Salesman Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2025

Crafting a salesman resume might feel like closing a tough deal—but with the right pitch, it's a lot easier. It's all about presenting your selling points clearly and confidently, just like you would with any great product.

In this article, we’ll walk you through each section step by step, with practical tips, real-life sales resume examples and templates to help you seal the deal with your next employer.

Sales Agent at SelectQuote Resume Sample

Hired by:

SalesQuote

Hired by:

SalesQuote

Insurance Sales Agent Resume Example

Sales Agent Resume Example

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In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a winning salesman resume. Keep reading and learn how to:

• Explore resume examples tailored to different sales roles and experience levels
• Pick the right resume format to highlight your sales strengths
• Write a summary or objective that grabs attention in the sales industry
• Highlight the most in-demand salesman skills employers look for
• Showcase your sales achievements with metrics that matter
• Use strong action verbs that reflect your ability to close deals
• Properly list your education and salesman training
• Add bonus sections that set your salesman resume apart
• Avoid the most common resume mistakes made by salesmen
• Pair your resume with a persuasive salesman cover letter
• Access top resources designed for sales job seekers

Sales clerk resume example

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Why does this sales resume work?

• Clear sales focus: The resume immediately positions Kimberley as an experienced sales professional, with a summary that highlights results, recognition, and education—all aligned with a sales-driven role.
• Quantifiable achievements: Mentioning a 24% cost reduction and multiple “Employee of the Month” awards gives credibility and quantifies success in a meaningful way.
• Certified expertise: Kimberley holds a Certified Sales Professional credential (you’ll find the full two-page resume when you click on the sample and scroll down). This adds weight to her qualifications and shows commitment to the profession.

What could be improved?

• Certification could be more visible: Since it’s tucked away on page two, there’s a risk readers might miss it. Referencing it in the summary or moving it higher up could ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
• Could use more action verbs: Some bullet points (e.g., “Managed multiple daily sales operations”) could be made more dynamic and specific to better reflect sales impact.
• Too many soft skills listed: The “Strengths” section could be trimmed down or woven into the experience section for more context and better flow.

Sales promoter resume example

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Why does this sale promoter resume work?

• Strong leadership experience: Willem’s leadership role in managing a team of Sales Promoters, combined with his track record of exceeding sales targets, positions him as a results-driven professional.
• Impressive achievements: Notable accomplishments like increasing sales by 30%, reducing costs by 12%, and earning multiple Employee of the Month awards give strong evidence of his performance.
• Certified expertise: Willem holds the Certified Sales Manager certification (you’ll find the full two-page resume when you click on the sample and scroll down), which adds credibility and demonstrates a commitment to professional growth.

What could be improved?

• Resume summary could be more specific: The resume summary is broad and could be more tailored to a specific role or employer. Adding a mention of the types of industries or clients Willem has worked with, or the specific challenges he excels at solving, would provide more clarity.
• Potential for more specificity in experience bullet points: Some of the bullet points, such as “Worked on the development and implementation of a new promotional planning system,” could benefit from more specific details about the impact of his work (e.g. results, metrics, improvements).

Sales agent resume example

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Hired by SalesQuote

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Why does this resume work?

• Extensive sales experience: With over 25 years in sales, Andrew demonstrates a wealth of experience across multiple roles, industries, and client types, making him a versatile and seasoned professional.
• Strong skill set: The inclusion of key sales skills, like cold calling, negotiating, and handling objections, directly supports the candidate’s expertise in the field and highlights a hands-on, practical approach to sales.

What could be improved?

• Summary could be more specific: While the profile covers a broad range of skills and experience, it could be more tailored to the specific sales role Andrew is targeting. A sharper focus on specific industries or markets he excels in could provide greater relevance.
• Job description repetition: There’s some redundancy in how responsibilities are described, particularly in the Sales Development Representative and Sr Account Manager roles. Consolidating similar duties (e.g. lead generation and client communication) would make the experience section more concise and impactful.
• No mention of certifications or professional development: Given Andrew’s extensive experience, adding any relevant certifications, training, or courses would demonstrate continued professional growth.

1. Pick the right resume format to highlight your sales strengths

Sales is one of those fields where people come from a variety of backgrounds. Some have studied business, others have taken specialized courses, and some have switched careers entirely. And others have been in sales their whole life.

Because of this variety, your experience can look quite different from someone else’s.

That’s where choosing the right resume format comes in—it helps you highlight what you’ve done and how your unique path sets you apart.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main resume formats you can choose depending on your career stage: 

1. Reverse-chronological: This one starts with your most recent job and works backward. It’s perfect for people with a solid, steady sales career who want to show their progression over time. If you’ve worked your way up in sales, this is the format for you.
2. Functional (skills-based): Instead of focusing on your job history, this format highlights your skills. It’s great for people who are switching careers, have gaps in their work history, or are new to sales but have transferable skills. It puts the spotlight on what you can do, not when you did it.
3. Combined (hybrid): A mix of both—skills come first, followed by your experience. This format works well for those with a combination of relevant skills and a diverse work history. It’s ideal if you have transferable experience from other roles or industries that can benefit your sales career.

Other formatting tips for sales resume includes: 

• Stick to one page (unless you're highly experienced): For most sales professionals, your resume should be one page, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. A longer resume can look overwhelming, and a shorter one might seem incomplete. 
• Make sure your resume is ATS-friendly: Use a simple, single-column layout, avoid images or graphics, and stick to standard fonts (like Arial or Calibri). And use keywords from the job description. This will help your resume get past the initial automated screening and into the hands of hiring managers.
• Use standard resume sections: Ensure your resume includes the essential sections, such as contact information, resume summary, work experience, skills, and education. 
• Keep formatting consistent: Your resume should be visually appealing and easy to skim. Stick to a professional font, use bold for section headings and job titles, and avoid excessive styling. Make sure your dates are formatted consistently and use bullet points instead of long paragraphs to make it easy for recruiters to quickly find key details.

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2. Write a summary or objective that grabs attention in the sales industry

Your resume summary and objective are different but both serve a similar purpose—giving employers a quick snapshot of who you are professionally. While a resume summary is more suited for those with an extensive sales experience, a resume objective is a better choice for those just starting out in this business. In either case, both should be placed at the top of your resume and designed to grab attention.

Writing a strong resume summary

For experienced salesmen, your resume summary should quickly showcase your achievements, sales skills, and industry knowledge. Focus on quantifiable results (like sales growth) and your ability to close deals, build relationships, or manage teams.

Summary components include:

• A brief career overview (e.g., years of experience) that includes your sales experience and specialization (B2B, B2C, inside/outside sales, etc.)
• Quantifiable achievements (e.g., exceeding sales targets, generating new business, increasing revenue)
• Sales skills like negotiation, closing, relationship building, and lead generation
• Industry-specific experience or familiarity with relevant tools (e.g., CRM systems, sales automation tools)

Now, let's take a look at some good and bad examples of salesman resume summaries:

Why is it lacking? This summary is far too generic and doesn’t showcase any real sales expertise. It fails to mention any achievements, skills, or what makes the candidate stand out in a competitive field. 

Why does it hit home? This summary is packed with specifics. It highlights the candidate’s years of experience, quantifies their success (25% revenue growth), and mentions key skills like relationship building and using CRM tools. This tells the hiring manager exactly what they can expect from the candidate and why they’re an asset to any sales team.

And what if you're an entry level candidate? Here is an example for those just starting out:

Why does it work? This entry-level summary focuses on the specific skills required for a sales role—upselling, meeting targets, and strong communication skills—while also showing enthusiasm and a drive to succeed. It’s clear, focused, and demonstrates readiness to contribute right away.

Writing a strong resume objective

A resume objective is perfect for those new to the sales industry or making a career switch. It should focus on your enthusiasm and "growth mindset", career goals, any relevant transferrable skills, and how you plan to grow within the company and contribute to its success.

Resume objective components:

• Motivation & enthusiasm for the sales industry and the specific company.
• Eagerness to learn and your growth mindset, and desire to develop sales skills.
• Relevant transferable skills from previous roles, education, or projects 
• Eagerness to contribute to that specific company

Why is it bad? This objective is too generic and doesn’t reflect any enthusiasm, transferable skills, or how the candidate plans to contribute to the specific company.

Why is it strong? This objective clearly lays out the candidate’s goals and the relevant skills they bring to the table. It also shows eagerness to grow and contribute to the company’s success, aligning well with both the candidate’s ambitions and the company’s objectives.

3. Select the best skills for your sales resume

When creating your sales resume, it’s important to distinguish between hard skills and soft skills, and tailor them to the specific sales role you're applying for, which means paying close attention to the specific job ad.

Hard skills are tangible abilities that can be measured or taught, such as proficiency with CRM software or knowledge of sales techniques. Soft skills refer to interpersonal abilities like communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving. Both are essential, but focusing on the ones most relevant to the sales position will give you a competitive edge.

Why prioritize skills from the job ad? Employers often use job descriptions to define the key skills they’re looking for. Listing these skills first will help ensure your resume aligns with their needs, making it easier to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and getting through to the next rounds.

Here are some examples of skills to put on your salesman resume:

To strengthen your sales resume, link your skills to real achievements, using numbers to make them more tangible. For example, highlight how your negotiation skills led to securing a major contract or how your relationship-building abilities resulted in a 20% increase in repeat clients.

Focus on both hard and soft skills relevant to the job, and prioritize the ones mentioned in the job ad to make your resume stand out and match the employer's needs.

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4. Highlight your sales achievements in your work experience section

Your work experience section is the heart of your sales resume. As a salesperson, you need to sell yourself—don’t just list your daily tasks. This section should highlight how you’ve driven results and what you’ve actually accomplished.

Use a clear format with bullet points, action verbs, and numbers to highlight your accomplishments.

Format and content:

• Start with your job title, company name, and dates of employment.
• Use bullet points for clarity and readability.
• Begin with strong action verbs like “increased,” “closed,” or “negotiated.”
• Focus on results and contributions by quantifying achievements wherever possible.

Why is it lacking? This example is vague and doesn’t show any specific results or how the candidate made a difference. It reads more like a job description than a sales accomplishment.

Why is this example strong? This example highlights real accomplishments. The numbers are clear, and the language shows what the candidate has actually done, not just what their job involved.

Tips for fresh graduates or those new to sales:

• If you're just starting out, focus on internships, part-time roles, sales-related projects, or any customer-facing experiences you’ve had.
• Highlight transferable skills like customer service, communication, and problem-solving developed through school or other jobs.
• Even without direct sales experience, emphasize how these skills show your potential to succeed in a sales role.

In short, to stand out in your sales work experience section, use specific achievements, powerful language, and measurable results. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate, presenting your accomplishments with clarity and impact is key.

5. Use powerful action verbs to make your salesman resume more effective

Action verbs, or power verbs, are essential for crafting a compelling sales resume. They make your responsibilities and achievements clear, concise, and impactful, helping you stand out to hiring managers.

Why action verbs matter:

• Clarity: They convey your responsibilities and achievements clearly and efficiently.
• Impact: They highlight your contributions and tangible results.
• Engagement: They capture the attention of hiring managers by making your experience more dynamic.

Here are some powerful action verbs for your sales resume, along with example sentences:

Final tip: Make sure to mix up the verbs you use to keep your resume fresh. Tailor each one to your specific achievements and results to show how you’ve made a real impact.

6. List your education and certifications in your salesman resume 

While many successful salespeople don't necessarily have formal education in sales, it's still important to showcase your educational background accurately.

Sales can be learned through experience, but relevant courses and certifications can give you an extra edge, especially when you’re just starting out or making a career shift.

In your education section, be sure to include:

• The highest level of education you’ve completed.
• The school or institution where you studied.
• Your graduation date or expected graduation date.
• Relevant courses, projects, or achievements

For those without direct sales education
It’s common for people in sales to have degrees in other areas like marketing, business, or even psychology. If your education isn’t directly sales-related, focus on how the skills or knowledge you gained still apply to the field. Highlight relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your understanding of sales concepts.

Here's an example:

Even if your degree isn't directly related to sales, emphasize transferable skills and how your background equips you to excel in the role.

7. Include relevant extra sections in your salesman resume

Including extra resume sections in your sales resume can set you apart from other candidates and give you a chance to showcase additional skills, accomplishments, or experiences that might not fit into the standard work experience or education sections.

These extra sections help provide a fuller picture of your qualifications and dedication to continuous improvement.

Why include extra sections in your sales resume?

• Stand out to employers: Additional sections can highlight skills or achievements that make you a more attractive candidate.
• Show your commitment to growth: Certifications and projects demonstrate your ongoing learning and industry knowledge.
• Provide more context: Extra sections give you space to showcase relevant work outside traditional job roles, like volunteer work or specific sales accomplishments.

Extra sections to consider for your sales resume

1. Certifications

In sales, having certifications under your belt are a great help, especially if you're just starting out. They demonstrate your dedication to professional development and enhance your credibility.

When listing certifications, include:

• The name of the certification.
• The institution or provider offering the certification.
• The certification’s expiration date (if applicable).
• A URL link to the certificate (if available).

2. Achievements

As a salesman, your first job is to "sell" yourself! And adding a separate achievements section to your salesman resume is a great way to do that. Showcase your accomplishments, such as awards or recognitions for your sales performance, to prove your ability to meet and exceed targets.

3. Languages

Fluency in multiple languages is a valuable asset in sales, especially for roles in global or multicultural markets. Why not make it into separate section to make it pop even more? 

These sections provide a fuller picture of your qualifications, making you stand out as a well-rounded candidate.

8. Avoid common mistakes on a salesman resume

A strong sales resume can open doors, but common mistakes can quickly turn your resume into a missed opportunity.

Here are five specific mistakes to avoid to ensure your sales resume stands out for the right reasons:

1. Focusing too much on responsibilities, not results. Sales is all about results. Listing daily tasks without showing how you exceeded sales targets or contributed to company growth misses the mark. Employers want to see what you’ve achieved, not just what you did.
2. Lack of measurable achievements. Sales resumes should be data-driven. Avoid vague statements like "I helped increase sales" without specifying numbers or percentages. Quantify your impact (e.g., “Increased revenue by 30% in Q3 2021”) to prove your success.
3. Overloading with generic sales skills. While communication and negotiation are important, listing generic skills like "teamwork" or "problem-solving" without context won’t set you apart. Instead, highlight skills specific to your sales role, like lead generation, closing, CRM proficiency, or market analysis.
4. Ignoring the job description keywords. Sales roles often rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Ignoring the specific keywords from the job description can result in your resume not making it to a hiring manager. Be sure to match your skills and experience with the exact language used in the job ad.
5. Neglecting sales tools and technology. Today, proficiency with tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, or other CRM software is essential. Failing to mention your experience with these tools can make your resume feel outdated, especially if you’ve used them to close deals or manage pipelines. And don't forget social media!

By steering clear of these mistakes, you’ll make sure your resume showcases your strengths and results. Keep it clear, relevant, and focused on what really matters in sales.

 9. Pair your resume with a matching salesman cover letter

A cover letter is a must for any salesperson—it's your chance to sell yourself further and add context to what’s already on your resume.

While your resume outlines your skills and achievements, your cover letter gives you more room to showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and motivation. Perfect opportunity for anyone in sales!

For experienced sales professionals, a cover letter offers a chance to dive deeper into how your past experiences align with the job. It's where you can highlight your drive, explain your unique selling points, and add specific examples that show why you’re a perfect fit for the company.

If you're just starting out or switching careers, a cover letter becomes even more important. You can use it to explain your enthusiasm for sales, your motivation to join the industry, or how transferable skills from your previous roles make you a strong candidate. It also gives you an opportunity to address any gaps in employment, providing context and showing that you’re ready to jump back in.

What a salesman cover letter should include in a nutshell:

• A personalized greeting (ideally to the hiring manager)
• A brief cover letter introduction explaining why you’re excited about the position
• Key achievements that align with the job requirements
• A mention of your enthusiasm, motivation, or career shift (if applicable)
• A strong closing statement with a call to action (e.g., “I’d love the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your team’s goals.”)

Don't forget to read the job ad carefully and match it's energy, language, and keywords.

Also, make sure your cover letter matches the design and formatting of your resume for a nice touch.

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10. Top resources for job-seeking salesmen

Whether you're a seasoned sales veteran or just starting out, continuous learning is key to staying ahead.

Here are some curated resources to help you stay informed, sharpen your sales skills, or even find a new salesman job: 

• Industry blogs and websites: Sales Gravy offers a wealth of sales training content, including articles, videos, and podcasts. O Saastr, built by SaaS enthusiasts for SaaS enthusiasts.
• Online courses: This (free!) Cold Email Masterclass is a great guide for creating effective cold email campaigns & this MasterSaaS, a SaaS Masterclass, with Google's Head of Sales Training who shares tried-and-tested tips and tactics Google uses to train their 4,000 sales all over the world. Alternatively, you can look for specific courses at websites such as Coursera and Udemy.
• Social media groups: Try Reddit! Especially subreddits like r/sales, or r/ecommerce, but also more niche ones provide great advice from the community. You can also join Facebook and LinkedIn groups specific to sales, which is also a great way to network.
• Job boards: Try looking beyond the general job boards. Sites like SalesJobs.com and SalesHeads.com have openings just for sales professionals.  

Remember, these resources can give you an edge and help you stay sharp in the fast-paced world of sales—but they're most powerful when you actively apply what you've learned.

Stay curious, keep networking, and regularly update your resume to reflect your latest achievements and growth.