Entry-Level Sales Resume Examples

Starting your journey in entry-level sales can feel like trying to sell ice to a penguin. One of the biggest struggles is writing a resume that gets noticed. Many find themselves confused about what to include, how to format it, or how to make it stand out. If you share these concerns, this guide is for you. You deserve to land that dream job, and a great resume is your ticket. Let's tackle these common problems so you'll feel confident handing over your resume. You'll be ready to impress recruiters and hiring managers in no time.

Having the right resume template can make all the difference. It helps structure your skills and experience while making you look polished and professional. An easy-to-follow template can save you time, ensuring you don't miss crucial details.

We've got more than 700 resume examples to guide you through writing a winning entry-level sales resume. Don't miss out!

What to focus on when writing your entry-level sales resume

Crafting an entry-level sales resume is all about making a strong first impression. You want to show your passion for sales, a willingness to learn, and your communication skills. Highlight any relevant experiences, such as internships, volunteer work, or school projects, that showcase your ability to sell or connect with people. Be sure to include any soft skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Here are a few things that can boost your resume:

• Any leadership experience, even in clubs or sports
• Customer service roles
• Proficiency in software like Excel
• Strong academic performance or relevant courses

Must have information on your entry-level sales resume

Creating a compelling entry-level sales resume requires the right sections to showcase your potential. Focus on these essential parts:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Skills
• Education
• Internships/Volunteer Experience
• Certifications

Including additional sections like Projects, Extracurricular Activities, and Languages can help highlight your unique qualifications and commitment to growth in the sales field.

Which resume format to choose

When crafting an entry-level sales resume, the reverse chronological format is best because it highlights your most recent experiences and education, even if they're not directly related to sales. Opt for modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat instead of the traditional Arial or Times New Roman to make your resume look fresh and professional. Save your file as a PDF to ensure that your formatting stays intact on any device. Keep your margins at about 1 inch to make your resume easy to read. Use clear section headings like "Education" and "Experience" to help Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) easily identify your skills and qualifications.

Your entry-level sales resume should have the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Summary
• Skills
• Education
• Experience
• Certifications
• Relevant Projects or Volunteer Work (if applicable)

Resume Mentor's free resume builder can handle all of this for you, making it easy to create a great first impression.

How to include education on your resume

An education section is an important part of your resume, especially for entry-level positions in sales. You should tailor your education section to the sales job you are applying for. Avoid including irrelevant education details. This makes your resume cleaner and more relevant.

Mentioning your GPA can be beneficial if it's above average. If you graduated cum laude or with other honors, include that as well. When listing your degree, make it clear and concise, including the institution and graduation date.

The example above is poorly written because it includes unnecessary details like participation in the drama club and chess team, which are irrelevant to the position. The GPA is also below average.

This example is excellent because it focuses on relevant education. The high GPA and cum laude distinction make you stand out.

How to include volunteering on your resume

Including volunteering on your resume can boost your chances as an entry-level sales applicant. Start with an active verb to highlight your contributions and responsibilities. Volunteering demonstrates skills and dedication, which are important for sales roles. Use action-oriented language to detail your tasks and achievements.

This example is effective because it shows concrete achievements that are relevant to a sales position. The active verbs like "Organized" and "Engaged" indicate initiative and ability to build relationships. This ties directly into essential sales skills such as customer engagement and relationship building. The details provided mirror sales-related tasks, making your experience highly transferable to an entry-level sales role.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Creating a strong resume experience section when you have little to no experience can seem challenging, but there are strategies to present yourself as a competitive candidate. Begin by organizing your resume sections logically, starting with your contact information, followed by a brief summary, and then your experience. Highlight relevant skills you have developed through volunteering, academic accomplishments, or any side projects. Tailor your resume for the job you are applying for by emphasizing what makes you a suitable candidate.

Transferable skills are important. Communicate how competencies you've acquired from various contexts can be applied to a sales role. Volunteering and academic achievements can be significant sources of experience. For example, leadership roles in clubs or managing events can demonstrate valuable skills. Use action-oriented words like "managed," "organized," "led," or "achieved" to make your experiences sound impactful.

Here is an example of a poorly written resume experience section:

This example is inadequate because it lacks specifics. It makes vague statements like “Helped sales team” without explaining how or the results. It uses generic actions that do not illustrate any achievements or skills learned.

Here is an improved resume experience section:

This example is effective because it provides specific achievements and quantifiable results. It indicates the intern made a tangible impact on the company’s sales and customer engagement.

Next, we’ll explore four different ways to write your resume experience section, focusing on skills, projects, problem-solving, and collaboration. These methods show you how to present your experience to stand out to potential employers even if you have little formal job history.

Skills-focused

To emphasize skills, list experiences that showcase your abilities relevant to sales. Focus on concrete skills such as communication, organization, and problem-solving.

Project-focused

Highlight specific projects you have worked on, even if they aren’t directly related to sales. This demonstrates your ability to see a project through from start to finish.

Problem-solving focused

Showcase how you have solved problems in various situations. This reflects your critical thinking skills and your ability to handle challenges proactively.

Collaboration-focused

Collaborative skills are key in sales. Highlight experiences where you worked well with others to achieve a common goal.

Write your accountant resume objective section

Writing an effective resume objective for an entry-level sales position can help you stand out to potential employers. Your objective should be short, clear, and focus on what you can bring to the employer. Use simple language to quickly communicate your goals and skills.

Avoid vague language that doesn’t provide specific details about your qualifications or ambitions. Here’s an example of a poorly written resume objective:

This example is bad because it is too generic and does not mention any specific abilities or goals, making it unclear how you will benefit the employer.

Now, here is a well-written example:

This is a good example because it highlights your motivation, relevant skills, and how you aim to benefit the company.

Knowing the difference between an objective and other resume sections is crucial. An objective states your career goal and intent, while a resume summary provides a brief overview of your professional background. A resume profile is broader than a summary and offers a more comprehensive view of your career. A summary of qualifications lists tailored skills and accomplishments that match the job requirements.

Listing your entry-level sales skills on your resume

Writing the skills section for your entry-level sales resume can help you stand out to employers. Skills can be listed on their own or included in your experience and objective sections. Your strengths and soft skills are qualities like communication and teamwork. Hard skills are more technical abilities like using sales software or understanding data analysis.

Skills and strengths can act as keywords on your resume. These keywords help your resume get noticed by application tracking systems and hiring managers. When choosing skills, focus on those relevant to entry-level sales roles.

Here is an example of a standalone skills section:

This skills section is effective because it is concise, relevant, and well-organized. It includes a mix of hard and soft skills that are important in sales. Listing specific skills like "CRM Software" shows technical ability, while "Team Collaboration" highlights your ability to work well with others.

Best hard skills to feature on your entry-level sales resume

Entry-level sales hard skills should show your ability to use tools and techniques needed in sales jobs. These skills communicate your capability to perform technical tasks required by employers.

Best soft skills to feature on your entry-level sales resume

Entry-level sales soft skills should show your interpersonal and organizational abilities. These skills communicate your potential to handle client interactions and work in a team.

Extra sections to include in your entry-level sales resume

Are you ready to start your career in sales and wondering how to craft the perfect resume? Creating a compelling entry-level sales resume is the first step to landing your dream job. In addition to standard sections like work experience and education, including other relevant sections can set you apart from other candidates. Here are some essential sections to consider adding to your resume, along with the benefits they offer:

• Language section — Highlight your language skills, such as "Fluent in Spanish," to show you can communicate effectively with a broader range of clients. Demonstrating bilingual abilities can also be a huge advantage in markets with diverse customer bases.

• Hobbies and interests section — Mention hobbies and interests related to sales, such as "Reading industry blogs" or "Networking at local business events." This shows employers that you are genuinely interested in the field and committed to staying informed about industry trends.

• Certificates section — List relevant certifications like "Certified Sales Professional" or "Digital Marketing Certificate." Employers value additional training and it highlights your dedication to improving your skills.

• Books section — Include a section on books you’ve read related to sales, such as "How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie" or "SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham." This can show your commitment to learning and growing in your profession.

By including these sections, you can create a resume that not only stands out but also showcases a well-rounded skill set and genuine interest in sales. Adding personal touches like these can make a big difference in capturing the attention of hiring managers. Good luck with your job search!

Pair your entry-level sales resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a vital document sent alongside your resume when applying for a job. It introduces you to potential employers and highlights why you are the best fit for the position. A well-crafted cover letter can set you apart by letting your personality and enthusiasm shine through, complementing the factual information in your resume.

For an entry-level sales position, your cover letter should focus on your enthusiasm for the sales industry, your excellent communication skills, and any relevant experiences or coursework, such as a marketing class or sales internship. Make sure to highlight your willingness to learn and your motivation to succeed in a sales role.

Ready to craft your standout cover letter? Use Resume Mentor's cover letter builder for a seamless experience. It's easy to use and lets you export your document as a PDF to safeguard your content and formatting. Create your professional cover letter now with Resume Mentor!