As a hiring manager, wading through a sea of inside sales CVs can feel like panning for gold. The 'shining nuggets' are those clear, concise documents that reflect the core role of an inside sales rep: ingenuity, tenacity, and an undeniable knack for building relationships that converts leads into satisfied, loyal customers. Your CV needs to echo these key traits, and I’m here to explain how.
The typical journey in inside sales often starts at entry level before advancing to managerial roles, depending on drive, skill, and company structure. The landscape in 2023-2024 will likely lean more on data-driven sales techniques as tech keeps advancing. This means recruiters will be on the lookout for candidates who are adaptable and tech-savvy.
Let's clear up some confusion. 'CV' is just a simple term swap for 'resume', usually in the UK, Europe, and Australia or with employers from those countries. It does not mean you have to provide an exhaustive 3-4 page document, unless it’s a research or academic role. Stick to the same 1-2 page guideline as resumes, but just call it a CV when it's requested.
In the rest of this article, I'll share CV samples and templates proven to work. You'll be able to download/edit these templates too.
The role of an Inside Sales Manager is dynamic and challenging. It requires a unique blend of leadership, communication, and analytical skills. These managers are often the bridge between the sales team and upper management, collaborating with both to drive sales strategy and meet targets. In recent years, companies have started to prioritize data-driven decision-making in sales, expecting their inside sales managers to be proficient with tools like CRM software and advanced analytics. When crafting your CV for this role, you should showcase not only your experience and skills, but also your ability to adapt to changing industry trends and technologies.
As an Inside Sales Manager, you are expected to use sales tools and analytics to drive strategy and decision-making. On your CV, illustrate your proficiency in these areas by discussing specific tools you've used, such as CRM software, and how you've applied analytics to improve sales performance.
This role requires you to lead a team and collaborate with upper management. Use your CV to provide examples of when you've shown leadership or partnered with other departments to reach sales goals. Remember to be specific about your role and the impact of your actions on sales.
Inside Sales Associates are the lifeline of many companies. Your role keeps the sales machine humming, nurturing leads into customers. It's critical to keep evolving as the sales landscape changes, like the current trend of video-first selling, which requires a mix of traditional sales skills with a knack for digital communication. When curating your CV for this role, it's essential to focus on specifics - precise responsibilities held and exact achievements. Show how you've adapted to recent industry changes and how you've contributed directly to previous employers' bottom line.
Inside Sales Associate roles have become increasingly digital, with video calls and emails being common. On your CV, show examples where you excelled using these mediums. Maybe you ran a successful email campaign or built strong relationships over video calls - both are worth mentioning.
Inside Sales Executives (ISE) are the driving force behind a company's revenue engine, calling potential customers, presenting the benefits of their product or service, and influencing purchase decisions. Nowadays, sales is less about persuasive tactics and more about cultivating relationships and understanding customer needs. Therefore, your CV should reflect your skills and experiences in these areas. Also, as the business landscape evolves, companies are looking for ISEs who are comfortable with digital tools and sales automation software, so be sure to make this clear on your CV too!
Inside sales is all about building relationships with potential customers. Use your CV to talk about how you have successfully built and maintained client relationships in past roles. Include tangible metrics like improved customer retention or increased repeat business to show the impact of your efforts.
Inside sales is all about communication and negotiation. To let these skills shine on your CV, make sure they are front and center. Think about how you've used those to drive revenue, build relationships or bring on new clients.
For instance, in your CV's skills section, you could say, "Used persuasive communication to increase sales by 20%". This shows you know how to apply your talent in a real-world setting.
Job recruiters use special tools to sort out CVs. This tool, called an Applicant Tracking System, loves skill-related words. To bypass this filter, match your CV with the job description. Let's say the description highlights strong tech skills. Show that off on your CV: "Proficient in CRM software, boosting productivity by 30%". That example flaunts your software knowledge while tying it to a clear outcome. This is a sure shot way to get your CV the attention it deserves.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Inside Sales job descriptions and CVs. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.
In the world of inside sales, action speaks louder than words. Your CV should show exactly how you 'walk the talk'. Picking the right action verbs can help you do just that. These words, when used properly, can help potential employers picture you in action, closing deals, and driving growth.
Consider verbs like 'negotiated', 'initiated', 'increased', 'managed', 'developed', or 'coordinated'. Since inside sales is all about talking directly to customers and selling products or services, these verbs reflect those core actions.
Example: 'Negotiated flexible payment plans for long-term clients, encouraging customer retention.' Or 'Initiated introduction of new product lines, leading to an increase in sales by 30%.' Narrate your story using these verbs and the hiring manager will most probably get a glimpse of a proactive professional. And that's the image you want them to have when they're making the crucial decision.
For more related action verbs, visit Sales Action Verbs.
For a full list of effective CV action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs.
Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.
