Crafting a CV that precisely showcases your sales targets and client portfolio achievements is a common challenge for an account executive. By following our guide, you'll find practical advice on how to quantify your accomplishments and tailor your experience to stand out to potential employers.
- Create an attention-grabbing header that integrates keywords and includes all vital information;
- Add strong action verbs and skills in your experience section, and get inspired by real-world professionals;
- List your education and relevant certification to fill in the gaps in your career history;
- Integrate both hard and soft skills all through your CV.
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Structuring your account executive CV layout: four factors to keep in mind
There are plenty of best practices out there for your CV layout and design. At the end of the day, a clear format and concise CV message should be your top priority. Use your CV design to enhance separate sections, bringing them to the forefront of recruiters' attention. At the same time, you can write content that:- Follows the reverse chronological order in the experience section by first listing your most recent jobs;
- Incorporates your contact information in the header, but do skip out on the CV photo for roles in the UK;
- Is spotlighted in the most important sections of your CV, e.g. the summary or objective, experience, education, etc. to show just how you meet the job requirements;
- Is no longer than two-pages. Often, the one-page format can be optimal for your account executive CV.
Before submitting your CV, you may wonder whether to export it in Doc or PDF. With the PDF format, your information and layout stay intact. This is quite useful when your CV is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS) . The ATS is a software that scans your profile for all relevant information and can easily understand latest study on the ATS , which looks at your CV columns, design, and so much more.
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For certain fields, consider including infographics or visual elements to represent skills or achievements, but ensure they are simple, professional, and enhance rather than clutter the information.
The top sections on a account executive CV
- Professional Summary highlights experience and skills relevant to account management, providing a snapshot of the candidate’s capabilities.
- Key Achievements demonstrate the impact on previous companies through increased sales or improved client relationships specific to an account executive's role.
- Work Experience details past roles, emphasizing responsibilities and successes in sales, account management, and client acquisition.
- Education and Qualifications section includes relevant degrees and certifications that support an account executive's expertise in sales and customer relations.
- Skills Profile lists specific competencies such as CRM software proficiency, communication abilities, and negotiation skills vital for an account executive.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Emphasise your track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets, providing specific figures and statistics to demonstrate your effectiveness in generating revenue and fostering client relationships.
- Highlight your proficiency in using CRM systems and sales software that are essential for account management, as familiarity with these tools is crucial for maintaining client databases and sales pipelines.
- Detail your experience in developing sales strategies and account plans tailored to individual clients, showcasing your ability to understand and meet diverse client needs effectively.
- Include any experience of cross-functional collaboration, such as working with marketing or product development teams, to show your ability to work as part of a team to achieve account growth and client satisfaction.
- Illustrate your excellent communication and negotiation skills through examples of successful deals or long-term contract renewals, underlining your ability to build trust and maintain strong relationships with clients.
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Making a good first impression with your account executive CV header
Your typical CV header consists of Your typical CV header consists of contact details and a headline. Make sure to list your professional phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio (or, alternatively, your LinkedIn profile). When writing your CV headline , ensure it's:
- tailored to the job you're applying for;
- highlights your unique value as a professional;
- concise, yet matches relevant job ad keywords.
You can, for examples, list your current job title or a particular skill as part of your headline. Now, if you decide on including your photo in your CV header, ensure it's a professional one, rather than one from your graduation or night out. You may happen to have plenty more questions on how to make best the use of your CV headline. We'll help you with some real-world examples, below.
Examples of good CV headlines for account executive:
- Senior Account Executive | Strategic Sales Specialist | CRM Expert | MBA | 10+ Years in Tech Industry
- Account Manager | Client Relationship Guru | Digital Marketing | Certified Sales Professional | 8 Years' Experience
- Junior Account Executive | B2B Sales Innovator | Lead Generation Aficionado | 3 Years in Media Sales
- Enterprise Account Executive | SaaS Solutions Expert | Negotiation Pro | 12+ Years in Software Sales
- Account Executive | Healthcare Market Strategist | Relationship Builder | 5 Years of Pharma Experience
- Regional Account Executive | B2C Sales Leader | Brand Growth Driver | 7 Years Achieving Targets
Catching recruiters' attention with your account executive CV summary or objective
Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:
- Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience. Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
- Objective, if you're just starting your career off. Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.
Judging which one you need to add to your account executive CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:
CV summaries for a account executive job:
- With over 7 years of successful sales experience in the fast-paced tech industry, this seasoned Account Executive has consistently surpassed quota with a 30% increase in yearly revenue. Proficient in Salesforce and adept at strategic account planning, the candidate's crowning achievement was securing a multimillion-pound deal with a key player in the fintech sector.
- Dynamic Account Executive with a 9-year tenure at a top-tier ad agency, where client portfolio growth was driven by 20% yearly. Specialising in digital advertising and customer relationship management, this candidate boasts a track record of securing high-value accounts, including a landmark campaign that doubled the market reach for a renowned brand.
- As a seasoned Marketing Manager with 10 years of experience, this professional is transitioning into the account executive landscape, bringing a vast network of industry contacts and a keen understanding of market analytics to drive sales performance. Their strategic campaigns have previously resulted in a 40% increase in brand engagement for flagship products.
- Pivoting from a successful 8-year career in commercial banking to account management, this individual offers a strong background in financial analysis, customer service excellence, and a demonstrated history of portfolio growth by 25% within high-stakes markets. Their expertise in developing client-focused solutions will translate into tangible sales outcomes in a new industry.
- Eager to launch a career in account management, this fresh graduate with a first-class honours degree in Business Management is ready to apply advanced theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Aimed at delivering impactful customer experiences, the objective is to cultivate lasting relationships and contribute to sustained sales achievements.
- With a determination to succeed in the fast-paced technology sales sector, this individual seeks to utilise interpersonal skills and a passion for cutting-edge solutions to develop valuable client partnerships. The ultimate goal is to drive revenue growth through innovative strategy implementation and relentless pursuit of excellence in customer service.
Narrating the details of your account executive CV experience section
Perhaps you've heard it time and time again, but, how you present your experience is what matters the most. Your CV experience section - that details your work history alongside your accomplishments - is the space to spotlight your unqiue expertise and talents. So, avoid solely listing your responsibilities, but instead:
- adverts' keywords and integrate those in your experience section;
- Use your CV to detail how you've been promoted in the past by including experience in the reverse chronological order.
Before you start writing your account executive CV experience section, dive into some industry-leading examples on how to structure your bullets.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Managed a portfolio of 50+ client accounts, consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets through effective relationship-building and needs analysis.
- Developed and implemented strategic sales plans that contributed to a 20% year-over-year revenue growth for the company, demonstrating market insight and product knowledge.
- Negotiated and closed contracts worth over £1M, showcasing strong persuasion skills and a deep understanding of client business objectives and challenges.
- Conducted quarterly business reviews with clients to assess their satisfaction, identify opportunities for upselling, and strengthen account retention rates.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to ensure client needs were met and feedback was integrated into service improvements.
- Led the onboarding process for new clients, facilitating a smooth transition and setting the tone for a positive, long-term business relationship.
- Regularly updated CRM systems with accurate client information and interaction logs, ensuring data-driven decision-making and efficient account management.
- Attended industry events and conferences to network and stay ahead of market trends, ultimately leveraging insights gained to better serve clients and gain a competitive edge.
- Prepared and delivered compelling presentations to C-level executives, utilising excellent communication skills to clearly articulate the value proposition of products and services.
- Managed a portfolio of 50+ key corporate clients, fostering relationships to retain 95% of business yearly.
- Developed and executed strategic sales plans, exceeding revenue targets by 30% for two consecutive years.
- Led a team of junior account executives, mentoring in client relations and sales techniques, resulting in a 40% improvement in team performance.
- Oversaw sales operations across the eastern region, increasing market share by 25% through targeted sales initiatives.
- Managed and negotiated complex sales cycles, culminating in closing deals surpassing $1M in total value.
- Pioneered the adoption of a CRM tool that enhanced tracking of sales activities, boosting team productivity by 35%.
- Spearheaded a cross-functional team to create customized marketing solutions for high-value clients, resulting in an average 20% increase in client ROI.
- Implemented data-driven sales strategies that penetrated new market segments, expanding the customer base by 40%.
- Collaborated with product development teams to tailor solutions to client needs, impacting product roadmap alignment with market demands.
- Led product demonstrations and technical presentations for complex IT solutions, increasing customer acquisition by 50%.
- Facilitated collaboration between clients and the technical team to ensure tailored solutions met business needs with a 98% customer satisfaction rate.
- Cultivated C-level relationships, securing an average deal size increase of 35% through strategic business consultancy.
- Directed key account strategies for top-performing clients, nurturing relationships that led to 20% year-over-year revenue growth.
- Coordinated with international teams to ensure alignment on global account management, streamlining communication and operational efficiency.
- Authored comprehensive post-sale follow-up procedures that reduced churn rate by 15% over a 12-month period.
- Headed negotiations on enterprise-level contracts with a high 90% conversion rate, securing the company's position in competitive markets.
- Introduced a consultative sales approach that enriched the sales pipeline by 150%, markedly expanding the company’s sales prospects.
- Served as the primary liaison for project delivery, ensuring on-time completion and customer satisfaction that led to repeat business of 80%.
- Orchestrated a global sales strategy that captured 5 new multinational clients and bolstered the cross-border sales volumes by 60%.
- Established a structured framework for assessing and prioritizing prospects based on potential revenue, which optimized sales funnel efficiency by 25%.
- Managed a culturally diverse client base, enabling the customization of sales approaches to different regions and increasing client engagement scores.
- Focused on enterprise sales for large-scale technology solutions, contributing to an annual revenue growth of 18%.
- Crafted and delivered persuasive value propositions that were instrumental in securing long-term contracts with Fortune 500 companies.
- Conducted in-depth market analysis to identify emerging trends, which was critical in shaping the company’s strategic sales objectives.
- Played a vital role in a team that consistently met sales goals, achieving a record-high team quota attainment of 120% in 2011.
- Leveraged client feedback to inform product teams, resulting in enhancements that addressed the needs of the market and led to increased user adoption.
- Coordinated across departments to execute account plans that effectively responded to client concerns and drove engagement.
- Focused on digital product sales, contributing to a digital revenue stream growth of 200% within the financial year 2015.
- Implemented digital marketing strategies that led to a 30% growth in leads generation for the sales division.
- Built robust relationships with key digital stakeholders, ensuring 85% client retention and facilitating up-sell opportunities.
How to ensure your account executive CV stands out when you have no experience
This part of our step-by-step guide will help you substitute your experience section by helping you spotlight your skill set. First off, your ability to land your first job will depend on the time you take to assess precisely how you match the job requirements. Whether that's via your relevant education and courses, skill set, or any potential extracurricular activities. Next:
- Systematise your CV so that it spotlights your most relevant experience (whether that's your education or volunteer work) towards the top;
- Focus recruiters' attention to your transferrable skill set and in particular how your personality would be the perfect fit for the role;
- Consider how your current background has helped you build your technological understanding - whether you've created projects in your free time or as part of your uni degree;
- Ensure you've expanded on your teamwork capabilities with any relevant internships, part-time roles, or projects you've participated in the past.
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Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your account executive CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your account executive CV:
Sales Strategy & Execution
Client Acquisition & Retention
CRM Software Proficiency
Market Research & Analysis
Contract Negotiation
Revenue Growth
Lead Generation
Product Knowledge
Presentation Skills
Reporting & Data Analysis
Communication
Relationship Building
Problem-Solving
Strategic Thinking
Time Management
Adaptability
Persuasion
Teamwork
Networking
Customer-Focused Orientation
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Focus on describing skills in the context of the outcomes they’ve helped you achieve, linking them directly to tangible results or successes in your career.
Further professional qualifications for your account executive CV: education and certificates
As you're nearing the end of your account executive CV, you may wonder what else will be relevant to the role. Recruiters are keen on understanding your academic background, as it teaches you an array of hard and soft skills. Create a dedicated education section that lists your:
- applicable higher education diplomas or ones that are at a postgraduate level;
- diploma, followed up with your higher education institution and start-graduation dates;
- extracurricular activities and honours, only if you deem that recruiters will find them impressive.
Follow a similar logic when presenting your certificates. Always select ones that will support your niche expertise and hint at what it's like to work with you. Balance both technical certification with soft skills courses to answer job requirements and company values. Wondering what the most sought out certificates are for the industry? Look no further:
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If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
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Key takeaways
What matters most in your account executive CV-writing process is for you to create a personalised application. One that matches the role and also showcases your unique qualities and talents.
- Use the format to supplement the actual content, to stand out, and to ensure your CV experience is easy to comprehend and follows a logic;
- Invest time in building a succinct CV top one third. One that includes a header (with your contact details and headline), a summary or an objective statement (select the one that best fits your experience), and - potentially - a dedicated skills section or achievements (to fit both hard skills and soft skills requirements);
- Prioritise your most relevant (and senior) experience closer to the top of your CV. Always ensure you're following the "power verb, skill, and achievement" format for your bullets;
- Integrate both your technical and communication background across different sections of your CV to meet the job requirements;
- List your relevant education and certificates to fill in gaps in your CV history and prove to recrutiers you have relevant technical know-how.
