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Advertising Sales Resume Examples

By Silvia Angeloro

Jul 18, 2024

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12 min read

Perfecting Your Ad Sales Resume: Key Tips and Tricks for Marketing Yourself

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Rated by 348 people

Crafting the perfect advertising sales resume can feel like selling ice to Eskimos; it’s tough and often daunting. The fast-paced world of advertising sales means you need to showcase your skills quickly and effectively. Yet, many advertising sales professionals find themselves stuck, unsure of how to highlight their achievements without sounding repetitive. Job hunting itself is already stressful, but throwing a subpar resume into the mix only makes things worse. Employers spend mere seconds on each resume, so nailing that first impression is crucial. You’re likely competing with a sea of talented individuals, making it even more essential to stand out.

To make your resume truly shine in this competitive field, you need to use the right resume template. A well-structured template ensures you highlight your skills and achievements in a way that grabs attention. It's more than just listing jobs you've held; it’s about selling your unique value to potential employers, just like you would sell a prime advertising spot.

We have more than 700 resume examples that you can use to craft the perfect advertising sales resume, making the process easy and effective for you.

Key Takeaways

  • A perfect advertising sales resume should highlight your ability to generate revenue, showcase negotiation, communication, and market analysis skills, and include sales figures and metrics, awards, notable clients, and successful campaigns.
  • Use a well-structured resume template to make your resume stand out and ensure it is ATS-friendly by adding sections like Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Skills, Education, Certifications, and Achievements/Awards.
  • Employ a reverse-chronological format and modern fonts, save your resume as a PDF, and use clear headings to ensure readability and aid in parsing through applicant tracking systems.
  • In the experience section, focus on specific achievements using strong action words and measurable outcomes, tailoring your experience to match job applications, and showcasing the impact made in previous roles.
  • Complement your resume with a cover letter that emphasizes your ability to drive revenue, meet sales targets, and understand client needs, using tools like Resume Mentor's cover letter builder to ensure a professional and effective application.

What to focus on when writing your advertising sales resume

An advertising sales resume should convey your ability to generate revenue through client relationships and effective sales strategies. Highlight your proven track record in meeting sales targets and driving business growth. Showcase skills such as negotiation, communication, and market analysis.

To boost the impact of your resume:

  • Include sales figures and metrics.
  • Mention any awards or recognitions.
  • List notable clients or industries you've worked with.
  • Detail specific campaigns and their success rates.

Must have information on your advertising sales resume

When crafting an advertising sales resume, it's crucial to include sections that best highlight your skills and experience in this field.

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Work Experience
  • Key Skills
  • Education
  • Achievements

Including these sections ensures your resume is comprehensive and ATS-friendly. You might also want to add optional sections like Certifications, Professional Affiliations, or Volunteer Work to further showcase your qualifications.

Which resume format to choose

For an advertising sales resume, the reverse-chronological format is best, as it highlights your career progression and achievements. Use modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat instead of outdated options like Arial and Times New Roman for a cleaner look. Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting stays intact across devices. Keep margins at about one inch to ensure readability and space for notes. Use clear section headings, such as "Experience" and "Education," to help applicant tracking systems (ATS) easily parse your information.

An advertising sales resume should have the following sections:

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Skills
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Certifications
  • Achievements/Awards
  • References

Resume Mentor's free resume builder handles all these details for you, ensuring you have a professional and effective resume.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Writing your resume experience section for an advertising sales role requires attention to detail and a clear focus on results. Here are some tips that will help you create a compelling and effective experience section.

Start with your most recent job and work backward. This reverse chronological order gives employers a clear view of your career progress. Aim to include positions from the last 10-15 years. You don’t need to list every job you have ever had; focus on roles that are most relevant to advertising sales. Use job titles that reflect your actual roles and responsibilities, but feel free to use common industry language to make them easy to understand.

Tailoring your experience section to match the job you’re applying for is crucial. Highlight skills and achievements that align with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Use strong action words like "achieved," "led," "increased," "boosted," and "optimized" to demonstrate your impact. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and opt for bullet points to make your experiences clear and concise.

Let’s see a poorly written resume experience example and then a well-crafted one:

Experience
Sales Associate
XYZ Corp.
New York, NY
Company Description
  • Sold advertising space to clients
  • Met with clients on a regular basis
  • Achieved sales goals
  • Worked with team to create sales strategies

This example is weak because it lacks specific details and measurable outcomes. The bullet points describe general responsibilities, but they don't provide any context about the impact or achievements. Phrases like "met with clients" and "achieved sales goals" are vague and do not highlight your contributions.

Now, let’s review a stronger example:

Experience
Senior Advertising Sales Executive
XYZ Corp.
New York, NY
Company Description
  • Increased client ad spend by 30% within the first year
  • Closed deals worth $2 million annually by building strong client relationships
  • Led a team of 5 sales associates, increasing team sales by 25%
  • Developed and implemented a new sales strategy that improved monthly revenue by 15%

This example stands out because it focuses on specific achievements with measurable outcomes. Phrases like "increased client ad spend by 30%" and "closed deals worth $2 million annually" clearly show the value you brought to the company. Mentioning the management role and quantifying team performance also highlights your leadership skills.

As you craft your resume experience section, keep these strategies in mind. Focus on specific achievements, use strong action words, and tailor your resume to match the job you are applying for. Each bullet point should showcase the impact you've made in your previous roles, making it easy for employers to see why you’re a great fit for their team.

Advertising sales resume experience examples

Is your resume lacking that extra pop? Don't worry, we’re here to "advertise" your skills to their fullest potential! With our expertly crafted resume sections, you'll be the center of attention in no time.

Achievement-focused

Highlight your key achievements to showcase your success in advertising sales.

Work Experience

Senior Sales Executive

XYZ Advertising Agency

Jan 2018 - Dec 2020

  • Increased sales revenue by 40% within the first year through targeted advertising campaigns.
  • Achieved 'Top Salesperson of the Year' award for two consecutive years.
  • Secured key accounts with leading industry brands, resulting in $2M in new business.

Skills-focused

List your most important skills to make them stand out.

Work Experience

Advertising Sales Specialist

ABC Media Corp.

Mar 2017 - Jan 2021

  • Expert in developing comprehensive advertising strategies tailored to client needs.
  • Skilled in negotiating contracts that maximize client satisfaction and profitability.
  • Proficient in utilizing digital tools like Google Analytics to drive informed sales decisions.

Responsibility-focused

Emphasize your key responsibilities in your role.

Work Experience

Account Manager

DEF Marketing Solutions

Feb 2016 - Sep 2020

  • Managed a portfolio of 50+ client accounts, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented targeted advertising campaigns to meet diverse client needs.
  • Consistently tracked and reported on campaign performance, providing actionable insights.

Project-focused

Detail specific projects you successfully executed.

Work Experience

Project Manager

GHI Advertising

Jan 2019 - Jul 2021

  • Led a cross-functional team on a $3M rebranding project for a top client.
  • Coordinated with creative, digital, and PR teams to ensure cohesive campaign execution.
  • Completed project two weeks ahead of deadline, resulting in client renewal.

Result-focused

Present results that demonstrate your effectiveness.

Work Experience

Sales Director

JKL Media Group

Oct 2017 - Dec 2020

  • Boosted client conversion rates by 25% through targeted pitches and personalized follow-ups.
  • Grew client portfolio by 30% in two years through proactive outreach and networking.
  • Achieved a 95% client retention rate, maintaining strong and continual relationships.

Industry-Specific Focus

Concentrate on industry-specific experience and knowledge.

Work Experience

Advertising Consultant

MNO Advertising Firm

May 2016 - Jan 2021

  • Specialized in automotive advertising, securing contracts with top car manufacturers.
  • Developed innovative ad placements tailored to the automotive audience, increasing engagement by 20%.
  • Attended industry trade shows and conferences to stay updated on trends and network with potential clients.

Problem-Solving focused

Showcase your ability to resolve issues effectively.

Work Experience

Client Success Manager

PQR Media Solutions

Apr 2017 - Aug 2021

  • Resolved client issues promptly, resulting in a 15% increase in client satisfaction scores.
  • Identified problems in campaign tracking systems and implemented solutions, improving accuracy by 30%.
  • Streamlined complaint resolution process, reducing resolution time by 40%.

Innovation-focused

Demonstrate your knack for implementing creative solutions.

Work Experience

Innovation Lead

STU Digital

Jun 2015 - Nov 2020

  • Pioneered a new digital marketing strategy that increased click-through rates by 50%.
  • Introduced data-driven decision-making processes, resulting in more tailored client advertising solutions.
  • Implemented AI tools to optimize ad placements, reducing costs by 20% while increasing relevance.

Leadership-focused

Highlight your leadership roles and achievements.

Work Experience

Team Leader

VWX Media Group

Mar 2016 - Dec 2020

  • Supervised a team of 10 sales professionals, providing mentorship and performance feedback.
  • Led weekly training sessions focused on sales techniques and client management.
  • Fostered a high-performance culture, resulting in a 30% increase in team sales.

Customer-focused

Show your dedication to delivering excellent customer service.

Work Experience

Customer Relationship Manager

YZA Advertising

Feb 2017 - Jan 2021

  • Maintained strong relationships with clients, achieving a 95% client renewal rate.
  • Conducted regular client meetings to assess satisfaction and identify new opportunities.
  • Developed personalized advertising solutions based on in-depth client consultations.

Growth-focused

Concentrate on your efforts to spur growth.

Work Experience

Business Development Manager

BCD Advertising

Jan 2018 - Dec 2020

  • Expanded client base by 35% through targeted marketing strategies.
  • Developed new sales channels that contributed to a 20% growth in annual revenue.
  • Collaborated with marketing teams to create compelling pitches that attracted high-value clients.

Efficiency-focused

Detail your efforts to improve processes and efficiencies.

Work Experience

Operational Efficiency Manager

EFG Marketing

Mar 2016 - Oct 2020

  • Optimized advertising workflows, reducing campaign launch times by 25%.
  • Streamlined client onboarding processes, increasing efficiency by 30%.
  • Implemented automated reporting systems, cutting down manual work by 40%.

Technology-focused

Highlight your proficiency with relevant technologies.

Work Experience

Digital Sales Specialist

HIJ Digital Marketing

May 2017 - Dec 2020

  • Leveraged CRM software to track and analyze client data, improving follow-up rates by 20%.
  • Utilized marketing automation tools to enhance campaign personalization and relevance.
  • Employed advanced analytics tools to measure campaign performance, informing future strategies.

Collaboration-focused

Show your experience working in team environments.

Work Experience

Collaborative Sales Manager

KLM Media Solutions

Jul 2016 - Jan 2021

  • Worked closely with creative and technical teams to deliver cohesive advertising solutions.
  • Facilitated weekly cross-departmental meetings to ensure alignment on goals and strategies.
  • Developed collaborative pitches with marketing teams, leading to a 15% increase in client acquisitions.

Training and Development focused

Detail your efforts in training and developing team members.

Work Experience

Sales Trainer

NOP Advertising Academy

Apr 2015 - Dec 2020

  • Designed and conducted training programs that improved sales team performance by 25%.
  • Mentored new hires, helping them achieve their first sales within the first month.
  • Regularly updated training materials to include the latest advertising trends and techniques.

Write your advertising sales resume summary section

Writing a resume summary for an advertising sales position is a crucial task. This section should capture your key skills, experiences, and achievements that make you a good fit for the job. It's your chance to hook the recruiter quickly.

You should describe yourself using strong action words and phrases that emphasize your accomplishments. Highlight your experience in sales and your understanding of the advertising industry. Make it clear how you have previously added value and how you can do so in the new role.

A summary differs from other similar sections like a resume objective, resume profile, or summary of qualifications. A resume objective focuses on your career goals. A resume profile sketches a brief overview of your professional background. A summary of qualifications highlights your key skills in a bullet-point format.

SUMMARY
I am a detail-oriented person with a passion for sales. My experience includes working in various industries, not just advertising. I have good communication skills and get along with my team.

The first example is bad because it's vague and lacks specific achievements or metrics. It doesn't offer concrete examples or results that show success in advertising sales. Phrases like "working in various industries" are too broad and don't make you stand out.

SUMMARY
Results-driven advertising sales professional with over 5 years of experience in increasing revenue by 30% year over year. Expertise in building client relationships and executing high-impact advertising campaigns. Proven ability to exceed sales targets and create compelling advertising solutions.

The second example is good because it is specific and results-oriented. It highlights a solid track record in advertising sales, focusing on tangible achievements like increasing revenue and exceeding sales targets. This summary makes a strong case for your ability to deliver results.

Listing your advertising sales skills on your resume

When writing your skills section for an advertising sales resume, you can choose to include it as a standalone section or integrate it into other parts like your experience and summary sections. Highlighting your strengths such as communication and your various soft skills will help make your resume more attractive to employers. Hard skills, on the other hand, refer to specific, technical abilities and knowledge you have gained through training or experience.

By listing your skills and strengths strategically, you can turn them into resume keywords, making your resume more likely to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and grab the attention of hiring managers. Focus on skills that are directly relevant to advertising sales to make your resume stand out.

Skills
Sales Techniques, Client Relationship Management, Negotiation, Market Research, Product Knowledge, Digital Advertising, Lead Generation, Cold Calling

This skills section is good because it focuses on relevant and tangible abilities related to advertising sales. Each skill listed is directly applicable to the job, helping to clearly show your expertise. The section is concise yet comprehensive, making it easy for any hiring manager to see your qualifications at a glance. This well-organized presentation helps your resume stand out and can make a compelling case for your candidacy.

Best hard skills to feature on your advertising sales resume

Hard skills for advertising sales should demonstrate your ability to perform specific tasks and use particular tools. They communicate your technical proficiency and directly relate to the responsibilities of the job.

Hard Skills

  • Sales Techniques
  • Market Research
  • Digital Advertising
  • CRM Software
  • Data Analysis
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Lead Generation
  • SEO/SEM
  • Social Media Advertising
  • Advertising Metrics
  • Email Campaigns
  • Presentation Software (e.g., PowerPoint)
  • Budget Management
  • Content Marketing
  • Cold Calling

Best soft skills to feature on your advertising sales resume

Soft skills in advertising sales highlight your ability to work well with others and manage interpersonal relationships. They show how you interact, communicate, and solve problems, essential for success in sales roles.

Soft Skills

  • Communication
  • Persuasiveness
  • Adaptability
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Creativity
  • Organization
  • Team Collaboration
  • Active Listening
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Client Relationship Building
  • Resilience
  • Attention to Detail
  • Critical Thinking
  • Leadership

How to include your education on your resume

When crafting your resume for an advertising sales position, the education section is a crucial part. Your education section should be customized for the job you’re seeking. Only include education relevant to the advertising sales field. Listing every degree or certification can clutter your resume if the information isn’t directly related.

Include your GPA if it’s high enough to be an asset, typically 3.5 or above. If you graduated with honors like cum laude, make sure to include that too.

For listing degrees, clearly state the title of your degree, the institution, and the location. Additionally, pinpoint the dates attended to give employers a sense of timing.

A bad example:

Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Some University
Some City, Some State
GPA
2.8
/
4.0

Why this is bad: This example focuses on an irrelevant degree and a low GPA, making it unsuitable for an advertising sales position.

A good example:

Education
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
ABC University
GPA
3.7
/
4.0

Why this is good: This example highlights a relevant marketing degree and a high GPA, making it much more attractive to prospective employers in advertising sales.

How to include advertising sales certificates on your resume

Including a Certificates section in your advertising sales resume is crucial. It showcases your additional qualifications and specialized knowledge. Start by listing the name of the certification, include the date you received it, and add the issuing organization.

For example, placing certifications in the header can look like this: "Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) - Digital Marketing Institute, 2022." This demonstrates at a glance that you possess relevant, verified skills.

Now let's look at a good standalone Certificates section:

Certifications
Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)
Digital Marketing Institute
Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ)
Google
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
HubSpot Academy

This example is effective because it is straightforward and relevant. Each certificate is directly related to advertising sales, showing that you have both broad and technical knowledge in the field. The clear presentation helps hiring managers quickly recognize your qualifications. By including the certifying organizations, you lend additional credibility to your expertise.

Extra sections to include in your advertising sales resume

Entering the world of advertising sales requires a unique blend of creativity, persuasiveness, and analytical skills. With strong communication and a knack for building relationships, showcasing diverse experiences on your resume can help you stand out from the competition.

  • Language section — Mentioning foreign languages you speak fluently can highlight communication skills valuable in negotiating deals with diverse clients. Demonstrating proficiency in another language can broaden your client reach and showcase cultural sensitivity.

  • Hobbies and interests section — Sharing relevant hobbies such as networking events or public speaking can show you are passionate and active in your field. Including hobbies that involve strategic thinking can also emphasize skills useful in sales.

  • Volunteer work section — Highlighting volunteer work related to advertising or community outreach can show your commitment and ability to manage projects. Mentioning roles where you built strong networks can also underline your people skills.

  • Books section — Listing industry-related books you've read can reflect your dedication to continuous learning. Sharing titles on sales strategies or market trends can demonstrate you stay updated with best practices.

Pair your advertising sales resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a one-page document sent along with your resume to provide more context about your skills, experience, and why you are a good fit for the job. It allows you to personalize your application and highlight achievements that align with the position you are applying for.

For an applicant, a cover letter can be a powerful tool to stand out. It provides a chance to explain any gaps in employment or other unique circumstances. It can also give a preview of your communication skills and your enthusiasm for the role, making a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

When preparing a cover letter for an advertising sales position, focus on your ability to drive revenue, build relationships, and meet sales targets. Highlight your experience in developing successful advertising campaigns and your ability to understand client needs and deliver solutions.

Use Resume Mentor's cover letter builder to create yours effortlessly. With an easy-to-use interface, you can quickly write and export your cover letter as a PDF, ensuring your content and formatting are preserved. Try it now to give your job application the perfect finishing touch!

John Walker

New York City, New York

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@resumementor.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

I have always been impressed by the innovative campaigns your company launches, which align closely with my approach to advertising and sales. When I saw the opening for an Advertising Sales position at your firm, I knew this was an incredible opportunity to bring my passion for effective advertising and sales strategies to your esteemed team.

During my tenure at Gannett, I spearheaded a campaign that led to a 20% increase in annual revenue for our key clients. By developing custom advertising solutions and leveraging market research, we exceeded our clients' expectations and retained 25% more clients year-over-year. This experience honed my skills in client management, strategic planning, and cross-functional team leadership, all of which I am eager to bring to your company.

I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications make me a valuable addition to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team’s continued success.

Best Regards,

John Walker

Advertising Sales
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