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!
628 Castaway Street North Yorkshire YO42 7RF Mob: 079 3246 5755 Email: [email protected]
Personal profile statement
I am an approachable, motivated and confident Sales Executive with the ability to excel in sales targets and make a real difference in the organisation’s revenue generation. I have expert knowledge of the selling process and I fully recognise the human and emotional aspects of buying and selling. I possess strong social skills that enable me to be a strong relationship builder with clients, colleagues and third-party stakeholders.
Achievements
Employee of the Month at Sky for excelling in sales targets
1st class Hons degree in BA Business and Management
Three A levels at grades AAB
Education
2011 – 2014
BA Business and Management
Brunel University
Grade achieved: 1:1
Relevant Modules:
Marketing Management
Sales, Revenue Generation and Receivables
Retail Management and Applications
Consumer Behaviour
Market Trends and Analysis
2010 – 2012 Results: Economics: A Business Studies: A Geography: B
A Levels
Newman College
2003 – 2010 Results: 11 GCSEs at Grades A*-C.
GCSEs
East High School
Work experience
Jul 2015 – Present
Recruitment Coordinator CCM
Main duties performed:
Meeting and greeting customers and making them feel welcome
Devising and implementing the organisation’s sales strategies
Finding new channels for selling and distributing products
Building rapport with a customer and subsequently closing the deal
Building relationships with new customers and distributors
Demonstrating products to customers
Maintaining good business relationships with existing clients
Liaising with suppliers and manufacturers on a daily basis
Holding meetings to discuss the progress of existing projects
Deal with customer feedback, enquiries, complaints and refunds
Ensuring that business paperwork is stored in a secure location
Protecting client’s personal data and information
Liaising with head office to ensure relevant stock is delivered on time
Responsible for the marketing and advertising of new and existing products
Increasing the visibility of Nestle products via implementing POS displays
Using negotiation and communication skills to sell new products in small retail outlets to maximise shelf space and increase market share
Ensuring sales targets are met before the specified deadlines
Supervising junior sales representatives
Participating in meetings with the organisation’s board of directors
Jul 2014 – Aug 2015
Sky Sales Graduate Scheme Sky
Main duties performed:
Communicating in a B2C environment in retail shopping centres to build a rapport with potential customers to inform them about Sky bundles
Working in a team of three to ensure sales targets are met and exceeded
Being trusted with representing Sky at events such as European Marketing Week
Sponsored to gain a diploma in strategic sales
Regularly reviewing sales strategies and targets with Sales Managers
May 2012– Jan 2014
Sales Assistant Next
Main duties performed:
Greeting customers and helping them with their enquiries or concerns
Working in a fast-paced and high-volume retail environment
Providing excellent customer service to all customers, at all times
General merchandising of the store with managers
Qualifications
CIM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Sales Practice
CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing
Skills
Expert knowledge of the selling process and effective sales techniques
Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
Excellent communication and relationship building skills
Pro-active, organised and excellent team player
Motivated in a target-driven environment
Optimistic and a positive can-do attitude
Hobbies and interests
I enjoy socialising with friends and family as well as keeping up to date with current affairs. In addition, I am a keen enthusiast for cricket and enjoy watching both international and local twenty-20 cricket.
References
Mr Kevin Peacock Head of Marketing, Nestle Foods Address: 4 Summer Rd, Luton, LE8 7DX Tel: 0743 6573 8977 Email:[email protected]
Mr Paul Flanders Sales Executive, Sky Address: 18 James Rd, Leeds, L80 4LA Tel: 0745 3246 6585 Email:[email protected]
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Example:
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.
August 2022 – Present
Sales Executive ABC Sales Ltd.
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Developed and implemented effective sales strategies, resulting in a 30% increase in annual revenue.
Managed a portfolio of key accounts, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
Negotiated and closed high-value contracts, with a cumulative worth of £2 million.
Led a sales team of 5 members, achieving consistent over-quota performance.
Actively participated in trade shows and industry events, expanding the company’s market presence.
Developing and implementing effective sales strategies to achieve and exceed targets.
Managing and nurturing client relationships to ensure high levels of satisfaction.
Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities to expand the client base.
Conducting market research and competitor analysis to stay informed about industry trends.
Negotiating and closing sales deals, contracts, and agreements.
Leading and motivating sales teams to consistently meet or exceed their quotas.
Providing product or service knowledge to clients and addressing their enquiries.
Creating and delivering compelling sales presentations to potential clients.
Monitoring and analysing sales data to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.
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.
September 2013 – June 2015 Results: Business Studies (A), Economics (B), Mathematics (B).
A-Levels
Coldly College
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.”
Example:
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.
Example:
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.
Sales strategy: Ability to develop and implement effective sales strategies to achieve revenue goals.
Negotiation: Proficient in negotiating to secure the best deals and contracts for the company.
Time management: Efficiently manage time and resources to meet sales targets and deadlines.
Product knowledge: In-depth understanding of products or services, enabling effective sales pitches.
Presentation skills: Excellent presentation skills to engage and persuade clients.
Communication: Strong communication skills to build rapport with clients and effectively convey product benefits.
Client relationship management: Expertise in building and maintaining long-lasting client relationships to ensure repeat business.
Resilience: Demonstrated resilience in handling rejection and maintaining motivation.
Team leadership: Experience in leading sales teams to achieve and exceed targets.
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.
Adept at building strong relationships and communicating effectively, my personal interests mirror my professional skills. I’m a passionate member of a local business networking group, a competitive golfer, and a dedicated reader of sales strategy books. These pursuits keep me sharp, motivated and constantly learning, helping me excel in the dynamic world of sales.
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.
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.
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).
