As a sales executive, your role is crucial to driving growth and building strong client relationships. Whether you’re selling products, services, or overseeing sales operations, your ability to close deals, manage accounts, and meet targets ensures the success of your team and business.

To truly stand out in this competitive field, your CV needs to highlight both your sales achievements and your understanding of customer needs. This guide will help you create a sales executive CV that showcases your strengths and gets you noticed by potential employers.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • CV examples tailored to sales executive roles
  • Professionally designed templates suitable for the sales industry
  • Tips on how to structure your CV to emphasise your sales expertise and experience
  • Expert advice on writing a CV that captures the attention of hiring managers
  • Common mistakes to avoid when creating your sales CV
  • Answers to frequently asked questions about sales executive CVs

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    Sales executive CV sample

    Sales Executive Cv Example

    Kevin Knight
    Manchester
    07912345678 
    kevin.knight@example.co.uk

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    Dynamic and results-oriented Sales Executive with 4 years of experience in driving sales strategies and cultivating relationships within the hospitality and real estate sectors. Known for being a strategic thinker with a strong ability to identify new business opportunities, exceed sales targets, and negotiate profitable contracts. A quick learner who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working collaboratively to achieve company goals. Passionate about delivering tailored solutions that address client needs and contribute to business growth.

    WORK HISTORY

    January 2023 – March 2025
    Harrison & Partners Real Estate – Leeds
    Sales Executive 

    • Successfully managed a portfolio of commercial and residential property clients, generating a 20% increase in sales revenue year on year.
    • Developed and executed sales strategies that resulted in the acquisition of 15+ new high-net-worth clients, leading to a notable increase in market share.
    • Collaborated with the marketing department to design targeted campaigns, resulting in a 35% increase in qualified leads and significantly improving brand awareness.
    • Led presentations and property viewings, tailoring each pitch to client needs and ensuring a high conversion rate of 30% for viewings-to-sales.

    January 2021 – December 2022
    CityStay Hotels – Manchester
    Business Development Executive 

    • Worked closely with the sales manager to develop strategies for expanding the company’s corporate client base, resulting in a 40% increase in hotel bookings.
    • Conducted research to identify and target potential business clients, successfully establishing partnerships with local businesses and event planners.
    • Managed client accounts, handling their enquiries, delivering tailored offers, and negotiating contracts, resulting in a 15% growth in annual revenue.
    • Delivered training sessions to junior team members on sales techniques, CRM use, and customer service best practices.

    SKILLS

    • Negotiation & Closing Techniques
    • Excellent Communication & Presentation Skills
    • CRM & Sales Tools (Pipedrive, Zoho CRM)
    • Market Research & Competitive Analysis
    • Prospecting & Cold Calling
    • Building Long-term Client Relationships
    • Event Planning & Business Development
    • Financial Acumen & Budget Management

    Education

    2020
    Newcastle University, England
    Bachelor of Arts Business Administration

    Certifications and Licenses

    Certified Sales Professional (CSP) – Sales Management Association, 2021
    Real Estate Sales Certificate – National Association of Estate Agents, 2019

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    Sales executive CV templates

    Below are some of our UK CV templates formatted with all the key sections necessary to showcase your experience and skills. These templates are also ATS-friendly, ensuring your CV passes through Applicant Tracking Systems smoothly and gets noticed by recruiters. 

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    Choosing the best CV format for sales executive

    When creating a CV as a sales executive, choosing the right format is essential to highlight your sales achievements, skills, and experience. A well-structured CV not only leaves a lasting impression but also enhances your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers. The two most common CV formats for sales executives are the reverse chronological CV and the skills-based CV.

    Reverse chronological CV

    The reverse chronological format is perfect for candidates with a consistent career path in sales. This format puts your most recent roles at the top, allowing employers to quickly see your progression, key responsibilities, and accomplishments in the sales field.

    Why choose this format?

    • Demonstrates experience clearly: Showcases your career growth, detailing key sales targets met, territories managed, and client relationships built.
    • Easy to navigate: Organises your career history in reverse order, making it simple for hiring managers to follow your sales journey and assess your impact.
    • Familiar to employers: This format is preferred by hiring managers as it aligns with standard recruitment practices, especially for candidates with solid sales experience.

    Skills-based CV

    A skills-based CV is ideal for those entering the sales field or candidates with a diverse background in various industries. This format shifts the focus from job titles to the skills and competencies you’ve developed relevant to the sales role.

    Why it might suit you

    • Highlights core strengths: Emphasises key sales skills such as prospecting, negotiating, closing deals, and client relationship management.
    • Adaptable: Great for those who’ve gained sales-related experience through internships, part-time jobs, or in industries like marketing or customer service.
    • Supports career changes: Particularly useful for career switchers, enabling you to focus on transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
    Choose your CV format

    How to write an effective sales executive CV

    To create a good CV, it’s important to understand which key sections to include and how to present your experience in a clear, way. Below is a step-by-step guide that walks you through each section of your CV, complete with practical tips and examples tailored to the sales profession. 

    Add your contact details at the top

    Start your CV by placing your contact details at the top of your CV. Include your full name, location, phone number, and email address. You can also include a link to your portfolio or LinkedIn page. Make sure to double-check for any errors to ensure recruiters can easily reach you without any issues.

    Example of a contact section

    Freda Jones
    Manchester
    07912345678 
    freda.jones@example.co.uk

    Write your sales executive CV personal statement

    Your personal statement (professional summary)  is the first section after your contact details and sets the tone for the rest of your CV. It should be concise but impactful, offering a quick overview of your experience, strengths, and why you’re a strong fit for a sales executive role.

    In this section, focus on your ability to meet and exceed sales targets, manage client relationships, and identify new business opportunities. Mention your sales achievements, industry knowledge, and communication skills that contribute to building strong rapport with clients and driving revenue.

    Make sure to include:

    • Your core sales competencies (e.g. B2B/B2C sales, lead generation, client retention)
    • Your years of relevant experience
    • Your expertise in specific sectors or with particular tools (e.g. CRM software, territory management)

    Example of a sales executive’s personal statement:

    Results-driven sales executive with over 5 years’ experience in B2B and retail sales environments. Proven track record of exceeding targets, growing client bases, and managing high-value accounts. Skilled in lead generation, pipeline management, and closing deals, with proficiency in Salesforce and HubSpot. Known for strong interpersonal skills and a strategic approach to identifying opportunities and delivering consistent revenue growth.

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    Showcasing experience on your sales executive CV

    Your work experience section is one of the most important parts of your sales executive CV. It shows employers your ability to generate leads, close deals, build strong client relationships, and hit sales targets. Rather than simply listing responsibilities, focus on how your efforts delivered tangible results, such as revenue growth, customer retention, or market expansion. Use measurable achievements wherever possible to back up your success.

    Example of CV work experience:

    Sales Executive
    Brightwell Technology Solutions – Manchester
    January 2021 – Present

    • Achieved 120% of annual sales targets for three consecutive years by building relationships with key decision-makers and tailoring solutions to client needs
    • Secured multiple long-term B2B contracts worth over £250K by developing trust and offering consultative support during negotiations
    • Identified new business opportunities through market research and cold outreach, increasing pipeline by 35% year-on-year
    • Played a lead role in rolling out a new CRM strategy using HubSpot, improving lead conversion tracking and follow-up processes

    Sales Representative
    Horizon Media Group – Leeds
    June 2018 – December 2020

    • Managed a portfolio of over 100 small-to-mid-sized clients, consistently meeting monthly sales targets in a competitive digital advertising space
    • Conducted in-person and virtual product demos, leading to a 40% improvement in client engagement
    • Collaborated with the marketing team to tailor campaign messaging, resulting in improved lead quality and stronger brand visibility
    • Maintained accurate sales reports and client notes using Salesforce, helping improve forecast accuracy and sales planning

    Key skills to include on your sales executive CV

    The skills section of your CV is your opportunity to show employers exactly what you bring to the table. In a sales role, it’s not just about knowing the product; it’s about how well you connect with people, understand their needs, and close the deal. 

    Be sure to include a mix of soft and technical skills, tailored to the role you’re applying for. Strong communication, negotiation, and handling rejection are just as important as experience with CRM systems or market research.

    General skills for a sales executive CV

    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
    • Relationship building and client retention
    • Time management and working to targets
    • Persuasive negotiation and objection handling
    • Confidence in fast-paced and target-driven environments
    • Adaptability and problem-solving

     

    Specific sales executive skills

    • Lead generation and prospecting
    • CRM proficiency (e.g. Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho)
    • B2B and B2C sales strategies
    • Sales presentations and product demos
    • Market research and competitor analysis
    • Cross-selling and upselling techniques
    • Tracking KPIs and preparing sales reports

    The education section of your sales executive CV

    For sales executive roles, a formal degree isn’t always essential. Many successful sales professionals come from varied educational backgrounds, and what matters most is your ability to connect with clients, understand their needs, and deliver results. That said, if you’ve completed any sales-specific training, business qualifications, or certifications, they can strengthen your CV and demonstrate your commitment to the role.

    The education section doesn’t need to be long; just focus on any qualifications that have helped shape your sales skills, whether through formal education or industry-led training. If you speak more than one language, this is a great place to include it, especially if you’re applying for roles with international clients or diverse customer bases.

    Include the following:

    • Qualification name – e.g. Certificate in Sales Techniques, Diploma in Business and Marketing
    • Institution – name of the school, college, or training provider
    • Completion dates – or years attended
    • Sales or industry certifications – e.g. Salesforce CRM training, HubSpot Sales Certification
    • Languages spoken (optional) – especially if relevant to your target market

    Example of an education section

    Education

    Certificate in Sales and Marketing
    City Business College, Manchester
    2019 – 2020

    Languages

    Fluent in English and French

    Dos and don’ts for a sales executive CV

    Writing an effective CV for a sales executive role is about more than simply listing your job experience. To make a strong impression in a competitive sales environment, you must tailor your CV to highlight the most relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Here’s a list of dos and don’ts to help ensure your CV stands out positively.

    DO

    • DO tailor your CV for each role

      Sales roles can vary greatly depending on the product or service being sold and the method of sale, whether high-value items, low-cost goods, online, or in-person. For example, if the role involves selling high-value products, emphasise your ability to build strong client relationships and close complex deals. If the position focuses on online sales, highlight your expertise in digital platforms, e-commerce strategies, and managing online customer interactions. 

    • DO highlight your sales achievements

      Don’t just list your responsibilities, focus on the results. Quantify your successes, such as meeting or exceeding sales targets, closing deals, or increasing revenue. Include metrics like percentage growth, average deal size, or the number of new clients acquired to make your achievements stand out. For example, “Increased sales by 25% over six months through targeted prospecting and relationship building.”

    DON’T

    • DON’T forget about your soft skills

      In sales, soft skills like emotional intelligence, negotiation, and conflict resolution are just as important as technical skills. Be sure to highlight these in your CV, especially if you’ve had experience managing difficult client relationships or closing deals under pressure.

    • DON’T neglect to mention customer retention

      Sales are not just about landing new clients but about keeping them. Don’t forget to highlight your experience in customer retention, account management, or after-sales support. Showing you can build long-term relationships with clients demonstrates that you have both the sales and relationship-building skills employers seek.

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    Your sales executive CV questions answered

    Can I apply for sales roles without a formal degree?

    Yes, a degree is not always required for sales roles. Many successful sales executives come from various backgrounds, and employers often value practical experience, soft skills, and a proven sales track record over formal qualifications. However, relevant certifications (such as in sales or digital marketing) or industry-specific knowledge can still give you an edge. Highlight these on your CV to demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

    How can I boost my chances of securing an interview?

    To stand out in the competitive world of sales, pair your CV with a tailored cover letter. Don’t use a generic introduction; explain why you’re excited about working for that specific company, and how your sales experience aligns with the job. If the position focuses on B2B sales or managing client relationships, mention your relevant experience in those areas. A personalised cover letter shows recruiters that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the role.

    What if I don’t have any sales experience?

    If you don’t have direct sales experience, focus on transferable skills and experiences that can be applied to sales. For example, customer service roles, volunteer work, or any position where you had to engage with people and solve problems are all valuable experiences. Highlight your communication skills, ability to persuade, and adaptability. If you’ve worked in teams, led projects, or worked with targets, mention those achievements.

    How can I transition into a sales role from a different career?

    To make the shift, focus on showcasing your transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building. If you’ve had experience in areas where you had to persuade, negotiate, or achieve targets, make sure to highlight those examples on your CV. A great way to structure your CV in this case is by using a skills-based format, which focuses on your core abilities rather than your specific job titles.

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