Listing attainment %s on your resume?

Newbie here! Happy to have finally gotten accepted! I am a sales recruiter and excited to contribute here whether that be by helping to edit resumes, interview tips, comp negotiation, etc.


I have a burning question and feel like this is the best place to ask. If you don't include your quota and/or attainment % on your resume, why is that?

If you don't include your quota and/or attainment % on your resume, why is that?

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👥 Hiring
20
paddy
WR Officer
4
Director of Business Development
I shape it by highlighting specific deals ive closed that I can speak to at length and showcase what I learned through the deal cycle. Most savvy hiring managers can sniff out BS attainment.
TheSolicitorGeneral
Politicker
2
Small Market AE
Absolutely include it. Excellent performance history is the most important reason for hiring someone. 
Rallier
Politicker
2
SDR Manager and Consultant
Let's be real, we all lie about this information. How could they even check?
SalesRecruiter
Opinionated
1
Recruiting Director
There is no way to check but I’d say it’s pretty easy to sniff it out during the interview process. It also tends to be a small world unless the candidate is completely changing industries. I’ve heard some things from managers doing back door references.
Rallier
Politicker
2
SDR Manager and Consultant
I used to interview BDRs, and there was no way we could ever check
paddy
WR Officer
1
Director of Business Development
Hence my suggestion, discussing specific deals and walking through each of them is more impactful and harder to bullshit 
letsgo
Good Citizen
0
Strategic AE
Rarely they can check. I sent them a screenshot of my SFDC like a boss. 
Allisce
Tycoon
1
Account Executive
more than happy to send screenshots
ppg
Catalyst
2
All around good guy
I did change job recently and added that.  I hit 97% of my quota last year (not lying, just missed quota, but it was COVID right?) but also mentioned that I brought in $2.5MM of future business contracts for the next 3 years. 

Yes extremely long sales cycles... hence why I left, was only paid commish after the clients paid their share of the deal... 3 years later - Condo construction development deals closed with the promoters, but paid by the clients in the end...
daddytime
Contributor
2
Manager, Commercial Sales
Issue with listing attainment on your resume is what if you achieve high attainment one year and the following year miss your attainment goal.  Do you not list some years?  Not saying don't do it but worth thinking about.
Justatitle
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
I think it’s a must to include your attainment as an AE on the resume. No idea why you wouldn’t. Commenting so I can see some reasons 
SalesRecruiter
Opinionated
2
Recruiting Director
I have reviewed thousands of sales resumes at this point I am sure. When I don't see it, I start questioning why that is. I won't automatically reject...if they have the experience then I will do a screen. During my screen, I ask about quota and attainment and sometimes they will have amazing numbers--I guess I never asked the candidates why they don't highlight it on their resume. 
Justatitle
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Very strange indeed
TheIncarceration
Politicker
0
SDR Manager
Would you say it's a must for a SDR/BDR role too?
SalesRecruiter
Opinionated
0
Recruiting Director
I feel like there are different variables for SDR/BDR roles atleast in the companies I have worked out. You absolutely should put achievements on there but if you aren't in a closing role, it might be more around your achievements of meetings set, qualified leads, etc. Definitely add numbers and accolades though!
BmajoR
Arsonist
1
Account Executive
I wasn't aware that people omit that information. I imagine that would get you looked over immediately. 
SalesRecruiter
Opinionated
0
Recruiting Director
There are also times where I see it on experience that is dated and then they don't show it for their recent roles. So immediately leaves me to believe they haven't done well recently. 
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
I do not include it right away. It is on my LinkedIn and if they ask I can send it over or just explain it.
CCP
Opinionated
1
VP, Business Development
I put % to quota, revenue, gross profit %, percentile compared to the industry and all awards. I think its great to be humble in the interview but bold on the resume. 
Mikey
Politicker
1
Senior Regional Director
humble brags get the job! If done right. You must be tactful, but highlight your wins. Especially in sales!
Allisce
Tycoon
1
Account Executive
I include attainment and awards, currently dipping my toe in the market. Should I list quotas as well or is that too nitty gritty?
SlanginSoftware
Executive
0
Regional Sales Director
Listing attainment helps get interviews. Companies want to know you're reliable for revenue. Attainment percentages show them you are. If you aren't including them, its because you dont have the numbers. In that case, list revenue achievement. 
PhlipOut
Politicker
0
Account Executive
need to put some numbers. Choice of %, ranking, revenue, example big deal as mentioned.

last year i did 90% which was still in the top third of reps so I'd add both those data points.

some companies give achievable targets, in others doing 100% is considered very very good
SaaSam
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Came here after reading your other posts today. I honestly don't list it because I figure anyone can say they are awesome and continually surpass quota and for that reason recruiters wouldn't give a shit and would be better off talking about it during a call.

Are you saying I'm better off listing it as I might be missing out on opportunities because a recruiter sees I haven't listed my quota attainment and will move on to a resume that does?
Flippinghubs
Opinionated
0
Account Executive
Yes its something i do 
0
Resume Writing Specialist
Whether or not to list attainment percentages on your resume depends on several factors, such as the type of job you're applying for, the industry you're in, and the specific achievements you're trying to highlight.

Here are some things to consider: Relevance: Is the attainment percentage relevant to the job you're applying for? For example, if you're applying for a sales job, listing your sales quota attainment percentage would be relevant. However, if you're applying for a marketing job, it might not be as relevant.

Quantifiable: Is the attainment percentage quantifiable? This means that it should be a number that can be easily measured and compared. For example, "increased sales by 20%" is a quantifiable attainment percentage. However, "improved customer satisfaction" is not, as it is subjective and difficult to measure.

Impact: Does the attainment percentage highlight a significant achievement? If you only exceeded your quota by 1%, it might not be worth mentioning. However, if you exceeded your quota by 50%, it could be a very impressive achievement that you should list.

If you decide to list attainment percentages on your resume, here are some tips for doing so:

Use them sparingly. Don't list every single attainment percentage you have. Only list the ones that are most relevant to the job you're applying for and that make a significant impact.

Be clear and concise. When listing an attainment percentage, make sure it is clear what you achieved and how you achieved it. For example, you could say "Increased sales by 20% through targeted marketing campaigns."

Use them to tell a story. Don't just list the attainment percentage. Use it to tell a story about your accomplishments. For example, you could say "Increased sales by 20% through targeted marketing campaigns, resulting in a record-breaking quarter for the company."

Here are some examples of when you might want to list attainment percentages on your resume:

You exceeded your sales quota by a significant amount. You increased website traffic by a certain percentage. You reduced costs by a certain percentage. You improved customer satisfaction by a certain percentage.

Here are some examples of when you might not want to list attainment percentages on your resume:

The attainment percentage is not relevant to the job you're applying for. The attainment percentage is not quantifiable. The attainment percentage is not a significant achievement.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to list attainment percentages on your resume is up to you. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and make a decision that you think will make the best impression on potential employers.I hope this helps!
16
Members only

Do you fudge.... Your quota attainment for new jobs?

Question
35
Do you lie about quota attainment in interviews for new sales positions?
32% Yes, fudge it up!
19% No, fudge it down!
40% Kinda, just a little bit of white fudge (white lie).
10% Other, comment below.
205 people voted
14

Do you remember your historical quota?

Question
7
Do you remember or track your historical (2020 and prior) quota $/%?
35 people voted
16

Mislead about quota attainment

Question
20