Car Sales Rep Resume Examples for 2024

Jump to a template:

Car Sales Rep

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Summary

Experience

Education

Skills

Jump to a resource:

Car Sales Rep Resume Tips

Keywords

Google Docs Template #1

Car Sales Rep Resume Sample

As a Car Sales Rep, you're the bridge between the customer and their dream vehicle. Your job isn't just about making a sale, it’s about understanding the client's needs and translating that into a vehicle that fits their lifestyle. Recently, car sales have been shifting towards online platforms and digital showrooms, so it's crucial to adapt to these new modes of selling. When writing your resume, it's important to display not only your sales prowess but also your ability to connect with people and your adaptability to new technologies.

Buy Template (Word + Google Docs) Download Resume in PDF

Screenshot

Text Version

Car Sales Rep resume emphasizing sales record and customer service skills.

Tips to help you write your Car Sales Rep resume in 2024

Showcase your sales track record

Numbers speak louder than words. Include your sales figures, units sold, or targets met to demonstrate your abilities. If you've consistently met or exceeded your sales targets, make sure to mention that.

Also see: 50+ Sales Resume Examples From Recruiters

Showcase your sales track record - Car Sales Rep Resume

Expand

Highlighting your EDGE in customer service

As a Car Sales Rep, providing excellent customer service is paramount. You should include any customer service training, certifications, or customer satisfaction scores that you've earned. It's important to remind the hiring manager of your commitment to the customer's satisfaction.

Expand

Car Sales Rep Resume Tips

As a hiring manager who has recruited at top automotive dealerships like AutoNation, CarMax, and Penske Automotive Group, I've reviewed hundreds of resumes for car sales rep positions. The best resumes effectively highlight the candidate's sales skills, customer service abilities, and knowledge of the automotive industry. In this article, we'll share some tips to help your car sales rep resume stand out from the competition.

Quantify your sales achievements

Hiring managers want to see concrete evidence of your sales success. Use numbers and percentages to quantify your achievements:

Achieved 120% of sales quota for 3 consecutive years, generating over $2 million in revenue
Maintained an average customer satisfaction rating of 95% based on post-sale surveys
Sold an average of 18 vehicles per month, consistently ranking among the top 5 salespeople in a team of 30

Avoid vague or unquantified statements like:

Met sales targets regularly
Provided excellent customer service
Sold a lot of cars

Expand

Highlight your product knowledge

Demonstrating your expertise in the vehicles you sell can boost your credibility. Mention specific makes, models, and features you're knowledgeable about:

Extensive knowledge of Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota vehicle lineups, including trim levels, options, and pricing
Completed manufacturer training programs for Honda and Acura, earning certifications in product knowledge and sales techniques
Skilled in explaining advanced vehicle features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and infotainment systems to customers

Avoid generic statements that could apply to any product:

Knowledgeable about the products I sell
Able to answer customer questions
Familiar with vehicle features

Emphasize your customer service skills

Exceptional customer service is crucial for success in car sales. Highlight specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers:

Developed a loyal customer base, with 30% of sales coming from repeat customers and referrals
Received the "Customer Service Excellence Award" for consistently providing outstanding service and maintaining a 98% customer satisfaction rating
Implemented a personalized follow-up system, contacting customers at 30, 90, and 180 days after their purchase to ensure satisfaction and address any concerns

Avoid vague or clichéd statements like:

Provided great customer service
Went the extra mile for customers
Built strong customer relationships

Showcase your sales training and certifications

Include any relevant sales training, certifications, or professional development you've completed. This demonstrates your commitment to improving your skills:

Completed Dale Carnegie's "Sales Advantage" course, learning advanced techniques for building rapport, handling objections, and closing deals
Earned the Certified Sales Professional (CSP) designation from the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP)
Participated in a 3-day workshop on consultative selling, focusing on identifying customer needs and providing tailored solutions

Avoid listing generic or irrelevant training:

Attended various sales training sessions
Completed online courses
Participated in company-mandated training

Tailor your resume to the dealership

Research the dealership you're applying to and customize your resume accordingly. Highlight experience, skills, or achievements that align with their brand, values, or target market:

For a luxury car dealership: "Specialized in selling high-end vehicles, with extensive knowledge of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi lineups"
For a dealership focusing on eco-friendly cars: "Passionate about electric and hybrid vehicles, with a deep understanding of their benefits and incentives"
For a dealership known for its community involvement: "Volunteered at dealership-sponsored charity events, helping raise over $50,000 for local non-profits"

Avoid using the same generic resume for every application. Instead, take the time to tailor your resume to each specific dealership.

Use industry-specific keywords

Incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume to demonstrate your industry knowledge and help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS). Some examples include:

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
Dealership Management System (DMS)
Product presentations
Test drives
Vehicle financing
Lease agreements
Trade-in appraisals
Inventory management

However, avoid keyword stuffing or using terms unnaturally. Instead, use them strategically in the context of your experience and achievements:

"Utilized CRM software to manage a pipeline of over 100 leads, resulting in a 20% increase in sales conversions."

"Experienced in CRM, DMS, product presentations, test drives, vehicle financing, lease agreements, trade-in appraisals, and inventory management."

Writing Your Car Sales Rep Resume: Section By Section

Summary

Writing a summary for your car sales rep resume is optional. Your resume itself is already a concise summary of your qualifications, so a summary isn't always necessary. However, a well-written summary can provide additional context and highlight key details that may not be immediately apparent from the rest of your resume.

A summary is particularly useful if you're changing careers and your past experience doesn't directly align with car sales, or if you're an experienced professional with a lot of relevant experience to showcase. Avoid using an objective statement, as it's an outdated practice that focuses on what you want rather than what you can offer the employer.

When crafting your summary, aim to provide a high-level overview of your skills, experience, and unique selling points that are directly relevant to a car sales rep position. Keep it concise, typically no more than a short paragraph, and avoid repeating information that's already covered in other sections of your resume.

How to write a resume summary if you are applying for a Car Sales Rep resume

Expand

1. Highlight your sales experience and track record

When writing your car sales rep resume summary, it's crucial to showcase your sales experience and accomplishments. Hiring managers want to see that you have a proven track record of success in sales, particularly in the automotive industry.

Experienced car sales professional with a proven track record of exceeding sales targets and building strong customer relationships.
Top-performing auto sales rep with 5+ years of experience consistently ranking among the top 10% of sales staff.

Avoid making vague or unsubstantiated claims about your sales abilities. Instead, provide specific examples or metrics that demonstrate your success:

Car sales rep with a passion for selling vehicles and meeting quotas.
Highly motivated individual with strong sales skills and a desire to succeed in the automotive industry.

Quantifying your sales achievements in your summary can make a powerful impact. If you have specific numbers, percentages, or rankings that showcase your success, consider including them to make your summary more compelling.

2. Tailor your summary to the dealership's needs

When applying for a car sales rep position, it's essential to tailor your resume summary to the specific needs and requirements of the dealership. Research the dealership and identify any key skills, qualifications, or values they emphasize in their job listing or on their website.

For example, if the dealership emphasizes customer service and building long-term client relationships, you might write:

Customer-centric car sales professional with a track record of building lasting client relationships and driving repeat business. Skilled in needs assessment, product knowledge, and delivering personalized service to exceed customer expectations.

Avoid using a generic, one-size-fits-all summary that could apply to any sales position. Instead, customize your summary to show that you understand the unique aspects of the car sales industry and the specific dealership.

To ensure your resume resonates with the dealership, try using Resume Worded's Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes your resume against the job description and provides feedback on how well your resume matches the key skills and requirements the employer is seeking.

Experience

The work experience section is the most important part of your car sales rep resume. It's where you show hiring managers that you have the skills and experience to excel in the role. In this section, we'll break down how to write a compelling work experience section that will help you stand out from other candidates and land your next car sales job.

1. Use strong car sales action verbs

When describing your past roles and achievements, use powerful action verbs that are relevant to the car sales industry. This helps paint a picture of you as a strong candidate and makes your resume more engaging to read.

Examples of great car sales action verbs include:

Negotiated profitable deals with customers, resulting in a 15% increase in sales revenue
Upsold additional features and warranties to 50+ customers per month
Delivered exceptional customer service, maintaining a 95% customer satisfaction rating

Avoid using weak, passive language like 'was responsible for' or 'helped with'. Instead, start each bullet point with a strong action verb to emphasize your contributions.

Expand

Use a tool like Score My Resume to get instant feedback on your resume and ensure you're using the most effective language to describe your car sales experience.

2. Quantify your car sales achievements

Numbers are a powerful way to showcase your accomplishments and make your resume stand out. Whenever possible, use specific metrics to quantify your achievements in past car sales roles.

Here are some examples of how to effectively use metrics:

Sold an average of 18 cars per month, exceeding sales targets by 20%
Generated $500K in revenue in 2022, ranking as the top salesperson on a team of 15
Maintained a closing ratio of 30%, 5% higher than the dealership average

If you don't have access to specific sales metrics, you can still use numbers to provide context around your achievements:

Managed a client base of 200+ customers and consistently received positive feedback
Trained 5 junior sales reps on product knowledge and sales techniques

When highlighting your achievements, focus on the metrics that matter most to car sales hiring managers, like revenue generated, cars sold, client base size, and closing ratios.

3. Showcase your career progression

Hiring managers love to see candidates who have progressed and taken on more responsibility throughout their car sales career. If you've been promoted or taken on leadership roles, make sure to showcase that in your work experience section.

Here's an example of how you might show a promotion:

Car Dealership XYZ
Senior Sales Representative (2021-Present)
- Promoted to Senior Sales Rep after just 1 year as a top performer
- Mentor and train a team of 5 junior sales reps
- Implemented a new CRM system, increasing efficiency by 20%

Sales Representative (2019-2021)
- Consistently exceeded sales targets by 15% each quarter
- Built and managed a client base of 150+ customers
- Collaborated with marketing team to launch a new email campaign that generated 50 leads

If you have a strong career trajectory in car sales, consider bolding your job titles to make your progression stand out to hiring managers who are quickly scanning your resume.

4. Tailor your skills to the job description

One common mistake car sales job seekers make is including the exact same work experience on every resume they submit. To stand out, you need to tailor your resume to each specific job you apply for.

Here are some tips for tailoring your work experience section:

Read the job description carefully and highlight the key skills and experience required
Focus on the achievements and responsibilities that are most relevant to the job you want
Use the same language and keywords from the job description where applicable
Cut less relevant details from your older roles to keep your resume concise

Compare this generic description:

Sold cars to customers and met sales goals

To this tailored one:

Sold an average of 15 luxury cars per month, consistently ranking as a top sales rep

Use a tool like Targeted Resume to instantly scan your resume and the job description side-by-side. It will identify skills and keywords you may be missing so you can better tailor your work experience to the role.

Education

The education section of your car sales rep resume should be concise yet impactful. It's an opportunity to showcase your relevant academic background and training that prepared you for a successful career in automotive sales. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when crafting this section:

1. Highlight your degree or diploma

If you have a degree or diploma related to business, marketing, or automotive technology, make sure to highlight it in your education section. This can give you an edge over other candidates and demonstrate your relevant knowledge.

Here's an example of how to list your education:

Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Graduated: May 2019

If your degree is not directly related to car sales, you can still include it but focus on any relevant coursework, projects, or skills you gained.

If you have multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent one.

2. Include relevant coursework

If you are a recent graduate or have taken courses that are particularly relevant to car sales, consider listing them under your degree. This can show employers that you have specific knowledge and skills that can be applied to the job.

For example:

Completed coursework in consumer behavior, market research, and sales strategies
Participated in a capstone project analyzing automotive industry trends and presenting recommendations to a panel of industry professionals

However, avoid listing every course you've ever taken. Only include those that are most relevant and impressive.

If you have a lot of relevant coursework, you can create a separate 'Relevant Coursework' section under your degree to highlight it.

3. List certifications and training

In addition to your formal education, include any relevant certifications or training you have completed. This can include automotive sales certifications, product knowledge training, or customer service workshops.

Here's an example of how to list a certification:

Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
National Association of Sales Professionals
Completed: August 2020

However, avoid listing certifications that are not relevant or widely recognized in the industry, such as:

Online course in social media marketing
CPR certification

If you have multiple certifications, consider creating a separate 'Certifications' section to highlight them.

4. Keep it concise for experienced professionals

If you are a seasoned car sales professional with many years of experience, your education section should be brief and to the point. Employers will be more interested in your work history and achievements.

Here's an example of how to list your education if you have been in the workforce for a while:

B.A. in Communication, XYZ University

Avoid listing outdated or irrelevant information, such as:

High school diploma, ABC High School, Graduated 1995
Courses taken: Intro to Psychology, Creative Writing, etc.

If you have a gap in your employment history due to pursuing education, you can explain it briefly in your cover letter or in the education section itself.

Skills

The skills section of your resume is where you highlight the key abilities that make you a great fit for the car sales rep role. It's a critical section that can make or break your chances of getting an interview.

Here are some tips to help you write a strong skills section that will catch the attention of hiring managers and showcase your qualifications:

1. Tailor your skills to the job description

When writing your skills section, it's important to align your skills with the requirements listed in the job description. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes and filter out candidates who don't have the skills they're looking for.

To improve your chances of passing the ATS, carefully review the job description and incorporate relevant keywords and phrases into your skills section. For example:

Sales forecasting
Customer relationship management (CRM) software
Negotiation
Product knowledge

To check if your resume has the right skills and keywords to get past ATS, try using a tool like Targeted Resume from Resume Worded. It analyzes your resume against a specific job description and provides personalized feedback to help you optimize your skills section.

2. Focus on relevant hard skills

When listing your skills, prioritize hard skills that are directly relevant to the car sales rep role. Avoid including soft skills like "communication" or "teamwork" - while important, these are often seen as fluff by hiring managers.

Instead, focus on specific, measurable skills that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the role. Some examples of hard skills to include:

Sales pipeline management
Lead generation
Closing techniques
Customer needs analysis

Be as specific as possible when listing your skills. Instead of just saying "sales", mention the specific sales techniques or methodologies you're proficient in, like "consultative selling" or "challenger sales".

3. Categorize your skills

If you have a wide range of skills, consider grouping them into categories to make your skills section easier to read and navigate. This is especially helpful if you're applying for a more technical sales role that requires knowledge of specific software or tools.

For example, you could group your skills like this:

Sales Skills: Lead qualification, objection handling, territory management
Technical Skills: CRM software (Salesforce), pricing and configuration tools, inventory management systems

Grouping your skills into categories helps highlight your expertise in different areas and makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly assess your qualifications.

When categorizing your skills, prioritize the most important categories first. For a car sales rep role, sales skills should always come before technical or other types of skills.

4. Demonstrate proficiency levels

In some cases, it may be helpful to indicate your level of proficiency in certain skills. This gives hiring managers a clearer picture of your abilities and helps them determine if you're a good fit for the role.

One way to do this is by using descriptors like "expert", "advanced", or "proficient". For example:

Customer needs analysis (Expert)
Product demos (Advanced)
Sales presentations (Proficient)

However, be honest about your proficiency levels - don't claim to be an expert in a skill if you only have basic knowledge. Overstating your abilities can backfire if you're asked to demonstrate those skills on the job.

Another way to demonstrate proficiency is by including specific achievements or metrics related to your skills. For example, "Closed deals worth $500K using consultative selling techniques" shows that you're not only skilled in consultative selling, but have used it to drive significant results.

Skills For Car Sales Rep Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Car Sales Rep job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

Sales
Customer Service
Retail Sales
Visual Merchandising
Merchandising
Inventory Management
Social Media
Apparel
Fashion
Cashiering

Match Your Resume To These Skills

Skills Word Cloud For Car Sales Rep Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Car Sales Rep job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

Top Car Sales Rep Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

For more skills, visit Car Sales Rep Skills & Keywords.

Turn your career into a rocketship. In 5 minutes a week.

Get a free bi-weekly coaching email from a $750/hour career coach. Get proven strategies on how to unlock your career's potential, meet VIPs in your industry and turn your career into a rocketship.

No fluff. No noise. Join the 1.2+ million professionals who are getting ahead in their careers, for free.

"I've 3x'd my salary in just two years. My friends think I'm smart (I'm not). Resume Worded's Coached email series is my secret weapon to trick them though. It's working wonderfully. Try it."
- A Coached Reader