Writing a great sales CV isn’t rocket science—but it’s easy to get it wrong if you haven’t updated yours in a while. Here’s my advice to candidates looking to refresh theirs:
✅ Keep it simple.
Fancy fonts and complex designs might look creative, but they can distract from what really matters—your career and achievements. I’d rather someone had no opinion on the design of my CV, rather than potentially not like it.
📊 Show the numbers.
Sales is performance driven, so your CV should reflect that.
Highlight:
Targets hit (or exceeded!)
Deal sizes and sales cycles
Key verticals, ICPs, and personas you specialise in
💡 Craft a clear summary.
Your profile at the top should be sharp and focused. Talk about the roles you’re aiming for and the specific value you bring. Avoid generic clichés—they don’t excite hiring managers.
⏳ Prioritise recent, relevant experience.
Focus the details on the last few years of your career, especially roles that align with your current goals. Older or less relevant positions? Keep them brief—just a line or two will do.
🎯 Add a personal touch.
Include an “Interests” section! It’s a great way to showcase what you love doing outside work and can spark common ground with interviewers.
❌ Check for typos.
This one’s simple, yet so many miss it! Run your CV by a friend, not just a spell-check tool. A fresh set of eyes can catch errors you’ve overlooked.
🛑 Don’t just add your last role to an old CV.
It’s obvious when a CV hasn’t been updated properly—it can come across as lazy. Remember, your CV is your first (and sometimes only) chance to make an impression. Put in the effort!
There’s more to creating a standout CV, but these tips address the most common mistakes I see.
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