As a business owner, sales isn’t just a job — it’s baked into everything I do. Pitching clients, negotiating partnerships, growing a network. You can’t escape it.
And if you’re looking for a sales role? Same story. The job market is crammed with candidates all claiming to be “results-driven” and “customer-focused.” But recruiters and sales leaders? They’re wading through stacks of near-identical resumes, making snap judgments on who’s worth a second look.
I talked to recruiters and sales leaders to find out what separates the “maybe” pile from the “must-interview” list. Standing out starts long before the interview — and doesn’t end after the handshake.
Table of Contents
- The Sales Job Market Today
- How to Make Your Resume Stand Out
- How to Stand Out During Interviews
- Tips for Landing Sales Jobs
The Sales Job Market Today
Despite the doom-and-gloom takes on economic uncertainty, parts of the sales world are absolutely booming. Just look at — they’re hiring 2,000 new salespeople just for their AI products, according to CEO Marc Benioff.
Media companies are in hiring mode, too. reports that Xumo, T-Mobile, and Netflix are all expanding their ad sales teams.
But here’s the twist — not all sales roles are created equal. Traditional media companies are slashing sales teams as linear TV declines, while tech platforms and streaming services are hunting for a new breed of seller: digital-first, tech-savvy.
a sales recruitment expert at Reed, breaks it down: “Right now, the highest demand is for roles directly tied to revenue. Business development managers (BDMs), account executives, and anyone who can self-generate leads and close deals.”
Even account managers — once focused on relationship-building — are now expected to drive revenue.
How to Make Your Resume Stand Out
Sales recruiters spend about six seconds scanning each resume before deciding its fate. The difference between landing in the interview pile versus the rejection folder often comes down to specificity and evidence of impact.
Here are four tips on how to tailor your resume.
1. Feature industry-specific knowledge and domain expertise.
Highlight industry expertise in your resume with bullet points that show how your knowledge improves sales outcomes.
Buyers want someone who speaks their language, anticipates their pain points, and understands how their industry operates. A seller who grasps industry trends, compliance challenges, and operational workflows can build trust faster—and close bigger deals.
, business development lead at Professional Services Automation platform at , explains, “If a candidate has worked in an entrepreneurial environment, customer success, or account management, that’s a plus.”
This is especially true in complex B2B sales like SaaS, ABM, and enterprise software. , founder of , a SaaS Recruitment Agency, explains how hiring managers weigh industry knowledge.
"For early-stage SaaS companies or startups, we often prioritize raw sales ability over industry knowledge, especially for SDR and junior AE roles. A strong salesperson with great communication skills, resilience, and coachability can learn the product and industry quickly,” Wickett says.
That being said, Wickett notes that industry knowledge can make a huge difference for more complex B2B SaaS solutions in industries like cybersecurity or enterprise software.
“We placed a candidate for a sales role at a fintech company, and the hiring manager told us they would rather train a finance expert in sales than train a great salesperson in finance. That's because their customers were CFOs and financial controllers who needed someone who spoke their language,” Wickett says.
For highly technical products, buyers are skeptical of reps who don’t understand their workflows. Showing firsthand experience with their challenges makes you an advisor instead of a salesperson.
Don’t just list industries on your resume; show how your experience makes you a better seller. For example: “Navigated procurement processes in enterprise SaaS, closing $1.2M in deals across Fortune 500 clients.”
22 Job Seeking Templates
Download this bundle of 22 expertly-crafted templates for cover letters, resignation notices, and resumes.
- Resignation Letter Templates
- Cover Letter Templates
- Resume Templates
Download Free
All fields are required.
You're all set!
Click this link to access this resource at any time.
2. Highlight your sales process efficiency and deal velocity.
Closing deals is great. But closing them faster without sacrificing quality separates top sales performers.
Hiring managers don't just want to know what you sold — they want to know how fast you moved deals through the pipeline. Shorter sales cycles mean quicker revenue, higher efficiency, and a greater capacity to handle more opportunities. Since fall through due to slow sales cycles, efficient closers are especially valuable to organizations.
According to , Principal Recruiter at sales engagement platform , top candidates specifically highlight “sales cycle efficiency and deal closing rates” with measurable results like “shortened average sales cycle from 90 to 60 days, increasing deal velocity by 33%.”
She also points out that hiring managers particularly value metrics around “average sales cycle length” when evaluating Account Executives. This shows you can turn opportunities into revenue efficiently.
For example, instead of simply stating you closed deals, Buj suggests specifying: “Implemented a streamlined discovery process that reduced qualification time by 40%, allowing me to manage 25% more opportunities while maintaining an 85% close rate on qualified leads.”
3. Incorporate critical CRM and sales technology proficiencies.
Showcasing your proficiency with sales tools like 探花精选 instantly sets you apart from ‘relationship-focused’ candidates. You show you can identify hidden revenue opportunities and automate follow-ups that close deals faster.
In fact, say AI tools help their teams compete more effectively — proof that being skilled in tech tools is a competitive edge.
Buj highlights data analysis and CRM skills as key differentiators: ‘It signals adaptability to sales tech stacks.’ Instead of simply listing a tool, demonstrate impact. For example:
- ‘Used CRM analytics to identify customer trends, improving engagement by 25%.’
- ‘Leveraged Salesforce opportunity scoring to prioritize high-value prospects, increasing my team’s conversion rate by 32% and generating an additional $420K in pipeline.'
4. Share your success stories for acquiring and retaining customers.
Sales revolves around two key goals: acquiring new customers and keeping them.
Buj mentions hiring managers specifically look for ‘customer acquisition and retention’ metrics, so highlight measurable achievements like:
- ‘Landed 15 new enterprise clients in six months, driving $800K in annual recurring revenue (ARR).’
- ‘Maintained a 90% client retention rate, securing $1M in contract renewals.’
Wickett puts it simply: these are the kind of specific details that grab attention because they quantify impact.
Don‘t just say you’re great at building relationships — prove it with numbers.
How to Stand Out During Interviews
You've reached the interview stage — now comes the real challenge — standing out from other candidates who also impressed on paper. The interview is your chance to showcase the exact skills the company wants.
Here are four tips to stand out during interviews.
5. Prepare to deliver a compelling mock sales pitch or role-play.
Mock sales pitches test your ability to think on your feet and handle objections, just like in an actual sales conversation where prospects challenge your value and expect quick, confident responses.
Wickett describes his experience with a top candidate.
"Instead of diving straight into a pitch, they asked smart discovery questions: ‘How are you currently tracking your analytics?’ ‘What’s been your biggest challenge in getting actionable insights from your data?' By doing this, they turned a cold pitch into a consultative conversation,” Wickett says.
This approach shifts the conversation from a generic sales pitch to a meaningful dialogue. To follow a similar blueprint, follow a structured approach:
- Start with discovery questions to uncover pain points — probe deeper by asking follow-ups that reveal urgency and impact.
- Use consultative selling to position solutions — tie product benefits directly to the challenges uncovered, making the solution feel custom-made.
- Address objections confidently — acknowledge concerns, reframe them, and provide proof points to ease doubts.
- Close with a strong call to action — don’t just ask about next steps; guide the prospect by suggesting a clear, low-friction action.
6. Show your process for handling tough objections.
Sales interviews often assess how well you handle tough customer objections. Handling objections with a clear strategy proves you're prepared for real-world sales situations.
“A candidate for a business development role was asked to sell the company's software on the spot. They asked questions first (discovery phase) instead of jumping into the pitch, tailored the pitch to the interviewer's business pain points, and closed with a strong CTA, asking for next steps — just like a real sales call,” recalls Buj.
When addressing objections:
- Acknowledge concerns without becoming defensive.
- Ask clarifying questions to uncover the root issue.
- Position solutions that directly resolve objections.
- Use social proof to show how similar customers overcame the same concern.
Buj also shared a candidate’s standout response to a pricing objection: “I completely understand that price is a key factor. What we've found is that our customers save 30% in operational costs because of our automation features. If I could show you how this could actually save money long-term, would you be open to discussing it further?”
Showing you’re able to handle objections reframes price as an investment rather than a cost that shifts the conversation from expense to value.
7. End with relevant questions.
When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, it’s your opportunity to showcase critical thinking and genuine interest. Thoughtful questions show how you approach sales challenges and assess opportunities.
Here’s a tip from , head of operations and partnerships at AI job search assistant : “Ask questions about the best practices of people in the role currently. Show that you are curious and ready to hit the ground running as a top performer.”
Questions about team performance signal you're focused on success, not just landing the job. Instead of generic inquiries, dig into specifics that showcase your strategic mindset like:
- What does your top performer do differently than everyone else?
- How is the sales team structured, and how does that impact territory management?
- What's your typical customer journey from lead to close?
While showing enthusiasm is important, you should also ask questions that help you assess if the role truly fits your career goals. , director of talent at career growth platform , suggests asking a question related to quota attainment.
“Asking what percentage of people in the role hit quota last year can be very important. Companies can promise an OTE of any number they want, but how likely is it to hit the target?” Peditto explains.
This question gives you insight into the reality behind compensation plans and the achievability of sales targets. Other questions that show sales acumen include:
- How has your sales process evolved over the past year?
- What objections do your team members struggle with most?
- What resources do salespeople have for continued development?
22 Job Seeking Templates
Download this bundle of 22 expertly-crafted templates for cover letters, resignation notices, and resumes.
- Resignation Letter Templates
- Cover Letter Templates
- Resume Templates
Download Free
All fields are required.
You're all set!
Click this link to access this resource at any time.
8. Follow up post-interview.
The post-interview follow-up is your final chance to show off your sales skills by closing your own deal. Approach it like a sales process by being professional, value-driven, and appropriately persistent.
Wickett remembers a great follow-up: “One candidate sent a short Loom video summarizing key takeaways from the interview and reinforcing why they were a great fit. It was personal, engaging, and took just two minutes — but left a lasting impression.”
What makes a strong follow-up?
, CEO of , suggests keeping it simple: “A well-written thank you email sent within one hour of the interview that includes three bullet points on how the candidate can help the company and the hiring manager achieve their objectives.”
But balance is key.
“You need to follow a normal sales protocol here. Reaching out after an interview can be great, sending a recap about what you spoke about and the problems you learned about and how you can solve them can be great,” advises Peditto, who wisely adds: “But, being too aggressive here can be harmful, just like in sales.”
Your follow-up is your final pitch — make it thoughtful, specific, and well-timed.
Tips for Landing Sales Jobs
Work outside the standard hiring process to build connections and create visibility that makes formal applications almost unnecessary. These tactics help you skip the line and get noticed before you even apply.
9. Use LinkedIn as a personal branding platform.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool to showcase your sales expertise, build valuable connections, and attract job opportunities.
mentions how an active and well-thought-out LinkedIn was instantly a differentiator for him.
"One of the most impressive job seekers I've seen built a mini personal brand on LinkedIn before even landing a sales job. They posted content about what they were learning—sharing insights from sales books, their takeaways from industry events, and even reflections on failed interviews,” Wickett says.
Building your personal brand involves optimizing your profile with industry-specific keywords to increase visibility in recruiter searches. Sharing content on sales techniques, market trends, and your professional journey (like B2B sales consultant does) helps build credibility and authority:
And be regular about it. Peditto emphasizes engagement: “Be active and engaged! I’ve seen many sales managers fall in love with candidates because they’re constantly sharing and discussing the industry on LinkedIn.”
Your LinkedIn activity shapes first impressions long before an interview. Treat every interaction as an opportunity to showcase your sales expertise and industry knowledge.
10. Attend industry events to showcase your sales skills in real time.
Industry events, conferences, and meetups offer unique opportunities for sales candidates to demonstrate their abilities in authentic settings. Unlike the constraints of formal interviews, these environments allow you to showcase your relationship-building skills, business acumen, and sales instincts through genuine interactions.
Sales leaders like Wickett consistently identify event networking as a powerful strategy for standing out in a competitive job market.
"Another standout example was a candidate who attended SaaS industry events not as a job seeker but as someone looking to learn. They‘d introduce themselves to sales directors, ask insightful questions about their companies’ challenges, and follow up with personalized LinkedIn messages,” Wickett says.
When one of those companies eventually had an opening, Wickett notes, they were the first person that came to mind, and they got the job without even applying.
Here's how you can make the most of a sales conference:
- Research attendees in advance to know which companies and decision-makers will be present.
- Prepare your elevator pitch to articulate your value proposition clearly and concisely.
- Ask insightful questions about industry trends and challenges during panels.
- Follow up with personalized messages referencing specific conversations.
- Volunteer or speak to gain visibility and demonstrate expertise.
These events function as real-world sales environments — your ability to connect authentically, listen actively, and follow up professionally showcases how you’d perform in a sales role.
11. Engage with target companies before applying.
Connections with potential employers should happen before you submit your application. This way, you show initiative and help decision-makers become familiar with you ahead of time.
Here’s a recommendation from Wickett: “If you're applying to a company, start engaging with their sales leaders on LinkedIn before you even send your application. If they see your name popping up in their notifications with smart comments, you'll be much more memorable when your CV lands in their inbox.”
This strategy gives you a recognition advantage when hiring managers review applications. Instead of another name in a stack of resume, you become “that person who asked about our market expansion” or “the candidate who commented on my sales enablement post.”
You can engage before applying by:
- Commenting on posts from the company's sales leaders.
- Sharing industry insights related to the company's focus.
- Asking questions about recent company announcements.
- Participating in virtual events hosted by the organization.
Connecting beforehand helps you stand out and provides insights into the company's priorities and culture that you can use during your application and interview.
Approach your job search like a sales campaign.
Whatever principles you apply to selling a product — research, positioning, outreach, and follow-ups — should be the same ones you apply to selling yourself. A job search is much like a sales funnel, where you move hiring managers from awareness to interest to a final close.
Top sales candidates don’t wait for opportunities to come to them. They create them. That means tailoring your resume, sending convincing outreach, and engaging with decision-makers.
Treat your job search like a well-executed sales campaign to position yourself as proactive, strategic, and results-oriented — exactly the qualities hiring managers are looking for.
22 Job Seeking Templates
Download this bundle of 22 expertly-crafted templates for cover letters, resignation notices, and resumes.
- Resignation Letter Templates
- Cover Letter Templates
- Resume Templates
Download Free
All fields are required.
You're all set!
Click this link to access this resource at any time.