How to write an Account Manager CV (with example)

Have you seen an Account Manager role you would like to apply to but feel overwhelmed at the prospect of crafting a stand-out CV? We've got you covered. In a sea of job seekers, your CV is your passport to setting yourself apart, showcasing your unique skills, experiences, and why you'd make a stellar Account Manager.

In this article, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide to creating a top-notch Account Manager CV. We'll cover everything from understanding the role, key skills required, how to structure your CV, common pitfalls to avoid, right down to providing an example CV.

Understanding the Role of an Account Manager

Before you start crafting your CV, it's crucial to have a thorough understanding of an Account Manager's role. Knowing what responsibilities and tasks an Account Manager typically handles can help you tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences.

Account Managers are instrumental in maintaining and developing client relationships. They understand customer needs, coordinate with different teams within the company to ensure these needs are met, and drive business growth. It's a dynamic role that requires excellent communication, strategic thinking, and a knack for problem-solving.

You might find our comprehensive guide on Account Manager job descriptions handy. This will give you a detailed understanding of what employers typically expect from Account Managers, allowing you to align your CV more closely with those expectations.

Key Skills and Qualifications for an Account Manager

Being an Account Manager requires a unique blend of hard and soft skills and relevant qualifications. Let's delve into what these are and how they can make your CV stand out:

1. Relationship Management: This is the heart of an Account Manager's role. You need to demonstrate your ability to establish and nurture professional relationships with clients, ensuring their needs are met, and they are satisfied with your company's services.
2. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. This includes being able to explain complex information clearly, negotiate effectively, and interact with clients in a professional, friendly manner.
3. Problem-solving: Show that you can identify issues and formulate effective solutions, ensuring client satisfaction and maintaining the business relationship.
4. Project Management: Account Managers often oversee various projects simultaneously, so skills in planning, organising, and managing resources to achieve specific goals are invaluable.
5. Commercial Awareness: Demonstrate your understanding of market trends, customer needs, and competitors and how this knowledge can drive business strategy and growth.
6. Qualifications: While qualifications will depend on the specific industry, a degree in business, marketing, or a related field is generally sought-after. Certifications in sales or account management could also give you an edge.

Remember to back up these skills with examples from your experiences, wherever possible. This way, you’re not just listing skills but demonstrating how you’ve implemented them. Explore our article for more detailed insights into the skills expected of an Account Manager.

CV Structure for an Account Manager

When it comes to writing your CV, structure is key. A well-structured CV will ensure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot, boosting your chances of surpassing those initial few seconds of an employer's scrutiny.

Here's a quick guide on how to structure your Account Manager CV:

1. Contact Information: This should be clearly visible at the top of your CV. Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
2. Personal Profile: This is a brief summary of your professional background, key skills, and career aspirations relevant to account management. Think of it as your elevator pitch.
3. Key Skills: Highlight your core skills that align with the role of an Account Manager. This will help the employer quickly understand your strengths.
4. Work Experience: List your previous roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on responsibilities and achievements and highlighting the key skills an Account Manager needs.
5. Education: Include degrees or certifications you've achieved. If you have relevant coursework or projects, mention those too.
6. Certifications (if applicable): If you have completed any certifications that enhance your account management skills, remember to include them.

This is just a high-level overview. In the following sections, we'll go into more detail about what to include in each of these sections to make your CV stand out. Remember, each part of your CV plays a role in painting a complete picture of you as a potential Account Manager.

Example of an Account Manager CV

To help you put all the information and tips provided into perspective, let's walk through an example of an Account Manager's CV:

Jane Doe

15 Rose Avenue, London, UK | +44 1234 567890 | jane.doe@gmail.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe

Personal Profile

Enthusiastic and results-driven Account Manager with over five years of experience in nurturing client relationships, understanding customer needs, and driving business growth. Passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and achieving revenue targets. Seeking an opportunity to apply my skills and experience in a challenging and collaborative environment.

Key Skills

• Account Management
• Client Relationship Building
• Sales and Negotiation
• Strategic Planning
• Project Management
• Problem-solving

Work Experience

Work Experience

Senior Account Manager | XYZ Corporation | London, UK | June 2018 - Present

• Managed a portfolio of 15 key clients, resulting in a 20% increase in annual revenue.
• Led a team of 5 junior account managers to consistently achieve and surpass quarterly sales targets.
• Developed and implemented strategic account plans tailored to individual client needs to maximise customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Negotiated contract renewals, securing an average 15% increase in account value.
• Identified upselling opportunities and introduced additional products or services, contributing to a 25% increase in total account revenue.
• Organised and led quarterly review meetings with clients, effectively addressing any issues and reinforcing client trust.

Account Executive | ABC Ltd. | London, UK | January 2015 - May 2018

• Collaborated with the sales team to acquire 10+ new clients within the first year, contributing significantly to the department's annual targets.
• Consistently achieved over 90% in quarterly customer satisfaction surveys, demonstrating excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Successfully upsold products, resulting in an additional £50k revenue per quarter.
• Initiated a customer feedback system to track customer satisfaction, leading to a 15% improvement in customer service ratings over two years.
• Created compelling sales presentations for potential clients, resulting in a 30% success rate for acquiring new business.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration | University of London | 2012 - 2015

Certifications

Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM) | Strategic Account Management Association | 2019

This is a simplified example to give you a sense of what a well-crafted Account Manager's CV looks like. It's important to adjust this template to suit your experiences and the specific job requirements you're applying for.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Account Manager CV

Even with the best intentions, mistakes can sneak into your CV. Here are some common ones you should avoid:

1. Being too generic: Tailor your CV to each specific role you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the job description of the Account Manager position you're applying for.
2. Ignoring the importance of structure and formatting: Ensure your CV is easy to read and professionally formatted. Use bullet points, bold font for headings, and keep each section concise.
3. Typos and grammatical errors: These can give the impression of carelessness. Always proofread your CV multiple times, and consider asking a friend or family member to do the same.
4. Failing to quantify achievements: Use numbers or statistics to highlight your accomplishments in previous roles. This gives employers a clear idea of your capabilities.
5. Not showcasing relevant soft skills: For an Account Manager role, your ability to build relationships and communicate effectively is as important as your sales or project management skills.

Additional Resources

Even with the perfect CV, the job hunt journey isn't over. There's still the cover letter to craft and the interview process to navigate. Here are some additional resources you might find useful:

1. Account Manager Job Description: A detailed guide on the roles, responsibilities, and skills of an Account Manager. Understanding the role you're applying for is fundamental to selling yourself effectively on your CV.
2. Account Manager Key Skills: Find out what skills are crucial for Account Managers and how to showcase them in your CV and cover letter.
3. Cover Letter Writing Guide: A cover letter complements your CV and can be a powerful tool for making a positive first impression. This guide offers tips and advice for crafting an engaging cover letter.
4. Bolt Jobs Board - Account Manager Positions: Find the latest Account Manager roles available across the UK. Your next career move might just be a click away.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it - a guide on how to create a stellar Account Manager CV that stands out from the competition. By understanding the role, highlighting key skills, structuring your CV correctly, and effectively detailing each section, you can craft a CV that showcases your capabilities.

Now it's over to you to put these tips into action and start crafting your winning CV. If you need any more guidance, remember to revisit our detailed guides linked in the resources above.