SALES JOBS, SALES CAREER, CAREER CHOICES & CAREER COUNSELLING

CV / Resume Inclusions Do's & Don'ts

The following is a list of do's and don'ts when decideing what to include in your resume:

Do tailor your resume/c.v. (and covering letter) to suit each job you are applying for
Do list only relevant qualifications – highest qualification first
Do restrict your job history to the last 10 years
Do list languages you speak
Do list achievements – these will ‘sell’ you – tailor them to suit sales roles
Do use “technical” language that you know but it has to be language you know the employer is familiar with (e.g. B2B)
Do ensure you know your referees well and that they will say something positive. If unsure, have someone check them out for you
Do find other ‘professional’ referees if you haven’t a direct supervisor – e.g. lawyers, police officers, sports coaches, etc
Do state ‘referees available on request’ if you haven’t sorted them out yet
Do present the truth in the best possible light
Do ensure that, if something is mentioned in the covering letter, it is also included in the resume / c.v.
Do print off a copy of your resume and have someone proof read it before you send it off

Don't call your resume or c.v. “biodata”
Don't put your date of birth on the resume / c.v.
Don't include primary school education
Don't assume that the employer knows what qualifications or grades mean – you need to explain them
Don't list grades unless you are fresh out of high school (and if they’re at least reasonably good!)
Don't use an unprofessional email address – get a conservative one!
Don't use terms such as casual, part time, trainee, etc. The only exception is if you are applying for the same sort of role
Don't terms such as acting, higher duties
Don't mention you have worked for yourself or for your family business. Put yourself down as an employee in your own or your family’s business