Account Executive (Sales) Resume Keywords

Sales leaders write JDs that list the methodology they expect plus the deal-size + segment they hire for. ATS engines surface candidates who name the framework AND match the deal-size context. A resume without methodology naming reads as junior; one with the wrong methodology for the company's segment misroutes.

ATS engines weight these terms at 1.0 — the maximum tier. A resume missing more than 4–5 of these will trigger our analyzer's "missing core role keywords" rule at HIGH severity. Use them as anchor terms for your bullets where the context makes them honest.

These terms are weighted at 0.6 — meaningful but not disqualifying if absent. They broaden your semantic field for the role and signal depth beyond the headline competencies.

These terms are weighted at 0.4. Naming specific tools you've actually used signals real hands-on practice over generic "experienced with industry tools" language. Be honest — listing tools you can't speak to in interview is one of the easiest ways to lose a screen.

1–2 pages. Bullets ALWAYS include quota achievement (% of plan, $ closed, # of deals). Methodology framework named explicitly. Segment + deal-size + sales cycle length all stated for each role.

• Quota attainment buried or omitted — single most-important signal for AE roles
• Methodology not named (MEDDIC / Challenger / SPIN should be explicit)
• Generic 'exceeded quota' without numbers (recruiters need 130%, 142%, etc.)
• Mismatched segment vocabulary — 'enterprise' AE applying to SMB role with all enterprise-deal language scores low