How to write the perfect sales CV

Written By Claire Mirfin

Writing the perfect sales CV is about showcasing your achievements, demonstrating your value, and making it impossible for the employer to ignore you.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a professional, high-impact sales CV whether you're a seasoned sales executive or just starting out.

1. Start With a Strong Personal Profile (Summary)

This is your elevator pitch. 3–4 lines that highlight who you are, what you’ve done, and what you can bring to the table.

Example:

Results-driven sales professional with 5+ years’ experience in B2B tech sales, consistently exceeding targets by 20–30%. Proven ability to build strong client relationships, drive revenue growth, and close high-value deals. Seeking to leverage my consultative sales approach in a dynamic, growth focused environment.

2. Showcase Key Achievements Up Front (Optional Highlights Section)

Before diving into your work history, include 3–5 bullet points of your biggest wins. Use metrics to prove your impact.

Example:

  • Generated £1.2M in new business within 12 months for SaaS startup

  • Ranked top 5% of national sales team for three consecutive quarters

  • Increased client retention by 35% through proactive account management

3. Structure Your Work Experience Around Results (Not Just Duties)

For each role, include:

  • Job title

  • Company name and location

  • Dates of employment (Month/Year format)

  • 3–6 bullet points focused on achievements

Use action verbs and quantify wherever possible:

  • ✅ Closed £500K+ in new business in Q2 alone

  • ✅ Increased pipeline by 40% through outbound prospecting

  • ✅ Negotiated enterprise contracts with 30% higher margins

❌ Avoid generic or vague lines like “responsible for selling” or “worked in a team environment.”

4. Highlight Relevant Skills (and Keep Them Focused)

Add a Skills section that aligns with the job you’re applying for. Focus on tools, methods, and soft skills relevant to sales.

Examples:

  • CRM Systems (Salesforce, HubSpot)

  • Cold Calling & Lead Generation

  • Solution Selling / SPIN Selling

  • Account Management

  • Contract Negotiation

  • Forecasting & Reporting

5. Education and Certifications

Keep this concise. Especially if you have solid work experience. Include:

  • Degree(s)

  • Relevant certifications (e.g: Sales Enablement, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Sandler Training)

6. Tailor Your CV for Each Role

Always customise your CV to match the language and key requirements of the job description. Mirror keywords and focus on the skills or achievements that best align with the role.

7. Keep Formatting Clean and Professional

  • Use clear headings and bullet points

  • Stick to 1–2 pages max

  • Avoid unnecessary graphics or photos

  • Use a professional font (e.g:Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica)

  • Save and send as a PDF, unless stated otherwise

Final Tips

  • Numbers win – Hiring managers love quantifiable results

  • Confidence sells – Don’t be shy about your wins

  • Proofread – Typos undermine professionalism in a sales CV

  • Include a LinkedIn link – And make sure it’s up to date

  • Use power verbs – Led, closed, generated, negotiated, exceeded

Example Sales CV Summary (for mid-level)

High-performing B2B Sales Executive with 6+ years of experience selling SaaS solutions to enterprise clients across EMEA. Skilled in consultative selling, pipeline development, and strategic account growth. Consistently surpassed revenue targets and closed six-figure deals with C-level stakeholders. Seeking to drive sales performance in a forward-thinking tech company.

Claire Mirfin
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