{mosimage} A lot has changed in just the last few years in regards to writing a winning sales resume.  The format and techniques of the past are no longer relevant.  In this article, I will break down some of the major changes and provide some useful tips to help modernize your sales resume. 

1. Focus on Accomplishments NOT the job descriptions. 

Every time I read a resume that says, “Responsible for managing a territory and increasing sales,” I just cringe.  Recruiters and hiring managers know what the duties and responsibilities of a sales person are.  Your resume must create a value proposition and relay what you can do for the company, not what they can do for you.  Psychology 101 tells us that the best predictor of future success is past success.  Your resume must convey a consistent track record of performance. Focus on the results; how much did you increase sales by?  What was your quota attainment?  What was your ranking?  Any awards? Other recognition?

2. Summaries not Objectives

Objectives are out.  There must be millions of resumes floating out there with the same objective; seeking an opportunity to develop my sales ability with a growth oriented company.  Chances are the person reading your resume will know that your objective is to get a job with their company.   The beginning of your resume sets the tone and entices the reader to continue reading.  Use the beginning of your resume as a chance to sell your self, summarize your skills, abilities, and yes, accomplishments. 

3. Keywords

Most companies, recruiting firms, and job boards use some sort of electronic applicant tracking system to store resumes.  The only way your resume will get noticed is if the right keywords pop up when a recruiter is doing a keyword search.  It is also important that you have a resume formatted in ASCII to submit along with a MS Word copy.

4. Do not end your resume with, “References furnished upon request”

This is one of my biggest pet peeves.  The resume reader assumes that if the process furthers itself that you will have references to provide.  Remember, the goal here is to sell your self!  If the reader took the time to read all the way to the bottom, take advantage of this and write something that will help your resume close for the interview.

Here’s an idea:

Please view my profile on linked in:  http://www.linkedin.com/yourname

Remember, the goal of the resume is to sell yourself and stand out from the competition.  By utilizing the suggestions outlined above you will be on your way to creating a sales resume that demands attention and will produce results.

Daniel Keller is an acclaimed Professional Resume Writer and Career Consultant.
He is the President of Your Sales Resume, the leading resume writing firm focusing exclusively on the Sales Professional.  Feel free to contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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