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Table of contents

Director of sales resume examples
Format your sales director resume
How to write a sales director resume in 5 easy steps
Include a cover letter
Director of sales resume — key takeaways
Commonly asked questions about resume writing

Directing a sales team isn’t easy. From orchestrating sales campaigns to rallying your troops for market dominance, sales directors put it all into their work every day.

Initially, writing a director of sales resume might seem as challenging as closing a high-stake deal.

But don’t worry — there’s no target too lofty for you. With a little support, you can summarize your experiences in an engaging and job-winning resume.

This playbook will show you:

Excellent director of sales resume examples.
The building blocks of any good resume.
Ways to show off your sales skills.
Step-by-step instructions on making a resume.
Advice on choosing a resume format and style.

Looking to make your resume now? Give our Resume Maker a spin. Choose a unique template and get personalized content for every part of your resume.

Director of sales resume examples

Entry-level sales director resume example

Entry level resume example director of sales

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What makes this a great director of sales resume sample?

Employs a professional design
The resume’s elegant design serves as the cornerstone of its effectiveness. By being clear without sacrificing style, this visually pleasing layout immediately establishes a sense of professionalism.
Shows off a range of skills
This resume does a great job of listing many skills, including both technical abilities like deal-making and people skills like communication. This mix is important because it shows the job seeker can handle different parts of the job.
Highlights career trajectory
The resume runs down previous roles in a way that makes it clear they’re ready for a bigger role. Mentioning specific successes, like helping their company make 25% more money, shows they can do great work that really makes a difference.

Experienced sales director resume example

Experienced resume example director of sales

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What makes this a great director of sales resume sample?

Utilizes a modern design
The resume’s modern look and feel, as well as the insignia in the upper left-hand corner, make it stand out. The symbol adds a personal touch that shows a bit of who the job seeker is.
Formats work experience effectively
Making job titles bold and using bullet points makes everything clear and easy to read. This lets someone looking at the resume quickly see what the job seeker has done before and why they’re a good fit for the job.
Uses numbers to show impact
From mentioning a 25% increase in revenue to highlighting a campaign that increased deal sizes by an impressive 20%, the candidate proves they can get results.

Looking for a different job title? Check out more sales resume examples that interest you:

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Format your sales director resume

Leading a sales team to surpass their targets requires not just skill but the ability to showcase your achievements and leadership effectively.

Your resume is your pitch to potential employers, highlighting why you’re the top candidate for a sales director position — and that’s why your choice of resume format is so important.

There are three formats, and each one has its benefits:

Chronological resume formats focus on your career arc, emphasizing significant sales milestones and leadership roles starting with your most recent position. This format is best for demonstrating your extensive experience in sales management.
Functional resume formats work well for leaders transitioning from other industries. This layout shines a light on your skills, such as mastering sales techniques, building client relationships and leading cross-functional teams, rather than focusing solely on your job history.
Combination resume formats offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to detail both your skills and your employment history. This approach lets you draw a direct line between your experiences and the qualifications needed for a sales director role.

For many seasoned sales professionals, the chronological format is often the most straightforward and effective, making it easy for hiring managers to trace your career growth and successes.

After selecting the best format for your career, making sure your resume is visually striking is your next step.

Choose the perfect resume template

Create your resume

Picking the right resume template is like choosing the strategy that will win you the sales deal.

Opt for a simple template when applying to traditional companies where the focus is on results and efficiency.
For roles in cutting-edge companies, a modern resume template can better reflect your adaptability and innovative approach to driving sales.

Look for a template that is user-friendly, compatible with Microsoft Word and Google Docs, which helps you kick off the resume-building process smoothly.

Now, let’s make a resume that distinguishes you as an exceptional candidate for the sales director role.

How to write a sales director resume in 5 easy steps

Making a standout resume for each job you go after doesn’t have to be hard.

Think of it as making the perfect sales pitch, but instead of selling a product, you’re selling yourself. And just like in sales, there’s a strategy to it. Here’s how you can nail it in five simple steps.

Step 1

Make your resume match the job post

Just like how you’d adapt your sales pitch for different clients, you need to tweak your resume for each job you’re eyeing.

You know those applicant tracking systems (ATS) companies use? They’re like the gatekeepers or the tough customers you’ve got to win over. They scan your resume for specific keywords that match the job description.

So, dive into the job ad like you’re analyzing your competitor’s sales strategy. Look for the must-haves they want in a sales director — things like “revenue growth,” “team leadership,” “customer relationship management” and “market analysis.”

Throwing in these keywords tells the ATS you’re one of the good ones. It’s about making sure your resume not only gets past the robot bouncers but also impresses the real people who’ll read it next, showing them you’re the sales wizard they’ve been looking for.

Remember, making your ATS-friendly resume is like setting the right filters for your sales leads — it makes sure you’re seen by the right eyes. Aim to show them why you’re not just a sales director, but the sales director they need.

Step 2

Kick off with your best pitch

Starting your resume is like making the opening move in a sales pitch. You’ve got two ways to grab attention: a professional summary or an objective statement. Your choice depends on how seasoned you are in the sales world.

For the sales directors who’ve been closing deals and leading teams for years, a professional summary is your best bet. It’s like giving a highlight reel of your best sales seasons, showcasing your wins and the skills that got you there.

On the flip side, if you’re stepping up into the sales director role for the first time, an objective statement might suit you better. Here, you’re setting the stage for what you aim to achieve and the fresh skills you’re bringing to the table, even if they come from outside the sales arena.

Here’s what each might look like for a sales director:

Sales director professional summary example:

Experienced sales director with over a decade of leading top-performing teams to exceed sales targets consistently. Expert in crafting strategic sales plans that have boosted revenue by up to 40%. Known for exceptional leadership and an innovative approach to tackling market challenges, driving growth and expanding customer bases.

Sales director resume objective example:

Ambitious sales leader transitioning from marketing, eager to leverage extensive expertise in market analysis, branding and customer engagement into a sales director role. Committed to driving sales strategy innovation and team performance to new heights.

Step 3

Showcase your sales skills

In sales, you’re juggling a lot of balls — managing teams, understanding customer needs and hitting targets. Your resume needs to highlight the skills that matter most.

Mix your hard skills, like mastery of sales techniques and market analysis, with soft skills, such as leadership and communication. Think of it as pairing a great product with the perfect sales pitch — they go hand in hand.

Here are some of the skills on successful sales director resumes:

Hard Skills

Strategic planning
Revenue growth strategies
Market analysis
CRM software
Sales forecasting

Soft Skills

Team-building
Communication
Problem-solving
Negotiation
Adaptability

Here’s what a strong skills section looks like:

Proven ability in formulating and executing growth strategies.
Skilled in leading and motivating sales teams.
Proficient in CRM software.
Adaptable and quick at problem-solving.
Adept at coaching employees in persuasion and sales strategies.

Pro tip

Being tech-savvy is nonnegotiable. In today’s sales environment, being adept with the latest sales technologies and CRM software isn’t just a bonus — it’s essential. Make sure these computer skills are front and center on your resume.

Step 4

Highlight your experience

Your work history isn’t just a list of jobs; it’s where you showcase the deals you’ve closed, the strategies you’ve developed and the teams you’ve led to success. It’s about showing how you’ve made a real difference in every role you’ve had.

Focus on your most recent sales roles, starting with your current or last position. Use bullet points to make your achievements stand out and to keep your resume reader-friendly.

Remember, the best sales stories are those told with enthusiasm and precision. Use strong action verbs to bring your sales achievements to life. Here’s how you might do it:

Example for a sales director resume:

Sales Director, Dynamic Solutions
Savannah, GA
June 2015 – April 2024

Drove a 50% increase in regional sales through strategic market expansion and key account acquisition, significantly outperforming sales targets.
Led and motivated a team of 30 sales professionals, fostering a culture of achievement, collaboration and continuous improvement, resulting in a 20% increase in team productivity.
Negotiated and secured multiyear contracts with top-tier clients, contributing to a sustained 35% revenue growth year-over-year.
Built and maintained robust relationships with industry leaders and clients, ensuring long-term partnerships and customer satisfaction.

Pro tip

Quantifying your success with specific numbers not only provides clear evidence of your contributions but also sets you apart as a results-driven leader. In sales, where performance is everything, showcasing your results with solid figures is a must.

Step 5

For sales directors, including education on your resume can demonstrate your foundation in business principles and your commitment to personal and professional development.

While advanced degrees can be impressive, not all successful sales careers start there. List your degrees, sure, but also include any relevant certifications that show you’re equipped with both the knowledge and practical skills needed for high-stakes sales leadership.

How to list education on a sales resume:

EDUCATION

High School Diploma
Lincoln High School, Springfield, IL

Certifications:

Certified Sales Professional (CSP), National Association of Sales Professionals
Strategic Sales Management Certification, Harvard Business School Online
Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL), Sales Management Association

Optional sections for your sales director resume

Professional memberships

Belonging to professional organizations shows your dedication to staying current with the latest sales strategies, techniques and industry news. Being an active member can also signal your commitment to professional growth and networking within the sales community.

How to list professional memberships on your sales director resume:

Member of the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP)
Affiliate of the Strategic Account Management Association (SAMA)

Workshops and training

Participating in sales workshops and training programs demonstrates your initiative in refining your skills and staying ahead in the competitive sales landscape. These experiences can highlight your dedication to continuous improvement and mastery of sales techniques.

How to showcase workshops and training on your sales director resume:

Completed Advanced Sales Strategy Workshop, Sales Training International
Attended Annual Leadership Excellence Seminar, American Management Association

Languages

In today’s global market, the ability to communicate in multiple languages can set you apart as a sales director. It shows potential employers your capability to negotiate and connect with a diverse client base, expanding the company’s reach.

How to list languages on your sales director resume:

English: Native proficiency
Mandarin Chinese: Fluent (C1)
Spanish: Professional working proficiency (B2)

Volunteer experience

Your involvement in volunteer work can showcase your leadership skills outside of a sales context, demonstrating your ability to use your talents for the greater good. It reflects a well-rounded character, showing you’re not just about making sales but also about making a difference.

How to detail volunteer work on your sales director resume:

Sales Coach for Young Entrepreneurs Program: Volunteered to mentor and train aspiring entrepreneurs in sales techniques and business strategy, contributing to the success of over 50 small businesses.
Community Food Drive Organizer: Led a team of volunteers to organize annual food drives, demonstrating leadership and project management skills while supporting local food banks.

Honors and awards

Any awards and honors you’ve received can distinguish you as a leader in your field to the degree they serve as tangible proof of your ability to exceed targets and drive sales growth. Just make sure you explain their significance — unless it’s self-explanatory.

How to list awards on your director of sales resume:

Sales Director of the Year – 2023: Awarded by the Sales and Marketing Executives International for exceptional leadership and achieving a record-breaking revenue increase.
President’s Club Award – 2022: Earned for outstanding sales performance and consistently exceeding annual sales targets by over 150%.

Include a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Thinking about whether you need a cover letter for your sales director application? It’s a great question. While it’s not always a must-have, a well-crafted cover letter can really set you apart from the competition.

Your cover letter gives you the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into your sales successes, leadership experiences and the path that has led you to pursue a role in sales leadership. It’s the place to showcase specific sales campaigns you’ve led, the growth you’ve driven and any transitions in your career that have prepared you for this moment.

If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry. We have tips on crafting a compelling cover letter and cover letter examples that have helped others secure their roles. These resources are invaluable for understanding what makes a cover letter effective.

Ready to get started? Our Cover Letter Builder is designed to make sure your letter looks as professional as your resume. With ready-to-use templates, you can say goodbye to the stress of starting from scratch or figuring out the right format.

A thoughtful cover letter can be the difference between landing at the top of the interview list and being overlooked. Take the time to craft a message that reflects your unique value as a sales director.

Director of sales resume — key takeaways

Choose an engaging template

The look of your resume is just as crucial as the information it contains. A clean, well-organized resume shows you’re serious about your image and you pay attention to details.
Start with a powerful summary

Kick things off with a summary that really sells your strengths as a sales director. Highlight your biggest wins, leadership qualities and what you aim to achieve in your next role.
Highlight your sales leadership

As a sales director, you’re not just a leader — you’re a strategist and motivator. Your resume needs to shine a light on your ability to guide your team to exceed sales targets and drive revenue growth.
Quantify your successes

Numbers speak louder than words, especially in sales. Detail your achievements by including stats on revenue growth, market share expansion or sales targets surpassed.
Feature sales campaigns

Don’t just list your job duties; highlight significant sales campaigns or initiatives you’ve led. Focus on the challenges, your approach and the impressive outcomes.
Showcase recognition

Bolster your resume by mentioning any sales awards or professional acknowledgments you’ve received. These accolades serve as proof of your exceptional skills.

Commonly asked questions about resume writing

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.