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Route Sales Resume Examples

By Silvia Angeloro

Jul 18, 2024

|

12 min read

Master the route sales resume: steer your career journey in the right direction by showcasing your skills, experience, and dedication. Make your achievements stand out to potential employers with our easy-to-follow guide.

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Writing a route sales resume can feel like navigating a bumpy road. You might have tons of experience but struggle to put it on paper. Maybe you’re unsure what hiring managers are looking for or how to highlight your unique skills. It's not easy to capture the specifics of your daily sales routes, customer interactions, and inventory management in a few lines. The aim is to stand out, yet you want to keep it professional and concise. This guide will help you translate your hard work and dedication into a stellar resume that opens doors.

Choosing the right resume template can make all the difference. It's your first chance to impress potential employers and show that you’re organized and professional. The right layout will highlight your strengths and ensure important details don’t get lost.

We have more than 700 resume examples that you can use to write a resume.

Key Takeaways

  • Choosing the right resume template is crucial as it is your first chance to impress potential employers and should highlight strengths without losing important details.
  • Your route sales resume should clearly show your ability to drive sales, build customer relationships, and highlight achievements like sales growth, awards, or customer testimonials.
  • A resume should use a reverse-chronological format, modern fonts, one-inch margins, and clearly defined section headings like "Experience," "Skills," and "Education" for better readability and ATS compliance.
  • Include specific sections such as Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Skills, Education, Certifications, Awards and Achievements, and References to provide a well-rounded profile.
  • Highlighting measurable achievements and using strong action verbs in job descriptions effectively showcases your impact and improves your resume’s attractiveness to potential employers.

What to focus on when writing your route sales resume

Your route sales resume should clearly show your ability to drive sales and build strong customer relationships. Highlight your skills in route management, product knowledge, and sales strategy. Emphasize your accomplishments, such as meeting sales targets or improving customer retention.

Boost your resume's impact with:

  • Measurable sales growth percentages or figures
  • Awards or recognitions in sales performance
  • Customer testimonials or satisfaction ratings
  • Experience with specific sales software or tools

These details help you stand out and show your real value to recruiters.

Must have information on your route sales resume

When crafting a resume for a route sales position, it’s important to focus on sections that highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications relevant to sales and customer service. These are the must-have sections:

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Work Experience
  • Skills
  • Education
  • Certifications

You might also consider adding sections for Awards and Achievements, as well as Professional Memberships, to further showcase your qualifications and dedication to the field.

Which resume format to choose

When creating a route sales resume, the reverse-chronological format works best because it highlights your relevant experience and career progression. Opt for modern fonts like Rubik or Montserrat instead of outdated ones like Arial or Times New Roman. Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure the formatting stays consistent, regardless of the device used to open it. Use one-inch margins to keep your resume looking clean and professional. Clear section headings such as "Experience," "Skills," and "Education" are crucial to make sure Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can easily scan your resume.

Your route sales resume should include specific sections:

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

Resume Mentor's free resume builder handles all of this, making the process quick and easy for you.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Creating an outstanding resume experience section for a route sales position is essential. Start with deciding the order of your resume. Present your most recent job first and work backward. You should limit this section to the last ten to fifteen years. Include job titles relevant to route sales. Tailoring your resume to each job application will make your resume stand out. Use strong action words to describe your duties and achievements.

When listing job titles, ensure they reflect your experience in route sales. If you have had multiple roles in the same company, show how you've grown. Use numbers and accomplishments to highlight your successes. This gives potential employers an idea of your impact.

Here are two examples of the resume experience section. The first example shows common mistakes, and the second one showcases best practices.

Professional Experience
Sales Route Specialist
ABC Distribution
San Francisco, CA
Company Description
  • Managed sales routes
  • Delivered products to clients
  • Kept track of sales
Sales Representative
XYZ Supply Co.
Los Angeles, CA
Company Description
  • Sold products
  • Built client relationships
  • Increased sales revenue

The first example is poorly done. It uses vague language and lacks specific achievements. "Managed sales routes" doesn't explain how you managed them. "Delivered products to clients" is too basic and doesn't showcase any skills. There's no quantifiable information to show your success in these roles. Potential employers want to see the results of your work.

Professional Experience
Route Sales Manager
ABC Distribution
San Francisco, CA
Company Description
  • Boosted sales by 25% within first six months by streamlining routes
  • Reduced delivery time by 15% through efficient route planning
  • Implemented a customer feedback system, improving satisfaction rates by 20%
Senior Sales Representative
XYZ Supply Co.
Los Angeles, CA
Company Description
  • Exceeded sales targets by 30% annually for four consecutive years
  • Expanded client base by 40% through proactive networking
  • Trained and mentored a team of five junior sales representatives

The second example is a strong representation of a route sales resume. It highlights accomplishments and includes numbers to quantify success. Words like "boosted," "reduced," and "implemented" are strong action verbs. They show you achieved specific, measurable results. Each bullet provides a clear picture of your contributions. Employers can see how you excelled in your roles.

Route sales resume experience examples

Ready to merge your sales route into a journey of delightful achievements? Let's roll over some high-impact experience sections to get you ahead faster than a morning coffee rush!

Achievement-focused

Highlighting your most impressive wins can really help your resume stand out. It shows potential employers that you've delivered tangible results in past roles. Think of this as shining a light on the proudest moments of your career.

Work Experience

Route Sales Representative

ABC Distributors

June 2019 - Present

  • Boosted sales by developing a new customer base.
  • Implemented marketing strategies to upsell and cross-sell products.
  • Achieved 'Top Salesperson' award three quarters in a row.

Skills-focused

Highlighting specific skills can show your expertise and how you can apply them to a new role. Be sure to detail how you've used these skills to make a difference in your previous jobs.

Work Experience

Route Sales Manager

DEF Beverages

March 2018 - May 2019

  • Utilized inventory software to manage stock levels efficiently.
  • Trained team members on inventory best practices and procedures.
  • Reduced stock discrepancies by 15%.

Responsibility-focused

Showcasing your responsibilities in previous roles can illustrate your capacity to handle similar duties in future positions. Include specific tasks that highlight your reliability and work ethic.

Work Experience

Route Sales Coordinator

GHI Snacks

January 2017 - February 2018

  • Managed relationships with top-tier clients to ensure satisfaction.
  • Scheduled and executed route plans to maximize efficiency.
  • Resolved customer complaints and issues in a timely manner.

Project-focused

Detailing projects you've led or participated in shows your ability to drive initiatives to completion. This demonstrates leadership, planning, and execution skills.

Work Experience

Route Sales Specialist

JKL Foods

April 2016 - December 2016

  • Coordinated with marketing team for product rollout.
  • Trained route sales team on new product features and benefits.
  • Achieved a 30% increase in sales within the first quarter of launch.

Result-focused

Emphasizing the results you've achieved can help convey your impact. List specific metrics and outcomes that highlight your effectiveness.

Work Experience

Route Sales Executive

MNO Beverages

July 2015 - March 2016

  • Expanded territory coverage to new regions.
  • Identified and converted high-potential leads.
  • Surpassed quarterly sales targets consistently.

Industry-Specific Focus

Showcase experience that is particularly relevant to the industry you're targeting. Highlight your understanding of industry standards, practices, and challenges.

Work Experience

Route Sales Agent

PQR Foods

August 2014 - June 2015

  • Specialized in distribution of perishable goods.
  • Maintained temperature control during transport to ensure freshness.
  • Established strong relationships with grocery store managers.

Problem-Solving Focused

Explain how you've overcome challenges in your previous roles. This shows your ability to think on your feet and come up with effective solutions.

Work Experience

Route Sales Associate

STU Supplies

September 2013 - July 2014

  • Developed alternative routing strategies to avoid traffic.
  • Implemented a new scheduling system to prevent overlaps.
  • Reduced delivery times by 20%.

Innovation-focused

Emphasize your creative solutions and innovative approaches in past roles. This shows your ability to think outside the box and drive positive change.

Work Experience

Route Sales Consultant

VWX Innovations

May 2012 - August 2013

  • Developed a unique customer loyalty program.
  • Introduced digital tools to track sales and customer preferences.
  • Boosted customer retention by 15%.

Leadership-focused

Show how you've taken charge in your previous roles. Focus on leadership experiences and how you've inspired and guided others to achieve goals.

Work Experience

Lead Route Sales Representative

YZA Goods

October 2011 - April 2012

  • Mentored team members to improve their sales techniques.
  • Organized weekly meetings to discuss performance and strategies.
  • Set and achieved ambitious team sales targets.

Customer-focused

Demonstrate how you've gone above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. Highlight customer engagement and satisfaction in your previous roles.

Work Experience

Route Sales Customer Specialist

BCD Sales

February 2010 - September 2011

  • Scheduled regular visits to ensure client satisfaction.
  • Adapted sales strategies based on customer feedback.
  • Received multiple customer accolades for outstanding service.

Growth-focused

Show how you've contributed to the growth of your previous employers. Highlight significant increases in sales, customer base, or market penetration.

Work Experience

Route Sales Growth Advisor

EFG Services

December 2009 - January 2010

  • Researched and targeted untapped markets.
  • Networked extensively to gain new clients.
  • Secured long-term contracts with key accounts.

Efficiency-focused

Illustrate how you've made processes more efficient and cost-effective. Highlight methods you've used to save time or reduce expenses.

Work Experience

Route Sales Efficiency Manager

HIJ Logistics

July 2008 - November 2009

  • Reorganized delivery schedules for optimal route efficiency.
  • Utilized GPS technology to monitor and adjust routes.
  • Reduced fuel costs by 10%.

Technology-focused

Show how you're adept at using technology to improve your work. Highlight any software or tools you've mastered that are relevant to the job.

Work Experience

Route Sales Team Player

NOP Enterprises

May 2006 - February 2007

  • Collaborated with team to develop effective sales strategies.
  • Participated in joint sales presentations.
  • Achieved 95% of team sales targets consistently.

Collaboration-focused

Discuss your ability to work well with others. Describe team projects and highlight how your collaborative skills contributed to success.

Work Experience

Route Sales Trainer

QRS Industries

January 2005 - April 2006

  • Created a comprehensive onboarding program.
  • Provided ongoing mentorship and support.
  • Reduced new hire turnover by 25%.

Training and Development-focused

Highlight your experience in training and developing others. Show how you've helped your team grow their skills and succeed.

Write your route sales resume summary section

Writing your resume summary for a route sales position can be challenging. You should keep your summary concise, but make sure it highlights your strengths and experiences. The goal is to grab the employer’s attention and make them want to read the rest of your resume.

Describing yourself in a resume summary should focus on what makes you unique. Use strong, impactful words that leave a positive impression. Talk about your experiences, skills, and how they will benefit the employer.

A resume summary is different from a resume objective, profile, and a summary of qualifications. A resume summary highlights your career achievements and skills in a short paragraph, while a resume objective is a brief statement of your career goals. A resume profile is a bit longer than a summary and includes more detailed information about your skills and experiences. A summary of qualifications is a list of bullet points highlighting your top achievements and skills.

SUMMARY
I am looking for a job in route sales where I can use my sales skills. I have been working in sales for 5 years and I am good at talking to people. I work hard and I really want to help a company grow.

This first example lacks specificity and fails to stand out. It uses vague terms like "sales skills" without detailing what those skills are. It does not highlight any unique achievements or strengths.

SUMMARY
Experienced route sales professional with over 5 years in the field. Proven track record of increasing sales by 20% year-over-year. Skilled in customer relationship building, territory management, and merchandising. Dedicated to delivering exceptional service and driving revenue growth.

The second example is much stronger. It highlights specific achievements, such as increasing sales by 20% year-over-year. It uses industry-relevant terms like "customer relationship building" and "territory management," making it clear what skills the applicant brings to the table. This summary is clear, compelling, and targeted to the job.

Listing your route sales skills on your resume

When writing your skills section for a route sales resume, you can choose to have a dedicated section or weave your skills into other sections like experience and summary. Highlighting your strengths and soft skills is crucial, as they show your ability to work well with customers and colleagues. Hard skills, on the other hand, are specific abilities and knowledge required to perform the technical parts of the job.

Skills and strengths act as resume keywords, making your resume more likely to pass through applicant tracking systems used by employers, ensuring that hiring managers can quickly see your qualifications.

Skills
Route Planning
Customer Relationship Management
Sales Forecasting
Time Management
Negotiation
Inventory Management
Product Knowledge
Problem-Solving

A standalone skills section like this is beneficial because it organizes and highlights your key qualifications neatly. It makes it easy for hiring managers to scan and quickly identify what you excel at. This clear display of both hard and soft skills relevant to route sales demonstrates that you possess the necessary capabilities to meet the job's demands.

Best hard skills to feature on your route sales resume

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge that route sales professionals need to effectively perform their tasks. They should communicate your capability for handling technical aspects of the role.

Hard Skills

  • Route Planning
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Sales Forecasting
  • Inventory Management
  • Data Analysis
  • Product Knowledge
  • Technical Troubleshooting
  • Financial Reporting
  • Order Processing
  • Point of Sale (POS) Systems
  • Vehicle Maintenance Knowledge
  • Safety Regulations Compliance
  • Multi-Channel Selling
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel
  • CRM Software Proficiency

Best soft skills to feature on your route sales resume

Soft skills in route sales demonstrate your ability to interact effectively with clients and team members, showing your interpersonal and emotional abilities.

Soft Skills

  • Communication
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Negotiation
  • Empathy
  • Attention to Detail
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Persistence
  • Reliability
  • Customer Service
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Active Listening
  • Organizational Skills
  • Self-Motivation

How to include your education on your resume

An education section is an important part of your route sales resume. It shows hiring managers you have the necessary background. Tailoring this section to the job is crucial. Irrelevant education should be omitted to keep the reader’s focus. Including your GPA can enhance your resume, especially if it's high. Use cum laude honors to highlight your achievements. When listing a degree, provide the type, institution, location, and dates.

Now, here are examples of good and bad education sections:

Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Tech University
City, State

Why it's bad: This example lists a degree in Computer Engineering which is not relevant for a route sales job. Listing an irrelevant GPA of 2.5 does not add any value. The details don’t match the job focus and may confuse the hiring manager.

Education
Associate Degree in Business Management
Community College
City, State
GPA
3.8
/
4.0

Why it's good: This example lists an Associate Degree in Business Management, which is relevant to route sales. The GPA of 3.8 effectively demonstrates academic excellence. This focused, relevant background stands out to employers.

How to include route sales certificates on your resume

Including a certificates section in your route sales resume is crucial. Certificates can highlight your specialized skills and add credibility to your qualifications. You can choose to include the certificates section in the main body of your resume or feature it in the header for better visibility, depending on where it adds most value.

List the name of the certificate clearly. Include the date you earned the certificate. Add the issuing organization for each certificate to provide context and reliability. Double-check that your certificates are relevant to the route sales position to ensure they strengthen your application.

Here’s an example of an effective certificates section:

Certifications
Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
National Association of Sales Professionals
Route Sales Management Certification
Sales Management Society
Certified in Customer Service Excellence
American Customer Satisfaction Association

This example is good because it includes the certification titles prominently, ensuring they catch the recruiter's eye. The issuing organizations are listed, which adds credibility. Each certificate is relevant to the route sales job, demonstrating that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for the role.

Extra sections to include in your route sales resume

In the competitive world of route sales, crafting a strong resume is essential to stand out from the crowd. Highlighting your skills, experience, and unique attributes can set you apart from other candidates and catch the attention of potential employers. Here are some key sections to consider including in your resume:

  • Language sections—showcase proficiency in multiple languages to attract employers seeking bilingual skills. Enhance communication and customer service capabilities.
  • Hobbies and interests sections—demonstrate well-roundedness and personality beyond sales skills. Provide conversation starters that can build rapport with interviewers and clients.
  • Volunteer work section—highlight dedication to community and willingness to go above and beyond. Illustrate transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication.
  • Books section—mention books related to sales, leadership, or personal development to show a commitment to learning. Reinforce your passion for continuous improvement in your professional field.

By thoughtfully including these sections, you can present a well-rounded profile that reflects your skills, interests, and personality. This approach not only showcases your qualifications but also adds depth to your application, increasing your chances of landing that coveted route sales position.

Pair your route sales resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It provides a brief introduction of yourself and explains why you are a good fit for the position. This letter allows you to showcase your personality, highlight specific skills, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job. A strong cover letter can make your application stand out, potentially leading to an interview.

For a route sales position, your cover letter should focus on your sales skills, your knowledge of the products you would be selling, and your ability to build relationships with customers. Mention any previous experience in sales or driving routes and emphasize your organizational skills and punctuality. Also, highlight any awards or recognition you have received in your previous roles.

Create your polished cover letter effortlessly with Resume Mentor's cover letter builder. It's easy to use and lets you export your cover letter as a PDF, ensuring your content and formatting stay protected.

Ella Green

Los Angeles, California

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@resumementor.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

I am particularly drawn to your company because of your commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. I believe my extensive experience in route sales, especially within the gaming industry, aligns perfectly with your company's vision.

During my tenure at American Games, Inc., I successfully increased route sales by 25% in the first year through effective customer engagement and strategic product placements. This not only helped improve customer satisfaction but also contributed significantly to the company's revenue growth. My ability to manage inventory levels for over 150 products and reduce stockouts by 35% further showcases my capability to handle complex sales processes.

I am eager to bring my background in inventory control and sales strategy development to your team. I would love the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences can contribute to your company's continued success. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.

Sincerely,

Ella Green

Route Sales
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