In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to create a CV highlighting your sales strengths. From personal details to work experience, we’ll explain what to include and how to present it to grab the attention of recruiters in the sales industry. Below, we’ll cover the key sections and components to include when writing your CV.
STEP 1 List your contact details
Your contact details should be clear and easy to find at the top of your CV. Include your full name, contact number, email address, and location.
Example of a contact section:
Kevin Knight
07912 345 678
kevin.knight@example.co.uk
London
STEP 2Write your personal statement
Your personal statement is a brief but powerful introduction that can convince recruiters you’re the ideal candidate for the sales role. It should be no more than two to four sentences, so make every word count. Since it’s one of the first things recruiters see, it’s your chance to highlight your best skills and achievements in a way that stands out. With hundreds of similar statements to review, make yours memorable through tone, content, and the quality of your accomplishments.
Car salesman personal statement example:
A highly motivated and results-driven car salesman with 4 years of experience in the automotive industry. Skilled in building strong customer relationships, identifying needs, and delivering tailored solutions to close deals effectively. Consistently exceeded monthly sales targets by 20%, and was recognised for providing exceptional customer service that resulted in repeat business and high customer satisfaction.
STEP 3List your work experience
Sales roles require a diverse set of skills, from product knowledge and negotiation to customer relationship management and closing deals. Being able to understand customer needs, provide tailored solutions, and maintain a positive sales experience is key. Whether you’re working in retail, B2B sales, or car sales, your work experience section should clearly show that you have the skills and experience to excel in the sales field. For each role, include:
- Job title
- Company name
- Location
- Dates employed
- Key responsibilities
Tip: Including specific numbers or metrics can make your CV stand out. Whether you’re highlighting sales growth, customer retention rates, or deals closed, measurable results will show the real value you’ve added in previous roles.
Example of sales CV work experience:
Sales Associate
AutoWorld, Birmingham
June 2020 – Present
- Advise customers on vehicle options based on their needs and preferences, consistently increasing sales conversion rates by 18%.
- Demonstrate product features and benefits, helping customers make informed purchasing decisions.
- Negotiate pricing and financing options, leading to a 20% increase in upselling additional services.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with repeat customers, resulting in a 15% increase in customer retention.
- Achieve monthly sales targets, consistently surpassing goals.
STEP 4Show your sales skills
A well-organised skills section on your sales CV is key to demonstrating your qualifications. Soft skills, however, are particularly important in sales roles. Since sales often involve building relationships with customers, your ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and empathise with customers is essential. Being able to manage customer expectations, solve problems, and stay adaptable in changing situations will help you thrive in any sales environment. Teamwork and a customer-focused attitude are also vital for collaborating with colleagues and ensuring a positive client experience.
Hard skills, on the other hand, tend to be more specific to the product or service you are selling. These might include technical knowledge of the product, familiarity with sales software or CRM systems, and expertise in negotiation and closing deals. These skills prove your ability to handle the technical aspects of the sales process.
Example of skills to include on your sales CV:
Soft skills:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong client relationships
- Strong problem-solving abilities to address customer needs and concerns
- Active listening to fully understand customer requirements and offer the best solution
- Empathy and emotional intelligence to connect with clients and handle objections
- High adaptability to meet the demands of a dynamic sales environment
- Strong teamwork skills for collaborating with colleagues and cross-functional teams
- Resilience and motivation to exceed sales targets and overcome challenges
- Excellent customer service skills, ensuring a positive customer experience and repeat business
Hard skills:
- Knowledge of specific products or services being sold
- Proficiency with CRM software and sales management systems
- Expertise in pricing, promotions, and discounts related to the product
- Ability to generate and qualify leads, and move them through the sales pipeline
- Negotiation and closing techniques tailored to your product or market
- Sales forecasting and reporting based on product-specific data
STEP 5Showcase your education and qualifications
In sales, education is often less important than your ability to build relationships, close deals, and deliver results. While formal qualifications can certainly be beneficial, many top salespeople come from a wide range of educational backgrounds, and their success is more often defined by their soft skills and proven performance in the field. Employers in sales value qualities such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability far more than a specific degree.
In fact, your work experience and the results you’ve achieved in previous sales roles should take centre stage. Whether you’ve exceeded sales targets, built strong customer relationships, or led successful campaigns, these results speak volumes more than your academic history. That said, if you do have relevant qualifications, it’s important to include them, but they should not overshadow your practical experience.
In addition, if you’re multilingual, that can be a big advantage, especially in sales roles that involve working with international clients or diverse communities. Extra languages can be a valuable asset, helping you connect with a wider range of customers and increase sales opportunities.
Here’s what to include in your education section:
- Degree or qualification (e.g., Bachelor’s in Business, Marketing, or Communications)
- Institution name
- Dates attended (month and year)
- Key achievements or relevant courses (if applicable)
Example:
Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies
University of London
September 2016 – June 2019