What achievements should I add to my Sales CV?

If you were an employer receiving hundreds of applications for an advertised position, what would you look for to determine who the best applicant was? The answer to sort the good from the great is simple -: achievements.

If you are like most people you may not have given any consideration to your CV since you last applied for a job, and you may be tempted simply to add another paragraph to your existing CV which details the job you are currently in, leaving the rest of it the same.

But if that is all you do then you will be lucky if your application ever gets past the paper shredder.

That old CV was designed to persuade your current employer that you have the potential to become a good sales person. However, now that you have some experience under your belt and are planning your next career move, you need to demonstrate what you have actually accomplished in your career so far, what makes you stand out from everyone else.

And that means focusing on your achievements. Perhaps you have smashed all sales records or won awards? Maybe your strong negotiation skills have secured a number of lucrative contracts for your employer?

Your CV is a selling document that is designed to open the door for an interview. And the most effective selling weapons you have in your armoury are your achievements. So instead of stating your job description, emphasize your achievements by using statements, such as:

• Practical skills: Developed a new system for generating sales leads which was implemented across the organisation and resulted in a 30% improvement in sales performance

• Evidence of recognition: Seconded by national sales manager to support sales teams in other regions and ensure that their quarterly targets were achieved

• Team management: Led a team of sales and marketing executives in a promotional campaign that resulted in increased sales of £500k and the company exceeding its annual sales targets by £25%

• Sales success: Increased my territories client base by 30% or £75,000 year-on-year

• Awards/Consistency: I won Sales Person of the Year for two consecutive years having exceeded all quarterly sales targets by an average of 25% over a twenty-four month period

• Leading by example: Trained and developed a team of five new field sales executives who achieved an average of 120% of their sales targets within their first three months

Sales is a competitive sector so you need to think of as many instances when the light has shone on you where you gained recognition for your work.

Wondering what to do now? Check out our expert career advice, find out more about the Sales industry or search for the latest Sales jobs.