV sample better than most.
• How to make a good sales job description for CVs.
• How to write a CV for sales that Zig Ziglar would be proud of.
• Why you can’t just list sales skills (and what to do instead).

Save hours of work and get a CV like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 21 CV templates and download your CV now.

Create your CV now

CREATE YOUR CV NOW

What users say about Resumelab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your CV.”
Patrick

I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work!
Dylan 

My previous CV was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful!
George

Create your CV now

Need something slightly different? See our other guides:

• Sales Representative CV
• Sales Associate CV
• Sales Manager CV
• Customer Service CV
• Retail CV
• Store Manager CV
• Call Centre CV
• Account Manager CV
• Real Estate CV

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our CV Examples For Any Job.

Sales CV Sample You Can Copy and Use

Now here’s how to write a sales CV they’ll love:

1. Start With the Best Sales CV Format

Salespeople sell goods and services for companies. They must develop strong relationships with customers, see to client needs, and possess in-depth product knowledge. That’s why a sales CV has to show evidence you’ve used those skills in the everyday business world.

But a poorly-formatted CV for sales is no sale at all.

So—

Stay presentable with these tips:

Sales CV Format

• Lead off with the reverse-chronological format.
• Use good CV fonts like Verdana or Cambria in 10–12pt.
• Include white space and use 1-inch margins.
• Write a one-page CV unless you’re Larry Ellison.
• Use these CV sections: Header, Objective, Experience, Education, Skills, and “Additional” sections.

Expert Hint: Save your CV as a PDF. They keep clean formatting on all devices. But check the job posting to see if PDFs are a no-no.

2. Write a Sales CV Objective or Summary

I’ve got some bad news.

The hiring manager’s desk overflows with applications.

Many are quite good.

How can you make sure she reads yours carefully?

With a well-written sales CV objective or CV summary.

Include:

1. One adjective (high-performing, personable, efficient)
2. Job title (Sales Rep)
3. Years of experience (5+, 7+)
4. How you’ll help (raise sales revenue)
5. Best few achievements (fostered relationships with 120+ physicians, here you can learn how to list achievements and awards)

These outside sales CV examples show how:

Sales CV Summary—Example

High-performing sales rep with 5+ years of experience. Seeking to raise Merck's sales revenue with solid relationship-building and customer education skills. At Rozer, fostered relationships with 120+ physicians, beating all sales targets by 15% and closing 22% more sales in each period.

Goal-oriented, team-player sales rep, highly skilled in closing sales and building customer relationships, seeking full-time sales position with a high-end firm. Deep knowledge of customer education. Builds high-level product knowledge fast. Adept at collaboration and meeting KPIs.

North, meet South.

The first of those CV samples is a modern-day Billy Mays. It shows you know the art of selling.

The second sounds like empty bragging. (Hint: it’s the numbers—or their lack!)

Writing an entry-level CV for sales jobs?

It’s not hard.

Just use sales-accomplishments from non sales jobs, like this:

Sales CV Objective—Example

Passionate sales rep, skilled in relationship building and closing sales, seeking an entry-level sales position at Merck. As bookkeeper in distribution company, built strong relationships with 150+ customers. Closed 20 sales per day in telemarketing position while maintaining deep knowledge of 700+ items in our catalogue.

Entry-level sales rep with no real-world sales experience yet, but I’m highly personable and dedicated to meeting customer needs. Can start immediately and will learn fast on the job.

Okay, you’re no Don Draper. But that first entry-level sales example does the job.

Expert Hint: Use the company name in your sales skills CV summary or objective. That gives a hint that you’re not just applying to every job you see with blinders on.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your CV in our CV builder now.

CREATE YOUR CV NOW

3. Write the Best Sales Job Description

A career in sales is massive.

How do you fit that big career onto a single sheet of paper?

Well—

You don’t. You just put the parts they really care about.

How to write a sales job description:

1. Look at the online job ad to find what the employer wants.
2. Jot down the sales duties and skills they mention.
3. Write some times you used those skills.
4. Put the results you achieved in your sales CV.
5. Add numbers that show your actions mattered.

These outside sales CV examples show how:

Sales Job Description for CV [Sample]

Job ad wants these sales skills: (1) relationship building (2) closing (3) product knowledge.

Outside Sales Representative

Rozer Pharmaceuticals

2016–2019

• Outside sales rep for 200+ clients in a large pharmaceutical business.
• Beat sales targets by 15% in each period.
• Developed relationships with 120+ physicians.
• Closed 22% more sales than other reps in the department.
• Scored 98% or better in quarterly product knowledge quizzes.
• Conducted 30+ in-person meetings per week.

• Responsible for all sales rep duties in large pharmaceutical business.
• Worked directly with physician clients to serve their needs.
• Tasked with keeping up-to-date knowledge of all products.
• Handled regular in-person meetings with customers.

No contest.

The first of those sales CV examples can’t be oversold. It shows specific skills the hiring team is searching for, with detailed numbers.

Writing an entry-level sales skills CV? See this:

Entry-Level Sales CV Job Description [Sample]

Job ad wants these sales skills: (1) relationship building (2) collaboration (3) closing sales (4) product knowledge.

Sales Representative Experience

Various

2019–2014

• As bookkeeper for distribution company, built relationships with 150 customers.
• Collaborated with 25 other staff members to raise revenue by 20%.
• In telemarketing job, closed 20 sales per day on average.
• Maintained high-level product knowledge for 700-item catalogue.

Bookkeeper

2013–2014

• Responsible for making timely payments to suppliers.
• Put expense and income entries in the accounting system.
• Informed clients and staff about regulatory requirements.
• Assisted with administration of payroll.

Telemarketer 

2009–2013

• Handled 90+ inbound calls from potential clients per day.
• Took sales orders by phone.
• Completed all documentation in a timely fashion.

Be careful.

The second inside sales CV example shows you didn’t have a CV gap. But it also doesn’t show you built sales skills during those non-sales jobs.

Make sure to put the right hard and soft skills on your CV for the right CV keywords mix.

20 Most ImportantSkills for a Sales CV

Soft Skills	Hard Skills
Interpersonal Skills	Product Knowledge
Listening	Rapport Building
Communication	Relationship Building
Time Management	Prospecting
Collaboration	Objection Handling
Problem Solving	Customer Needs Analysis
Self-Motivated	Product Demo
Responsible	Relationship Management
Adaptable	Closing Sales
Goal-Oriented	Research

Expert Tip: Always pick your skills directly from the job ad. The sales skills above are a nice start, but if the posting doesn’t mention them, consider skipping them.

4. Turn Boring Education to a Reason to Hire You

A CV for sales jobs doesn’t need a PhD.

But don’t blow it.

If you don’t use your schooling to prove key skills, you’re throwing away leverage.

Use your CV’s education section to add more proof-of-skills.

These medical inside sales CV examples show how:

Sales Education—Example

Education 

BS in Chemistry, Texas State University

2009–2013

• Maintained a 3.9 GPA in all core chemistry classes.
• Pursued a passion for sales electives.
• Student Leader, Student Activities Staff

See that?

You were building sales and leadership skills, way back in school. 

Expert Hint: If you did special projects in school or had some publications, show it in your sales CV. If you graduated a long time ago, make your education section short.

6. Build Your Sales CV With Bonus Sections

You’re not done.

A sales CV has to show you’ve got “it.”

Do that with other sections in your CV:

• Additional Activities
• Certifications
• Conferences
• Freelance Work
• Awards & Honours
• Volunteer Experience
• Continuing Education
• Publications
• Foreign Languages
• Professional Associations

These two pharmaceutical sales CV examples show how:

Sales CV—Extra Sections

Sales Certification

• CNPR Pharmaceutical Sales Rep — NAPSR

Additional Activities

• Built relationships to secure £100K funding for local school.
• Active member, NAPSR.
• Participate in regular sales meetups.
• Leader, weekly cycling group, raised membership 150%.

Publications

2019 Hubspot, "Building Deep Customer Relationships" 

2018 Fast Company, "How I Closed 10% More Sales with 10% Less Effort"

Conferences

2018 Clinical Trials Conference, led session on Alzheimer's drug testing

2017 Regulatory Affairs Conference

That’s obvious.

The first of those medical sales CV samples could get you in at Pfizer.

It works because it uses “other” sections to demonstrate more sales skills.

Expert Hint: Write a cover letter. Nearly half the sales hiring teams out there won’t read your CV without a sales cover letter attached. Make it passionate and show you’ll fit the job.

Double your impact with a matching CV and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Key Points

For a sales CV that gets jobs:

• Use the sales CV template up top. It connects you to the hiring team by tapping their needs.
• Put sales achievements in your CV objective, experience, education, and “other” sections to prove you’re no Tommy Boy.
• List the best sales skills. They’re written in the job posting, in the sales job description.
• Write a sales cover letter. Use it to show you understand the job’s needs. Then show a few key sales achievements, so they’ll know you fit.

Got questions on how to write a great CV for sales jobs? Not sure how to show sales on a CV? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Approach

At ResumeLab, excellence lies at the heart of our values, underpinning our promise to provide outstanding career resources. Our team of career experts meticulously assesses each article in line with our editorial guidelines, guaranteeing our content's high quality and dependability. We consistently engage in original research, illuminating the nuances of the job market and earning acclaim from various influential news outlets. Our commitment to delivering professional career advice draws millions of readers to our blog annually.