The Perfect Sales Executive CV Example [+ 2023 Guide]

Sobhan Mohmand, CV Writing Expert          8 Nov 2023

Are you looking to write your perfect Sales Executive CV?

A sales executive is responsible for promoting and selling a company’s products or services, building and maintaining client relationships and achieving sales targets.

To stand out in this competitive field, you need a strong CV that effectively showcases your qualifications, experience and achievements. A well-crafted CV will be your ticket to unlocking exciting career opportunities in the world of sales.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a complete step-by-step guide, useful tips and examples to help you craft an interview-winning CV that will grab the attention of employers. Let’s begin!

• Sales executive CV example
• Download CV template (Word format)
• How to format your CV
• How to write a perfect CV (a step-by-step guide)
• Personal profile statement example
• Duties to add to your CV
• Useful skills to add to your CV
• Tips on making your CV more effective

CV Example

Preview

What makes this CV good and effective?

Rachel’s sales executive CV demonstrates a well-rounded and effective personal profile. In her personal profile statement, she portrays herself as an approachable, motivated, and confident sales professional with a keen ability to excel in sales targets and contribute significantly to revenue generation. Her emphasis on understanding the human and emotional aspects of buying and selling, along with strong social skills for building relationships, makes for a compelling introduction.

Rachel’s notable achievements include being named “Employee of the Month” for exceeding sales targets, and she holds a 1st class honours degree in BA Business and Management, showcasing her academic excellence.

Her educational background at Brunel University in Business and Management, with a focus on marketing, sales and consumer behaviour, aligns well with her sales role.

In the work experience section, she has demonstrated a wide range of responsibilities that reflect her sales and relationship-building skills. These include devising and implementing sales strategies, building rapport with customers, handling product demonstrations, providing excellent customer service and maintaining relationships with clients.

In summary, Rachel Vaughan’s CV effectively communicates her qualifications and achievements as a sales executive, positioning her as a strong candidate for sales roles.

Download CV template

Download

Are you writing your CV from scratch or is your CV template outdated? Download this professional CV template to impress employers!

• Free
• Save time and effort
• Guaranteed correct CV structure
• Word document (.docx) format
• Fully customisable

How to save your CV as a PDF document:

• Click on File > Save As > Select “PDF” from the drop-down menu.

How to format your CV

• Use a professional layout and format: CV should be well-structured with clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for recruiters to navigate. Also, ensure consistent formatting throughout your CV, from font choice to margins, to maintain a polished and professional appearance that leaves a lasting positive impression on potential employers.
• Highlight sales targets met: Specify the sales targets you’ve consistently met or exceeded, demonstrating your ability to drive results. You can do this in various parts of your CV, such as in the “Achievements”, “Work experience” and “Skills” sections.
• Use facts, numbers and figures to back up your statements: Whenever possible, use concrete numbers like “Increased client base by 25% in six months”, or “Surpassed quarterly sales quotas by an average of 15%.”
• Customise for the job: Tailor your CV for each position you apply for, matching your skills and experience with the specific job requirements. Customising your CV proves that you’re not just sending out generic applications, but that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity.
• Proofread for perfection: Before submitting your CV, proofread it thoroughly to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. You can also take advantage of online grammar checkers or seek assistance from family members, friends or career advisors to review your CV and give you feedback.

How to Write a Sales Executive CV (Complete Guide)

Personal details

Your CV’s personal details section is where you provide essential information for potential employers to contact you for interviews or further discussions.

It should include your full name, address, contact number and email address.

What you shouldn’t include in this section:

• Irrelevant personal information: Avoid including details like your date of birth, marital status, or gender, as these are generally not needed in modern CVs.
• Photographs: In the UK, it’s customary not to include a photograph on your CV.
• Sensitive information: Do not share sensitive data like your national insurance number or passport details.

Read more: A list of what personal details to put on a CV.

• Oliver Lewis
• 6 Birch Lane, Glasgow, G1 1BC
• Mob: 07777 123 456       Email: [email protected]

Personal profile

The personal profile section of your CV is like an introduction that gives employers a snapshot of who you are and what you can offer.
It’s important because it’s the first thing they read so make sure you take the time to perfect it.

Guidelines for writing an effective personal profile:

• Strong start: Begin with a compelling opening statement. Example: “Dedicated Sales Executive with a proven track record of exceeding targets.”
• Key achievements: Highlight relevant achievements with numbers. Example: “Delivered a £500,000 increase in sales revenue last year.”
• Skills and focus: Mention industry knowledge and customer-centric approach. Example: “Expert in tech sales with a focus on exceptional client service.”
• Career goals: Conclude with career aspirations. Example: “Seeking a senior sales role to contribute to company growth.”

Sales executive personal profile example:

As a seasoned Sales Executive with a track record of exceeding targets, I bring a proven ability to drive revenue growth. My strategic approach led to a 25% increase in sales within six months in my previous role, demonstrating my strong market analysis and customer relationship skills. I am committed to achieving results and thrive in dynamic sales environments.

Achievements

Your CV’s achievements section is where you highlight your key accomplishments in a concise, bullet-point format.

This is the place to showcase your awards, promotions, outstanding grades or any significant milestones in your career or education.

It’s your chance to grab the employer’s attention by demonstrating your success and the value you can bring to their team.

• Achieved First-Class Honours in Business Management at the University of London.
• Earned the “Top Sales Performer” award for consistently exceeding sales targets.
• Promoted to Senior Sales Executive within 18 months due to outstanding performance.
• Implemented a new sales strategy that improved team productivity by 15%.
• Successfully organised a charity event, raising over £2,000 for a local children’s hospital.

Employment history

The employment section of your CV contains details of your work history, including your previous job positions, responsibilities and achievements.

This section should give employers an overview of your relevant experience, what you contributed in your previous roles and how your experience aligns with the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

Sales executive duties to add to your CV

1. Developing and implementing effective sales strategies to achieve and exceed targets.
2. Managing and nurturing client relationships to ensure high levels of satisfaction.
3. Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities to expand the client base.
4. Conducting market research and competitor analysis to stay informed about industry trends.
5. Negotiating and closing sales deals, contracts, and agreements.
6. Leading and motivating sales teams to consistently meet or exceed their quotas.
7. Providing product or service knowledge to clients and addressing their enquiries.
8. Creating and delivering compelling sales presentations to potential clients.
9. Monitoring and analysing sales data to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.
10. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as marketing and product development, to align strategies and meet company goals.

Educational background

The education background section of your CV is where you provide details of your academic history, showcasing your qualifications in reverse chronological order.

You should list the types of qualifications you’ve earned, such as degrees, A-Levels, GCSEs, diplomas and any other relevant educational achievements.

Read more: How to write your degree on your CV.

Professional training and qualifications

In this section of your CV, you should highlight your professional qualifications and training, such as qualifications like “Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)” or vocational courses like “Institute of Sales Management (ISM) Certificate.”

• Level 5 Diploma in Sales and Marketing – London School of Business
• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Professional Certificate – CIM Institute
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – University of Manchester
• Level 2 Certificate in Sales – Sales Training Ltd
• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Business Sales – Open University
• Advanced Diploma in Sales Management – Sales Academy UK

Skills

In your sales executive CV, the skills section is a crucial part that highlights your core abilities and competencies relevant to the role.

These skills may include proficiency in negotiation, strong communication, client relationship management and a results-oriented approach.

Tailor the skills to match the specific requirements of the sales executive role you’re applying for, emphasising what sets you apart as a strong candidate.

• Negotiation: Skilled in negotiating deals with clients, resulting in a 15% increase in sales revenue over the last year.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, demonstrated through successful presentations to senior stakeholders and maintaining long-term client relationships.
• Market research: Proficient in market research and analysis, identifying key trends and customer preferences to inform strategic sales approaches.

10 useful sales executive skills to add to your CV

1. Sales strategy: Ability to develop and implement effective sales strategies to achieve revenue goals.
2. Negotiation: Proficient in negotiating to secure the best deals and contracts for the company.
3. Time management: Efficiently manage time and resources to meet sales targets and deadlines.
4. Product knowledge: In-depth understanding of products or services, enabling effective sales pitches.
5. Presentation skills: Excellent presentation skills to engage and persuade clients.
6. Communication: Strong communication skills to build rapport with clients and effectively convey product benefits.
7. Client relationship management: Expertise in building and maintaining long-lasting client relationships to ensure repeat business.
8. Resilience: Demonstrated resilience in handling rejection and maintaining motivation.
9. Team leadership: Experience in leading sales teams to achieve and exceed targets.
10. Closing skills: Strong ability to close deals and secure contracts with clients.

Hobbies and interests (optional)

The hobbies and interests section of your CV is an optional section that offers a glimpse into your personality and can help you connect with potential employers on a more personal level.

It should contain hobbies and interests that reflect your well-rounded nature and can highlight qualities like teamwork, leadership or dedication.

For a sales executive role, it’s beneficial to include hobbies that align with the dynamics of the sales world. Consider hobbies such as cold calling practice sessions to hone your phone sales skills, reading sales books or conducting mock sales presentations to improve your pitch and presentation abilities. These hobbies directly reinforce your sales expertise and enthusiasm for the profession, making you a more compelling candidate to potential employers.

Related: Best hobbies and interests to put on a CV (list of examples).

References

Finally, the references section is where you provide contact details for individuals who can vouch for your professional abilities and character.

Referees are typically former employers, colleagues, or mentors who know you well.

You should include their name, job title, company, email address and telephone number.

Related: Should you include references on a CV?

Note: If you do not wish to disclose your references on your CV, you should write, “References are available upon request.”

Tips to make your CV more effective

• Use an eye-catching format: Use a professional, visually appealing format with bullet points, bold headings and easy-to-read fonts to make your CV visually engaging.
• Use action verbs: Begin bullet points with strong action verbs like “Implemented”, “Managed” or “Generated” to convey your proactive approach. Read more: Best CV key words to use on a CV.
• Use metrics: Incorporate KPIs and metrics from your previous roles, such as customer acquisition cost or sales conversion rate.
• Professional Development: Highlight your commitment to self-improvement through sales-related courses, workshops or seminars.

Conclusion

This is the end of our guide on crafting a Sales Executive CV. We’ve provided you with valuable insights, examples and expert tips to give your CV the edge it needs.

You should now have a clear understanding of how to tailor your CV to the role you desire. Remember, showcasing your achievements, emphasising your skills and presenting a well-structured document will greatly enhance your chances of landing that dream job.

Good luck in your job search!