Do recruiters use a keyword search when reviewing resumes? Absolutely! Here are the most important key words to include in your sales resume.
Absolutely, recruiters use keyword searches! If you were a recruiter, and had 400 email resumes in your inbox each morning, you would hit 'control F' keys to find and quickly weed through them too. In fact, to speed up the resume review process even further, many companies and HR departments are now using software to scan the resumes they receive.
Therefore, you need to make sure that your resume includes the words that the scanners are looking for. Otherwise, your resume may be passed over in the pre-screening process, even if you are the ideal candidate.
How to Find the Keywords to Include in Your Resume
So how do you find the common keywords that you should include in your resume when applying for sales positions?
One way to find the keywords that you should include in your sales resume is to check out some sample ads for the types of positions you are seeking. You will quickly see which phrases are commonly used by recruiters.
Before you finalize your resume, be sure to include any keywords that are repeated on a regular basis or stand out in the ads themselves. This will help get your resume noticed, and may just be the difference maker in getting you the interview.
What are the Right Keywords for a Sales Resume?
So if recruiters so use a keyword search when evaluating sales resumes, what are the keywords sales they are looking for? Depending on the position they are hiring for, here's a short list of keywords recruiters use to scan your sales resume:
- business to business sales
- b2b sales
- account management
- business development
- new business development
- sales management
- territory management
- sales representative
- account executive
- technical sales
- channel sales
- independent sales agent
- outside sales
- inside sales
- product manager
| FREE DOWNLOAD! How to Write an Effective B2B Sales Resume (With Template and Example) |
Recruiters Use Keyword Searchs for Sales Functions
For sales positions, I highly recommend that you include the basic job function words like 'sales', 'b2b' and 'business to business'. In fact, many qualified candidates in our profession have been ruled out by scanning software simply because they didn't have the word 'sales' anywhere in their resume. Other keywords you could include are 'new business development' or 'account management'.
In addition to including key words that describe your job titles, be sure to also include keywords about the functions you performed while holding those jobs, as well as any accomplishments you earned while doing so. Some examples include:
- prospecting
- cold calling
- customer service
- quota buster
- quota attainment
- Presidents Club
- producer
- proven performer
What is the One “Must Have” Keyword to Include in Your Sales Resume?
And of course, make sure you don't forget the most important key word of all; the word 'sales' itself. Remember as Alfred North Whitehead once said, 'It takes an extraordinary intelligence to contemplate the obvious.' More motivational quotes here.
Do you want more tips on how to write a sales resume that will get you noticed by even the most discerning sales recruiters? Then download How To Write An Effective B2B Sales Resume for free from the B2B Sales Connections Download Centre.
| FREE DOWNLOAD! Job Search Tracking Worksheet |
Are You Looking for a New Sales Position?
Are you looking to make a career change? For detailed instructions, step by step, on how to find your perfect sales job, (and by perfect, we mean perfect for YOU), check out our eBook, How to Find Your Dream Sales Job – The future is yours to create! How to write a resume to grab the attention of sales recruiters, a gender neutral cover letter template, what you need to include in your LinkedIn profile, how to prepare for a sales interview, what to wear, how to access the hidden job market, how to evaluate a job offer, how to resign from your current job …. IT'S ALL IN THIS BOOK!
Are you looking to make a career change? For detailed instructions, step by step, on how to find your perfect sales job, (and by perfect, we mean perfect for YOU), check out our eBook, How to Find Your Dream Sales Job – The future is yours to create! How to write a resume to grab the attention of sales recruiters, a gender neutral cover letter template, what you need to include in your LinkedIn profile, how to prepare for a sales interview, what to wear, how to access the hidden job market, how to evaluate a job offer, how to resign from your current job …. IT'S ALL IN THIS BOOK!
Do Recruiters Use a Keyword Search – The Bommon Line
Remember, even the best resume won't get you an interview unless it is reviewed by the recruiter. You don’t want to be a resume keyword stuffer. However to increase your chances of catching the sales recruiters attention, make sure you include the right keywords that they are looking for. After all, as Eben Pagan once said, “You can’t convince anyone of anything. You can only give them the right information, so that they convince themselves.”
Aim Higher!
Susan A. Enns, B2B Sales Coach and Author
Schedule a free sales coaching strategy session with Susan here.
“… what I can tell anyone, is simply this – If you want to learn and understand sales, talk to Susan.”
Susan A. Enns, B2B Sales Coach and Author
Schedule a free sales coaching strategy session with Susan here.
“… what I can tell anyone, is simply this – If you want to learn and understand sales, talk to Susan.”
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