Outside Sales Representative Resume: Examples and Tips

It’s essential that a sales representative has a strong customer service aptitude, and can be an active listener while responding to customer requirements. Below are other important related skills you can add to your resume:

• Negotiation skills
• Track customer purchases and maintain records
• In-depth product knowledge
• Ability to up-sell or cross-sell products
• Handling customer queries and problems with ease
• Sales prowess
• Ability to build rapport with different individuals
• Presentation skills
• Positive and goal-oriented
• Resourceful team player

While your work experience is an important aspect of your resume, recruiters will also be impressed by those who train up on valuable skills outside work. Break away from a standard cookie-cutter resume by considering training in these areas:

• Sales-based training, such as SPIN selling or the Challenger training programs
• Relationship-building skills through courses in communication and presentation
• Building your office skills, such as gaining proficiency in account management and computer applications

The format you choose will be largely based on your work experience and the position you’re applying for. A functional format highlights your skills and is good for entry-level positions, or for job seekers who lack extensive work experience, while a chronological format is great for seasoned professionals. A combination format presents a mix of both work experience and skills, and is a good fit for someone with a few years of experience, or is switching over from another field and can feature transferable skills.

Once you have a format in mind, create a resume with a simple layout. Avoid flashy colors and illegible resume fonts that could confuse recruiters (and resume review software). Remember to make use of key phrases and skills from the job description, and be complete in your information, including any academic qualifications and extracurricular experiences that indicate you’re a good fit.

Above all, you should prove that you can do more than sell. Create a more well-rounded profile by opting for vocational programs or certifications in account management or customer relationship management, or level up your technical skills with more computer or project management instruction. Remember to work on your soft skills too, such as time management, interpersonal communication, proficiency in written communication and multitasking ability.