INDUSTRY STATS
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wholesale & Manufacturing Sales positions are at a 5% growth rate, which is slower than average. With that said, there are currently 1,625,700 jobs in the market right now. The total number of jobs is expected to increase by 77,600 to 1,703,300 in the period of 2020-30.
What’s more, the median annual wage for the Wholesale & Manufacturing Sales jobs was $65,420 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $31,950, and the highest 10% more than $129,200.
Our conclusion? The Wholesale & Manufacturing Sales job market is wide open for candidates.
Top Sales Lead sections that make the best resume
- Header
- Professional summary
- Experience (with numbers and results)
- Relevant skills
- Education
- Certifications
How to write a Sales Lead resume experience section
Sales Lead Resume’s Job Experience Checklist:
- Use 4-6 bullet points per job title;
- Don’t go further than a decade behind when describing your job history, unless you’re applying for an executive position;
- Combine job responsibilities as well as achievements with numbers in results when you describe your past work;
- Start each sentence with a power verb and avoid overused buzzwords;
- Use either C-A-R or S-T-A-R methodology, when describing your experience.
The work experience samples below come from real Sales Lead resumes that got people hired at top companies. You can use them as an inspiration to build your own resume:
- Invoice creation
- Sales development
- Sales targets quotas and team directives
- Management
- Customer service & resolution
- Cash handling
- Lead the Watson Sales all over Italy cross Industry
- Develop the channel market for the new core Cognitive Solutions
- Create a robust pipeline (18M TCV/quarter) to replace the low margin traditional business
- Achieve revenue target (6M TCV/quarter)
- Engage new clients and prospects to build a modern pipeline of contacts
- Build business with Global System Integrators (GSI) in the region (DACH) almost from almost scratch to > 20m$ pa
- Closed multimillion EUR TCV deals for XaaS and transformation projects
- Won major new logo customers like Allianz, Telefonica and Meyer Werft
- Created sustainable partnerships and venue streams with system integration and consulting partners like Atos, CGI, Infosys and Wipro
- Acted as catalyst for Hitachi Vantaras transformation from an infrastructure provider to a software and solutions company to drive digital transformation
- Solution areas covered: (hybrid) cloud transformation, analytics and big data, IoT, Smart Space and Video Intelligence, app modernization
- Vertical focus: BFSI, manufacturing & automotive, telco
- Build business with Global System Integrators (GSI) in the region (DACH) almost from almost scratch to > 20m$ pa
- Solution areas covered: (hybrid) cloud transformation, analytics and big data, IoT, Smart Space and Video Intelligence, AI, app modernization, automation
- Closed multimillion EUR TCV deals for XaaS and transformation projects
- Won major new logo customers like Allianz, Telefonica and Meyer Werft
- Acted as catalyst for Hitachi Vantaras transformation from an infrastructure provider to a software and solutions company to drive digital transformation
- Vertical focus: BFSI, manufacturing & automotive, telco
- Raising over $10,000 through individual sales for the Allanah & Madeline Foundation.
- Achieving the level of "sales leader" within business development program through reaching consistently high sales targets.
- Training and mentoring multiple lower level contractors
- Led a team of 5 global enterprise account managers generating annual revenues in excess of US$ 7 million; Large global accounts include Tata Sky, Unilever, Bosch, Cisco, and Thomson Reuters
- Successfully executed strategic account mapping and strategy of large global accounts generating new business and achieved 110% of targets
- Won complex, long-lead cycle deals from marquee brands like Juniper networks, Tata Sky, and Unilever resulting in non-mobility revenue growth of over 50%
- Built new partnership and alliances with large System Integrators to drive Joint GTM and enable new product adoption
- Led a team of 5 global enterprise account managers generating annual revenues in excess of US$ 7 million; Large global accounts include Tata Sky, Unilever, Bosch, Cisco, and Thomson Reuters
- Successfully executed strategic account mapping and strategy of large global accounts generating new business and achieved 110% of targets
- Won complex, long-lead cycle deals from marquee brands like Juniper networks, Tata Sky, and Unilever resulting in non-mobility revenue growth of over 50%
- Built new partnership and alliances with large System Integrators to drive Joint GTM and enable new product adoption
- Led a team of 5 global enterprise account managers generating annual revenues in excess of US$ 10 million; Large global accounts include Tata Sky, Unilever, Bosch, Cisco, and Thomson Reuters
- Successfully executed strategic account mapping and strategy of large global accounts generating new business and achieved 110% of targets
- Won complex, long-lead cycle deals from marquee brands like Juniper networks, Tata Sky, and Unilever resulting in non-mobility revenue growth of over 50%
- Built new partnership and alliances with large System Integrators to drive Joint GTM and enable new product adoption
- Hired to build a net new sales team of 13 Account Executives remotely
- Develop sales strategy that help identify and target additional opportunities with existing customers
- Over-achieved all metrics 3 quarters in a row for an average of 176% to quota
- Set KPI metrics and managed to them
- Routinely develop and pivot sales strategy to gain continuous traction and growth
- Coached, mentored, promoted members of the sales team
- double digit growth of the Big Data Compute business for 4 consecutive years
- Five-fold increase in AI (GPU) business in 2 years
- Development of net new business (up to 20% of existing data centre revenue) in the main regions (UKI, Germany, Middle East, Israel)
- double digit growth of the Big Data Compute business for 4 consecutive years
- Five-fold increase in AI (GPU) business in 2 years
- Development of net new business (up to 20% of existing data centre revenue) in the main regions (UKI, Germany, Middle East, Israel)
- Build business with Global System Integrators (GSI) in the region (DACH) almost from almost scratch to > 20m$ per year as the growth engine for the region
- Inspired and developed the team as team lead of the regional SI and Service Provider Partner Sales Team
- Won major new logos together with system integration and consulting partners like Atos, Cognizant, CGI, HCL, Infosys, TCS and Wipro
- Created a business outcome focused GTM model and be vital part of Hitachi Vantaras transformation from infrastructure to software solutions for digital transformation
- Established SIs as major implementation partners and sales channel for Hitachi's Data Management Software (Pentaho) and Cloud offerings (IaaS, PaaS, Application and Cloud Transformation)
- Drove a new channel mindset within the sales organisation
- Engaged with both: business partners and down stream end customers
- Definition, development and execution of all growth plans of the pillars of Dell technologies - Datacenter/Digital/Software/Security
- Manage Business Plan/Pgm/MDF in order to secure the growth of Titanium and Platinum partners who did more of 4 my per year
- ATOS, CAP, ORANGE, ACCENTURE focused on Dell Servers and Storage Infrastructure (Enabling, Account plans, Events, Financials offers)
- Monitor and measure results and progress towards the achievement of the strategy as HCI solutions, Servers, HPC, Storage, Networking , SAAS solutions and DELL Financial services.
- Pioneered of the GSI plan for EMEA focused Nordics - Germany - France and UK with an equal mix of strategy and execution to expand the business impact of innovative Cloud based solutions .
- Helping partners enter the cloud era, bridge the legacy gap and unleash digital innovations to create a competitive advantage
- Subject-matter expert bridging technology conversations with clients towards more business terms.
- Security Proxy to Telecom infrastructure solutions
- Developped South EMEA areas with large won deals and setting up partners locally
- Establish and enlarge the business for Hitachi's IoT and Cloud Platform
- Build the System Integrator (SI) and Cloud Service Provider contacts and business to deliver >50% YoY growth
- Closed the first lighthouse projects with SIs like CGI, Infosys, Wipro and TCS
- Recruit, inspire and develop the team
- Establish and enlarge the business for Hitachi's IoT and Cloud Platform
- Build the System Integrator (SI) and Cloud Service Provider contacts and business to deliver >50% YoY growth and won new blue chip logos
- Drive adoption of private cloud use cases and IaaS
- Closed the first lighthouse projects together with SIs like CGI, Infosys, Wipro and TCS
- Recruit, inspire and develop the team
- Won major new logos together with CGI, Cognizant, Infosys, Wipro and TCS
- Established and enlarged the business for Hitachi's IoT and Private Cloud Platform (XaaS)
- Built the System Integrator (SI) and Cloud Service Provider business from scratch and delivered significant growth
- Engaged with booth: business partners and down stream customers
- Inspired and developed the team
- Lead team of 6 field sales account managers across 4 states finishing as #1 Region attainment 4 times
- Delivered the highest growth in overall product revenue in sector at 78% YOY, triple digit growth rate in security sales, data center, Meraki, and collaboration and highest 5 year CAGR in Area.
- Most recent attainment 185% Product, 156% Services, and 143% Software sales, with all team members over plan.
- Participated as Global Innovation Challenge Finalist judge (4) years in a row, chose as one of top angel investors in 2019.
- Chosen to participate in Senior Leader Program; received multiple Exceptional ratings as well as other awards and recognition
- Led team of 10 Directors driving $720M in vertical sales across Government, Education, Healthcare, and Financial Services delivered 6% YOY growth during tough economic downturn
- Established team metric/evaluation standards, strategic account focus and roadmap tools, as well as GTM strategies
- Revitalized Consultant relations program, generating $145M in revenue, with 10% YOY growth
- Directed AT&T and Verizon Alliance marketing program teams
- Member, TechAmerica State & Local Government Executive Board
- Led team of 4 Directors generating $250M in Government and Education sector sales
- Developed new channel/engagement models leading to top-producing team in vertical markets
- Established sales strategies, industry value propositions, and business roadmap planning resulting in numerous multi-million dollar wins
- Delivered 25% YOY market growth, 68% in product enterprise sales, and 22% in services sales
PRO TIP
The person reading your Sales Lead resume will be busy, make sure you never waste their time with fluff.
Action Verbs for your Sales Lead Resume
Recommended reads:
Sales Lead Resume Skills’ Tips & Tricks to Impress Recruiters
Resume Skills Section Checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top Skills for your Sales Lead resume
- Salesforce
- MS Office
- CRM
- Forecasting
- Cold Calling
- Business Development
- Customer Service
- Project Management
- Relationship Building
- Time Management
- Storytelling
- Research / Information Gathering.
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving.
- Tech Savvy
- Networking
PRO TIP
Add a Talent Section to your resume, where you can pick your top 3 soft skills and describe how you used them to complete a project or balance departmental communication.
Recommended reads:
Sales Lead Resume Header: Tips, Red Flags, and Best Practices
CHECKLIST For Your Sales Lead Resume Header
- Your name and surname in a legible and larger resume font
- The job title you’re applying for or your current job title as a subheading to your name
- Link to your portfolio or online profile, such as LinkedIn
- Address (City and State for the US; just your city for rest of the world)
- Email address
- Headshot (required or welcomed in the EU; not required and sometimes frowned upon in the US)
Stick to popular email providers such as Gmail or Outlook. And use these professional formats to create your username:
- first.last@gmail.com
- last.first@gmail.com
- firstlast@gmail.com
- f.last@gmail.com
- first.l@gmail.com
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Some companies, states, and countries have policies about identifying information like photos on your Sales Lead resume. Be sure to check all the relevant rules before submitting yours. If you’re in doubt, you can always try contacting the company’s HR department to ask for their policy.
Sales Lead Resume Summary Best Practices
Checklist: What to include in your Sales Lead resume summary:
- Years of experience;
- Highlight top 3 skills and proficiencies;
- One big professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, that you can tie with the aforementioned skills;
- Use short, direct sentences - but no more than three - to keep the HRs interested.
Resume Summary Formula:
PRO TIP
You’re not going to get hired simply because of a good summary or objective. However, your recruiter can bump you up in front of similarly experienced candidates who didn’t demonstrate such passion and drive.
Recommended reads:
Listing Your Education, Certifications and Courses
Resume Education Section Checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top Certifications for your Sales Lead resume
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
There are dozens of certifications that you can claim as a Sales Lead. But, some are more effective than others. That’s why you mustn’t include every certificate other applicants might have. Try instead to earn and list a few of the difficult ones.
Sales Lead Resume: Additional Writing & Formatting Tips
There are three basic resume formats you can choose from:
- Reverse-chronological resume format;
- Functional resume format;
- Hybrid (or Combination) resume format;
The most optimal format for your particular case will depend on your years of experience, as well as whether you’re switching industries or not.
Reverse chronological resumes are best suited for experienced individuals who are sticking to their industry. The experience section takes a central place, and its bullets contain your responsibilities and achievements, coupled with numbers and results.
Functional resumes are used by less experienced jobseekers or career changers. Note that it’s not a format that recruiters prefer, as most are used to the classic chronological alignment. Instead of a list of job titles, functional resumes focus on your skills, and through what experiences you gained them.
Hybrid resumes are great for both experienced and entry-level candidates, as well as career changers. They combine the best of both worlds - most often in a double column format, where one side of the content is focused on your experience, whereas the other - on your skills, strengths, and proudest moments.
Sales Lead Resume Summary best practices
Here are more resume tips regarding your layout and style:
- Clear and legible 12p resume font size;
- Use 10’’ resume margins - that’s default for a great resume design;
- Use a one-page template resume length if you’ve got less than 10 years of experience; otherwise, opt for a two-page resume;
- Save your resume as PDF before sending it to the recruiter.
To take it a step further, check out how your resume can stand out without leaning too much on the creative side.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Sometimes you’ll want to go after a job which requires more experience than you have. Instead of using a typical Sales Lead resume layout, you can use a creative layout. Getting noticed is the most important challenge and a creative resume layout might help you get invited for an interview as most of other accountants have boring resume designs.
Other sections to include in your resume
Depending on the type of company (corporation or start-up; innovative or traditional), job seniority level and your location, you may want to include more sections to your Sales Lead resume:
Sales Lead Resume: How to Make Yours More Creative & Stand Out
When you send your resume to a potential employer, chances are it's the fiftieth one they've seen that day. That's why you need to make your Sales Lead resume stand out for the right reasons. That means showing your personality, not just your professional experience. Employers are far more likely to remember a candidate who seems like a genuine person and not a robot. Do this by including your passions (which is also a great place to demonstrate skills on a resume), share your favorite books, or even what your usual day looks like.
What Makes a Great Sales Lead Resume: Key Takeaways
- Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation;
- Create a resume header that shows your desired job title, and easy to find contact numbers;
- Be specific about your experience, accomplishments and future goals in your summary;
- Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience;
- List soft skills backed by examples;
- Add all of your technical skills and certifications that you have and match the job description;
- Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills.