by Heather Johnson

Selling yourself through a professional resume can be tricky, even for the most seasoned salesperson. However, there are some very simple ways to spruce up a resume and increase your chances of landing a dream job. If you are a closer, then all you need to do is get your foot in the door for that coveted interview. Below are seven tips for an effective sales resume.

1. List Your Strengths – Many sales resumes will start with an introductory paragraph and a list of the salesperson’s skills. Experience with contract negotiations, for example, is something you will definitely want to include on the list.
2. Focus on Results – You can wax poetic about your skills all you want. However, employers want to see some hard data about your results on the resume. Show them how you have helped your past employers improve their bottom line.
3. Use Powerful Words – When offering descriptions of each position in your work history, use positive and action-packed words. Start sentences with terms like “pioneered,” “grew,” “commissioned” and “generated.”
4. Respect Past Confidentiality Agreements – While you do want to explain some of your most effective sales strategies and past performance stats, you also need to honor any confidentiality agreements you have signed. Some companies wish to keep certain figures and sales tactics a secret.
5. Read Your Resume Aloud – One of the best ways to objectively proofread your own writing is by reading it aloud. Often times, people will read things in their mind the way they want them to be and not how they really are. You may catch some mistakes by reading the resume aloud or decide you want to rewrite certain areas.
6. Keep it Down to One Page – This goes for all types of resumes, as a matter of fact. Hiring managers want a summary of your work history and qualifications, not an autobiography.
7. Consider Hiring a Professional – If you aren’t confident in your writing skills and/or your ability to put together a great resume, it might be time to consult a professional. Resume writers are available through many sites, such as Elance and Get A Freelancer.

The fact is, salespeople are some of the best professionals when it comes to handling interviews. However, resumes can be a bit harder to nail down. By following the above advice, you will take a lifeless resume and turn it into a dynamic selling tool that will help land you a great sales position.

This article is contributed by Heather Johnson, who regularly writes on the topic of career exploration. She invites your questions and writing job opportunities at her personal email address: heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com.