How To Write A Strong Inside Sales Representative Resume

Updated 21 January 2023

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If you are interested in a position as an inside sales representative, it is important to submit strong application documents, such as a resume, that highlight why you are qualified for the role. You can use a resume to describe your relevant professional experience and list your role-related skills, which can help you make a positive first impression on a hiring manager. Understanding what information to include when pursuing this position can help you show that you are a good fit for a company and distinguish you from other candidates.

In this article, we describe how to write an inside sales representative resume in eight steps and include a template and example for you to review before you write your own.

How To Write An Inside Sales Representative Resume?

You can follow these steps when writing an inside sales representative resume:

1. Review the qualifications for the role

Before submitting your application, it is important to review the qualifications for the role and ensure you possess the credentials that an employer is looking for in a candidate. Rereading the job description can help you identify what skills, professional experience and academic training they require, and help you include these details on your resume. This can help you show that you are qualified for the role and that you are prepared to handle your prospective job duties.

2. Choose the appropriate format

There are a variety of resume formats you can use to highlight why you are right for the inside sales representative role, depending on your unique credentials and professional background. For example, you may use a functional resume format if you have limited industry experience, but you possess the skills and academic training required for the role. If you have years of experience in inside sales, you may want to use a chronological resume that lists your work history towards the beginning of the document, making it one of the first sections a hiring manager can review.

3. Add a header so an employer can contact you

When writing your resume, you can begin by adding a header. It can include your first and last name, degrees or certifications you have earned, your phone number, professional email address and the city and state where you live. It is important to add these details to the top of the document so they are easy for a hiring manager to find if they want to contact you and schedule an interview for the position.

4. Summarise why you are right for the role

Under your contact information, you can provide the reader with an overview of your strengths and professional background by including a two to three sentence professional summary. You can use this statement to introduce yourself to your prospective employer and describe why you are the right candidate for the position. Consider including keywords from the job description to highlight that you are prepared to handle your prospective job duties as an inside sales representative.

5. Outline your experience in inside sales

When you are applying for a position, employers may want to review your professional background, so it is important to add a description of your industry experience to your application documents. When adding previous positions to your resume, include the job title, the dates of your employment, the name of the company and the city and state where it is located. Underneath each role, include a list of bullet points that outlines the positive contributions you made to the organisation and the job duties you executed. This allows you to list tasks you have handled related to your prospective position.

For instance, various tasks you may have completed in previous roles may include:

Generating new business with existing customers
Converting pre-qualified leads into purchasing customers
Using upselling techniques to increase revenue for the organisation
Guiding customers through the sales process
Maintaining in-depth product knowledge to address customers' questions adequately

6. List the role-related skills you possess

As an inside sales representative, there are a variety of hard and soft skills you may possess to help you succeed in your role. List your strengths and competencies on your resume to show your prospective employer that you have the technical knowledge they are looking for and to distinguish yourself from other candidates interested in the position. Make sure to review the job description to identify any skills the employer requires and add these to your application documents if possible. Common inside sales representative skills include:

Verbal communication
Customer service
Critical thinking and analysis
Problem-solving
Product knowledge

7. Include your education and professional training

If you have earned relevant degrees, diplomas or professional certifications, make sure to add these credentials to your resume. It can depend on the employer's requirements, but inside sales representatives typically possess a bachelor's degree, which can provide them with the technical and practical knowledge required for this role. Some professionals may also have a post-graduate (PG) degree in a related field. When including your education on your resume, list your degrees in reverse chronological order and include the degree title, the subject you studied, the college or university you attended and its location.

If you have role-related certifications, you can add these to your resume as well. Certifications can help you validate your skills and develop new competencies regarding inside sales, including customer service or communication. When listing one on your resume, include the name of the certification, the designating organisation and the date you renewed or earned it.

8. Proofread your resume before you submit it

Once you have completed all sections of your resume, make sure to proofread the document before you submit it. Identify and revise any errors regarding spelling or grammar, and consider reading it aloud to yourself to ensure you maintain a professional tone throughout the document. This can help you demonstrate your attention to detail and professionalism.

You can also share it with a friend or colleague for them to review and provide you with feedback. They may be able to help you ensure you are representing your skills and strengths adequately to make a positive first impression on your prospective employer.

Resume Template For An Inside Sales Representative

Here is a resume template you can reference when applying for a position as an inside sales representative:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience
[Job title] | [Employment dates]
[Company name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job title] | [Employment dates]
[Company name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Degree and major], [Name of school or university]
[City], [State]

Certifications (optional)
[Certification name], [Host organisation] - [Year completed or expiration date]

Resume Sample For An Inside Sales Representative

Here is a resume example you can use to guide you when applying for an inside sales representative position:

Sita Agate 1627-318839 | sita.agate@email.com | Mumbai, Maharashtra

Professional Summary Enthusiastic and experienced Inside Sales Representative who is passionate about helping companies grow their customer base and foster positive professional relationships with clients. Highly skilled in problem-solving and communication with keen attention to detail.

Experience Inside Sales Representative | June 2014–Current
OpenBook Technology | Mumbai, Maharashtra

Maintain a 75% customer renewal rate to increase company profits by 8% annually
Identify and implement strategies to grow customer base and appeal to a wider audience
Discuss clients' options and negotiate terms of sale and prices
Use consultive selling techniques when talking to prospective and existing clients over the phone
Execute on-site presentations to discuss product details with potential clients

Inside Sales Representative | May 2012–May 2014 Web-Defying Developers | Mumbai, Maharashtra

Grew customer accounts by an average of 12% annually
Identified and managed leads from phone marketing initiatives
Maintained detailed account records for clients

Education
Bachelor of Business Administration in sales and marketing, Green Hills University
Mumbai, Maharashtra

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.