If you’ve got good communication skills and the ability to persuade people, it’s time to consider a career opportunity in sales. This guide discusses some of the top career opportunities in sales, how to get started, and the traits you’ll need to develop to be successful in a sales career.
Types of Sales Jobs?
Sales is a field that offers many different types of jobs, such as:
1. Inside Sales Rep
The role of a sales representative is to generate new leads and opportunities and manage existing customer relationships. They work closely with the outside sales reps to ensure that customers are satisfied with their products and services. The inside sales rep is a critical role in any company, and they are often the first point of contact with potential customers. They must build rapport quickly and be knowledgeable about their products and services. The inside sales rep is often the most important salesperson in a company, and they can significantly impact the bottom line. This job will be a good fit if you’re looking forward to a new challenge in sales. Salary range: USA: $51,034 on average per year* India: ₹2 Lakhs to ₹9.5 Lakhs per year*
2. Outside Sales Rep
An outside sales representative’s job is to sell a company’s products or services to customers outside the company’s physical location. Outside sales reps typically work for companies with a large geographic footprint or companies selling products through a network of distributors or retailers. Some outside sales reps work exclusively with new customers, while others focus on maintaining relationships with existing clients. Either way, outside sales reps must be able to identify and assess the needs of potential customers and then match those needs with the products or services their company offers. Outside sales reps must have strong communication
and interpersonal skills. In addition, you must also be an independent professional who’ll work under minimal or no supervision. Salary: USA: $80,393 on average per year* India: ₹1.3 Lakhs to ₹4.5 lakhs per year*3. Sales Engineer
Sales engineers are the link between a company’s technical staff and its sales team. These professionals keep in touch with their esteemed customers to understand their pain points and translate them into technical specifications. As a sales engineer, you’ll need to understand the products they sell and the customer’s needs. In other words, you must have excellent communication skills to help with communicating with both technical and non-technical staff. Salary: USA: $85,483 on average per year* India: ₹2 Lakhs to ₹8 Lakhs per year*
4. Regional Sales Manager
The role of a sales manager is to manage and motivate a team of sales representatives. You’ll need to have excellent communication and leadership skills, as well as a deep understanding of the sales process. This is an ideal role for those looking to take their career to the next level. Salary: USA: $123,057 on average per year* India: ₹5.4 Lakhs to ₹29.0 Lakhs per year*
5. Director of Sales
The Sales Director is responsible for an organization’s overall sales strategy and performance. They work closely with the CEO and other executive staff to develop and implement sales plans and objectives. The Sales Director is also responsible for managing and motivating the sales team and developing new business opportunities. This position offers a lot of responsibility and challenges but also comes with many rewards. Salary: USA: $145,483 on average per year* India: ₹9.6 Lakhs to ₹97.0 Lakhs per year*
6. Account Manager
Account managers usually maintain and grow relationships with existing customers. This involves understanding the customer’s needs and ensuring that they are met. In addition, you’ll be required to scout new opportunities to give the company a competitive edge. The account manager role is an excellent opportunity for those interested in sales and customer service. It is a challenging role that requires excellent communication and people skills. Successful in this role are typically outgoing, organized, and detail-oriented. Salary: USA: $58735 per year* India: ₹2.6 Lakhs to ₹15.2 Lakhs per year*
7. VP of Sales
The VP of Sales is responsible for the sales strategy and execution of the company. They work closely with the CEO to develop and implement sales plans. They also manage a team of salespeople and are responsible for their training and development. The VP of Sales is typically the highest-paid position in the sales department.
Requirements:
- You’ll need at least five years of working experience.
- Proven success in developing and implementing sales strategies.
- Some experience leading teams.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
Salary: USA: $263,053 per year* India: ₹10.5 Lakhs to ₹98.0 Lakhs per year*
8. Chief Sales Officer
If you’re looking to move up in the sales world, becoming a chief sales officer (CSO) is a great option. CSOs are responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies and managing and motivating sales teams. They also work closely with other executives to meet the company’s sales goals. If you’re interested in becoming a CSO, you’ll need at least five years of sales experience and strong leadership and management skills. Salary: USA: $263,040 per year* India: ₹3.7 Lakhs to ₹102.0 Lakhs per year*
9. Account Executive
Account executives develop relationships with key accounts. They work to increase sales and grow the business by identifying new opportunities and expanding the existing customer base. Account executives must have excellent communication and negotiation skills to be successful. They must be able to build relationships with customers and convince them to buy products or services. If you’ll be taking this role, ensure that you can effectively address customer complaints and resolve them amicably. Account executives typically have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Many companies also require account executives to have experience in sales or customer service. Salary: USA: $61,999 on average per year* India: ₹1.8 Lakhs to ₹22.2 Lakhs per year*
10. Sales Development Rep
The Sales Development Representative (SDR) position is perfect for those who love the challenge of sales but aren’t ready to be a full-fledged account executive. The SDR is responsible for generating new leads and opportunities for its sales team. They work closely with marketing to ensure that the leads they generate are high quality and match the ideal customer profile. This is a high-pressure position that requires excellent communication and organizational skills. It is the position for you if you’re the type of person who thrives on meeting and exceeding quotas. Salary: USA: $56,729 on average per year* India: ₹3.2 Lakhs to ₹15.0 Lakhs per year*
What Is a Good Way to Start a Career In Sales?
Sales is an excellent career for people with strong communication skills and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Here’s how you can start
1. Determine the Career Type You Want
The first step in finding the best sales job for you is to decide which type of sales career you want. Do you want to be a field sales or inside sales representative? Do you want to sell products or services? Will you be working with B2B companies or B2C environments? Once you know what type of sales career you want, you can start to look for jobs that match your criteria.
2. Match Your Strengths With the Sales Area You Want
It’s essential to match your strengths with the right sales area if sourcing for sales job opportunities. There are many different sales jobs, each requiring a different skill set. For example, if you’re a people’s person, you might want to consider a job in retail sales. If you’re good at negotiating, you might want to consider a career in corporate sales.
3. Identify Companies You’d Love to Work With
The next step is to identify companies you’d love to work with. Research each company’s sales structure and job openings. Find out if they have a training program and what type of salespeople they are looking for. You can also look for companies expanding their sales force or opening new offices.
4. Learn About Your Desired Company’s Products and Services
When pursuing a career in sales, learn about the products and services offered by your desired company. For example, sales representatives must be able to speak knowledgeably about their company’s products and services to answer potential customers’ questions. You’ll have difficulty selling products or services if you don’t know anything about them. Before applying for sales jobs, you should take some time to familiarize yourself with the company and its offerings.
5. Highlight Some Transferrable Skills You Have
Transferring your skills to new products and services is essential for success in any sales position. Consider highlighting some of the following skills on your resume if you’re eyeing any sales job opportunities:
- Adaptability
- Strong communication
- Persuasiveness
- Creativity
- High energy levels
With these skills, you’ll be able to sell just about anything successfully! Don’t fret – just fix them somewhere in your CV so that they can help when you go for an interview.
6. Find Some Sales Training or Mentorship
As you enter the sales field, it’s important to have some guidance and support. Whether you seek out a mentor at your company or invest in some sales training, starting on the right track will enable grant you success in the long run. There are many different sales jobs, so it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into before you start your search.
7. Update Your CV and LinkedIn Profile
Sales is a fast-paced and ever-changing industry, so it’s important to keep your CV and LinkedIn profile up to date. Highlight your most recent experiences and successes, and include any relevant keywords that recruiters might be searching for. Many CV and LinkedIn profile writing services can help you craft a winning sales pitch if you’re unsure where to start.
8. Build Your Network
The best way to get ahead in sales is to build a strong network of friends, employers, and other professionals. By networking with the right people, you’ll gain access to job opportunities you might not otherwise have. Additionally, your network can provide valuable connections and resources to help you succeed in your career. You can find the best networking opportunities for sales professionals at trade shows, conventions, and other events. Feature in many of these gatherings and introduce yourself to as many people as possible. Who knows — it could be that you just came across a life-changing opportunity.
Is Sales a High-Paying Career?
The average annual salary of a sales professional is $120,000 per year. Sales jobs are also high-paying when compared to other professions. For example, the median salary for an accountant is $73,560 per year, and the median salary for a marketing professional (related to sales) is $135030 per year.
How Do I Get a Sales Job With No Experience?
Sales is a field that offers many opportunities for those with the right skills and motivation. However, getting a sales job with no experience can be difficult. The good news is that there are several ways to get started in sales without any prior experience. Below are a few ways to get a sales job with no experience:
1. Always Search for Jobs
No matter what your current situation is, always be on the lookout for new sales opportunities. It’s still important to keep your options open in case a better opportunity arises, no matter what you feel in your current position. You can never know when you’ll want to try a new challenge, so it’s always good to be prepared. Some of the best sales jobs are those you never even knew existed. By constantly searching for new opportunities, you’ll increase your chances of finding the perfect job for you.
2. Invest In Your Knowledge
Sales is a competitive field; if you want to be successful, you must invest in your knowledge. You can do this by getting a sales job with a reputable company. And when you have bagged some years of experience, you can look for other opportunities. There are many sales jobs out there, but not all of them are created equal. You need to find a job that fits your skills and personality well.
3. Be Willing To Start At The Bottom
The sales industry is very competitive. If you’re not willing to start at the bottom, you’ll likely never reach the top. The good news is that plenty of entry-level sales jobs can give you the experience and skills you need to succeed in sales.
4. Always Be Honest About Your Experience
Always be honest about your experience when trying to find a sales job opportunity. Sure, you can be tempted to create some false impressions, but this will eventually catch up to you. If you’re not honest about your experience, you’ll likely end up in a position beyond your skill level, leading to frustration and, ultimately, failure. Be honest about your skills and experience, and you’ll be much more likely to find a position that’s a good fit for you.
5. Know Your Personality Traits
The best salespeople know their personality traits and how to use them. You might excel at developing relationships with potential customers through email or social media if introverted. If you’re extroverted, you might better network and make in-person connections. Whatever your personality traits, it’s important to know how to use them to your advantage when pursuing a career in sales. You’ll be able to create a sales strategy that suits you to close more deals if you can understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Can Introverts Be Good Salespeople?
Introverts can be good salesperson. Like your extrovert colleagues, you may need to:
- Practice your elevator pitch. This is the short, 30-second summary of who you are and what you do.
- Get comfortable networking. Attend events, introduce yourself to people, and exchange business cards.
- Learn to love small talk. It’s not as challenging as most would think but can be an excellent way to break the ice with potential clients.
- Find a partner. If you’re introverted, teaming up with an extroverted salesperson can be a great way to succeed in sales.
The most important thing is not to let your introversion hold you back. You can be a great salesperson; you just need to put in a little extra effort.
Do You Have to Be Outgoing to Be In Sales?
Successful salespeople are those interested in their customers and good at reading people. If you’re shy, that’s okay — you can learn to be a great salesperson without being the party’s life. Some people have certain natural traits. They love meeting new people, are natural communicators, and have an easy time building relationships. If you’re not one of those people, that’s okay — you can still be a great salesperson. There are plenty of introverts in sales who have found success by understanding their strengths and weaknesses. If you’re interested in a career in sales, you should keep a few things in mind. First, know that it’s not for everyone. Second, don’t be afraid to start small. Third, understand that you can learn the skills you need to be successful.
What Personality Is Good For Sales?
A good sales personality is talkative, energetic, and enjoys working with people. They are persuasive and can build relationships. Below are more excellent sales personalities you may need to adopt:
1. Modesty
Modesty is a trait that is highly valued in the sales world. It allows you to be relatable and humble with potential customers, two essential qualities for making sales.
2. Assertiveness
Being assertive is highly appreciated as a sales talent. It is the ability to stand up for yourself, set boundaries, and confidently request what you need or want from others. Assertiveness allows you to be respectful of others while still looking out for your own best interests. You can learn this skill and improve it by regularly practicing.
3. Conscientiousness
Conscientious means being reliable, hardworking, and always putting your best foot forward. It’s important to be conscientious in sales because you never know when a potential customer might pop up. You always want to get to levels where you can close as many deals as possible.
4. Expressiveness
Sales representatives are often required to give presentations or demonstrations to potential customers, so being able to express oneself clearly and confidently is crucial. In addition, sales representatives need to listen carefully to what potential customers say and ask probing questions to uncover needs. People with active listening skills can always mean the difference between making a sale and losing out to a competitor.
5. Achievement Orientation
You need to be achievement-oriented to succeed in sales. This means having the drive to meet and exceed quotas, as well as being able to manage your own time and territory effectively.
Conclusion
Sales can be a lucrative career for someone with a compatible mindset. The success of any company depends on its salespeople. Choose the right type of sales job for you, stay disciplined, keep learning, and you can have a lucrative career in sales.
