Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your strategic relationship-building skills as a key account manager can be a daunting task. Our comprehensive guide is designed to assist you in highlighting your account management proficiency, ensuring your CV stands out to potential employers.
What information should you include in your key account manager CV? Learn how to create your interview-landing and job-winning profile with our bespoke guide on:
- Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
- What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
- Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
- How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?
If you're writing your CV for a niche key account manager role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:
Structuring and formatting your key account manager CV for an excellent first impression
The experts' best advice regarding your CV format is to keep it simple and concise. Recruiters assessing your CV are foremost looking out for candidates who match their ideal job profile. Your white space, borders, and margins. You may still be wondering which format you need to export your CV in. We recommend using the PDF one, as, upon being uploaded, it never alters your information or CV design. Before we move on to the actual content of your key account manager CV, we'd like to remind you about the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS). The ATS is a software that is sometimes used to initially assess your profile. Here's what you need to keep in mind about the ATS:- All serif and sans-serif fonts (e.g. Rubik, Volkhov, Exo 2 etc.) are ATS-friendly;
- Many candidates invest in Arial and Times New Roman, so avoid these fonts if you want your application to stand out;
- Both single and double column CVs can be read by the ATS, so it's entirely up to you to select your CV design.
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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 key account manager CV
- Professional Summary showcases career highlights and key skills.
- Key Account Achievements section emphasises successful client outcomes.
- Relevant Work Experience lists job history with a focus on account management.
- Account Management Skills details relevant abilities like negotiation and CRM expertise.
- Education & Certifications highlight academic and professional development credentials.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your relationship-building skills by detailing how you've successfully managed and grown key accounts, demonstrating your capability in building trust and maintaining long-lasting partnerships.
- Emphasise your strategic thinking by showcasing examples of how you have identified growth opportunities and created account plans that align with both the client's and company's objectives.
- Showcase your communication proficiency by mentioning specific occasions where you effectively coordinated between clients and internal teams to solve complex issues or drive sales initiatives.
- Include quantifiable achievements such as percentage growth of account revenue or retention rates to provide concrete evidence of your impact as a key account manager.
- Exhibit your understanding of the industry by highlighting any relevant market knowledge, trends you’ve capitalised on, and custom solutions you've developed for clients within their specific industry context.
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Our checklist for the must-have information in your key account manager CV header
Right at the very top of your key account manager CV is where you'd find the header section or the space for your contact details, headline, and professional photo. Wondering how to present your the name of the city you live in and the country abbreviation as your address;
- are tailored to the role you're applying for by integrating key job skills and requirements;
- showcase what your unique value is, most often in the form of your most noteworthy accomplishment;
- select your relevant qualifications, skills, or current role to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Still not sure how to write your CV headline? Our examples below showcase best practices on creating effective headlines:
Examples of good CV headlines for key account manager:
- Key Account Manager | Strategic Partnership Growth | Certified Sales Professional | 8 Years' Experience
- Senior Key Account Executive | FMCG Expertise | Relationship Management | MBA Graduate | 12+ Years’ Track Record
- Key Account Specialist | Tech Solutions | SaaS Sales Leader | Prince2 Practitioner | 5 Years’ Experience
- Global Key Account Manager | B2B Industrial Markets | Negotiation Guru | 15+ Years of Client Success
- Lead Key Account Strategist | Retail & E-commerce Expansion | Advanced Analytics User | 10 Years in Sales
- Junior Key Account Representative | Market Penetration Enthusiast | BSc Business Management | 3 Years Hands-On Experience
Opting between a key account manager CV summary or objective
Within the top one third of your key account manager CV, you have the opportunity to briefly summarise your best achievements or present your professional goals and dreams. Those two functions are met by either the CV summary or the objective.
- The summary is three-to-five sentences long and should narrate your best successes, while answering key requirements for the role. Select up to three skills which you can feature in your summary. Always aim to present what the actual outcomes were of using your particular skill set. The summary is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals.
- The objective is more focused on showcasing your unique value as a candidate and defining your dreams and ambitions. Think about highlighting how this current opportunity would answer your career vision. Also, about how you could help your potential employers grow. The objective matches the needs of less experienced candidates, who need to prove their skill set and, in particular, their soft skills.
Still not sure about how to write your CV opening statement? Use some best industry examples as inspiration:
CV summaries for a key account manager job:
- With 10 years of dedicated experience in strategic account management within the pharmaceutical sector, I have skillfully negotiated multimillion-pound contracts, fostering trusted partnerships. Proficient in CRM platforms, I led my previous team to a 25% revenue increase in just two years.
- Distinguished sales professional, holding 12 years in the technology sales industry, boasts persuasive negotiation capabilities. I possess a record of 150% attainment of sales targets for three consecutive years through effective client portfolio expansion and strategic market analysis.
- Transitioning from a robust 8-year tenure in management consultancy, my expertise in client relationship strategies and comprehensive market intelligence equips me to deliver exceptional results in key account management, keen to harness my analytical skills to nurture high-value accounts.
- Former marketing director with 15 years of experience seeking to leverage extensive knowledge of brand management and consumer engagement to excel in strategic account oversight, while aiming to contribute to sustained growth through innovative account retention strategies.
- As a recent MBA graduate, my objective is to apply cutting-edge academic knowledge to real-world business challenges, bringing fresh insights and a vigorous work ethic to advancing customer relations and spearheading pivotal projects for dynamic market growth.
- Eager to launch a professional journey in key account management, I aim to draw upon my interdisciplinary degree and participatory role in university-led business incubators to embed strategic thinking and customer-first approaches in fostering profitable relationships.
More detailed look into your work history: best advice on writing your key account manager CV experience section
The CV experience is a space not just to merely list your past roles and responsibilities. It is the CV real estate within which you could detail your greatest accomplishments and skills, while matching the job requirements. Here's what to have in your experience section:
- Prove you have what the job wants with your unique skill set and past successes;
- Start each bullet with a strong, action verb, and continue with the outcome of your responsibility;
- Use any awards, nominations, and recognitions you've received as solid proof of your skill set and expertise;
- align your experience with the role responsibilities and duties.
For more help on how to write your CV experience section, check out the next section of our guide:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Managed a portfolio of key accounts, consistently exceeding sales targets by 20% through strategic planning and relationship building, leading to increased customer loyalty and revenue growth.
- Developed and executed customised business plans for each key account, identifying opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, thereby expanding account revenue by 15% annually.
- Nurtured long-term relationships with decision-makers and influencers, leveraging problem-solving and negotiation skills to ensure contract renewals and prevent churn.
- Conducted quarterly business reviews with key clients to assess their satisfaction, gather feedback, and introduce new products tailored to their specific needs, resulting in a 30% uptick in customer satisfaction ratings.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product management, and customer service, to develop cohesive strategies that addressed key account challenges and delivered on customer goals.
- Maintained thorough knowledge of industry trends and competitor activities, providing key insights and recommendations that influenced product development and positioning.
- Delivered presentations and product demonstrations to key stakeholders, utilising excellent communication and influencing skills to forge stronger buy-in and loyalty from top-tier clients.
- Expertly resolved complex account issues by coordinating with internal departments, ensuring timely and comprehensive solutions that enhanced the overall client experience.
- Conducted in-depth data analysis and reporting, utilising CRM systems to track account performance metrics, thereby driving continuous improvement in sales strategies and tactics.
Senior Key Account Manager
Senior Key Account Manager
GlaxoSmithKline plc
01/2018-Ongoing
- Strategically managed and expanded a portfolio of 50+ key accounts for a leading pharmaceutical company, resulting in a 25% increase in annual revenue.
- Led a cross-functional team to develop and implement customised marketing campaigns tailored to individual account needs, achieving a 40% improvement in customer engagement.
- Spearheaded negotiations for multi-year contracts with top-tier clients, securing deals valued at over £2M and bolstering long-term company profitability.
Key Account Manager
Key Account Manager
Unilever
07/2015-12/2017
- Cultivated lasting relationships with major retail clients such as Tesco and Sainsbury's, resulting in an average of 18% year-on-year growth for our consumer goods product line.
- Implemented a data-driven sales approach that identified key growth opportunities, which increased product penetration by 35% in previously underperforming categories.
- Collaborated with supply chain managers to streamline logistics, reducing lead times by 15% and enhancing customer satisfaction scores.
Enterprise Key Account Manager
Enterprise Key Account Manager
IBM United Kingdom Ltd
03/2012-06/2015
- Managed and grew strategic accounts within the financial services sector, overseeing relationships with high-profile clients like Barclays and HSBC.
- Drove a customer-centric sales strategy that pushed product innovation and tailored solutions, resulting in a 30% increase in account retention rates.
- Coordinated with product development teams to deliver bespoke software enhancements that met clients’ specific requirements, leading to a 50% uptick in user satisfaction.
Regional Key Account Manager
Regional Key Account Manager
Jaguar Land Rover
09/2009-02/2012
- Oversaw and nurtured key client partnerships across the Southeast region in the automotive sector, directly contributing to a revenue increase of £1.5M.
- Developed and executed strategic sales plans that aligned with both client objectives and company goals, promoting a 22% increase in market share.
- Organised and led quarterly business reviews with clients, providing valuable insights and recommendations that boosted product performance by 30%.
Key Accounts Strategic Manager
Key Accounts Strategic Manager
Samsung Electronics UK
05/2016-11/2020
- Directed the account strategy for key tech industry players, including Vodafone and BT Group, expanding business volume by £3M within the telecommunications vertical.
- Launched an innovative partner program that incentivised sales growth, leading to a record-breaking quarter with a 20% uplift in B2B sales.
- Orchestrated the adoption of a CRM system that enhanced account tracking, boosted operational efficiency by 25%, and improved forecasting accuracy.
Digital Key Account Manager
Digital Key Account Manager
Google UK
11/2013-04/2016
- Managed top-tier client accounts in the digital marketing space, consistently exceeding sales targets by at least 10% each quarter.
- Drove the adoption of cutting-edge analytical tools which provided deeper insights into consumer behaviour, helping clients increase online sales by up to 30%.
- Partnered with key stakeholders to develop and launch a new market-leading digital advertising platform, which captured a 20% market share within its first year.
Key Account Relationship Manager
Key Account Relationship Manager
Accenture
02/2010-10/2013
- Established and nurtured strong relationships with senior executives at Fortune 500 companies, leading to a consistent track record of renewing 95% of client contracts.
- Identified new business opportunities by analysing market trends, which culminated in the successful launch of a new product line representing £500K in annual sales.
- Managed to decrease client turnover rate by 20% through proactive relationship management and by providing bespoke post-sales support.
International Key Account Manager
International Key Account Manager
Dyson Ltd
06/2017-02/2024
- Developed international sales strategies for key accounts in over 15 countries, elevating global brand visibility and contributing to a 50% revenue increase from these markets.
- Led a team to manage the complexities of international trade compliance, resulting in zero regulatory fines during tenure.
- Collaborated with R&D to create tailored product offerings that met specific regional demands, helping to penetrate new markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
Writing your CV without professional experience for your first job or when switching industries
There comes a day, when applying for a job, you happen to have no relevant experience, whatsoever. Yet, you're keen on putting your name in the hat. What should you do? Candidates who part-time experience , internships, and volunteer work.
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Talk about any positive changes you helped bring about in your previous jobs, like improving a process or helping increase efficiency.
The CV skills' divide: between hard and soft skills
Of course, you may have read the job requirements plenty of times now, but it's key to note that there is a difference between technical and personal skills. Both are equally relevant to your job application. When writing about your skill set, ensure you've copy-pasted the precise skill from the job requirement. This would not only help you ensure you have the correct spelling, but also pass any Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessments.
- Hard skills show your technological capabilities. Or whether you'll be a good technical fit to the organisation. Ensure you've spotlighted your hard skills in various sections of your CV (e.g. skills section, projects, experience) by including the technology and what you've attained;
- Soft skills pinpoint your personality and people or communication skills, hinting at if you'll easily accomodate into the team or organisation. Quantify your soft skills in your CV achievements, strengths, summary/objective, and experience sections. Always support your soft skills with how they've helped you grow as a professional.
Top skills for your key account manager CV:
HARD SKILLS
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Strategic Account Planning
Sales Forecasting
Contract Negotiation
Market Research
Product Knowledge
Data Analysis
Financial Acumen
Project Management
Presentation Skills
SOFT SKILLS
Communication
Persuasion
Leadership
Empathy
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Negotiation
Teamwork
Time Management
Strategic Thinking
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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.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your key account manager CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your key account manager CV:
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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 key account manager 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.
