Sales Job

How To Get A Sales Job? Here’s A Sales Career Guide For You.

Is it hard to get a sales job? Well, bagging one is like closing a sales deal; but instead of selling a product, you’re selling your candidature to an employer. The good news is you can master both getting a sales job and making sales pitches. As with preparation for any type of job, getting clarity on all the sales opportunities in the industry is important. To carve a strong career trajectory in sales, you ought to have the right sales skills, expertise, and experience. Above all, you need to know which sales opportunities best suit your career profile. If you’re eyeing a new sales role, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you’ll learn how to land a high-value sales job.

Entry Level and Mid-Level Sales Jobs: Getting Your Foot in The Door

When you’re starting out in sales, navigating the path to your career goal is not that simple. With so many professional sales jobs out there, you’ll probably end up going down a rabbit hole of options. To simplify things, here’s a list of the different types of sales positions in the industry.

1. Sales Associate

Sales associates serve as the direct point of contact between the company and the consumer. They lead consumers through the products- highlighting the features, characteristics, and USPs. A sales associate also attempts to assess the consumers’ needs and offer solutions through their products/ services. As a sales associate, your roles and responsibilities would include the following:

  • Greeting customers and building rapport with them.
  • Conducting live product demonstrations. Providing them with in-depth information and a tour of the product features.
  • Achieving established monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets.
  • Educating customers about promotions and opportunities.
  • Managing cash registers and financial transactions.
  • Upselling and cross-selling products and sellers.

Now, what qualifications do you need for a sales job? In general, you need to have the following skills and qualifications to take up this job:

  • A high school degree is required. A degree in sales/marketing will be an added advantage.
  • Proficiency in English and basic math skills.
  • Previous experience as a sales professional is an advantage.
  • Must display exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Proven experience in handling customer queries and resolving complaints is a plus.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Availability to work flexible hours/shifts.

2. Key Account Manager

A key account manager is an entry-level to a mid-level sales job. Broadly speaking, key account managers should understand customer needs and accordingly offer solutions. The main objective is to develop trust relationships with clients so they don’t end up turning to competition. As a key account manager, you are expected to fulfill the following roles and responsibilities: Developing and handling a portfolio of key customer accounts. Preparing and planning out pre-sales and post-sales follow-ups. Build and maintain relationships with valuable customers. Serving as the main link of contact between your company and your customers. Assessing client needs and proposing solutions that align with their needs. Track progress through reports and carry out sales forecasts for sales objectives. Skills and qualifications you need to have as a key account manager include the following:

  • Diploma/Degree in Sales, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Hands-on experience in handling multiple client accounts.
  • Proficiency in using CRM software and MS Office.
  • Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to build rapport effectively.
  • Expertise in analyzing data and drawing conclusions.

3. Sales Manager

Sales managers drive the company’s revenue engine. As a sales manager, you will be responsible for hiring reps as well as training and leading the sales team. Sales managers also undertake the role of setting sales targets and planning sales processes. A sales manager would typically perform the following roles and responsibilities:

  • Carving out sales plans and conducting sales forecasts.
  • Developing and implementing sales plans that cover sales and revenue goals as well as expense controls.
  • Ensuring completion of sales targets.
  • Tracking sales metrics and KPIs to measure performance and ROI.
  • Recruiting sales personnel, training, and building the sales team.
  • Overseeing sales performance, identifying gaps, and providing feedback for improvement.
  • Identifying, pursuing, and expanding business opportunities.
  • Framing ICPs and developing innovative solutions for customers.

To bag the role of a sales manager, you’ll need to possess the following skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in sales, business management, marketing, or related fields.
  • 5+ years of experience in sales.
  • Experience in management of customer relations.
  • Proven track record in planning and implementing sales strategies.
  • Proven experience in leading a sales team.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

B2B, B2C and Inside Sales Job: How to Make Your Choice

Sales job opportunities pertain to different customer segments. Different target customers call for different skill sets and experiences. So, before you make a choice between B2B, B2C, and Inside sales jobs, let’s get a quick overview of each:

B2B Sales

Business-to-business sales sell products or services to other businesses. Clearly, selling to other businesses is different from selling directly to consumers. For starters, B2B sales take longer to materialize than B2C sales, especially with multiple stakeholders in a company involved. Selling to businesses also calls for more in-depth product knowledge. This means B2B sales professionals should be able to lay out the product’s USP, features, and use cases to potential clients. Some examples of B2B products include wholesale products, commercial software, SaaS products, and consulting services. To bag a B2B sales job, you must demonstrate strong product demonstration and presentation skills to potential employers. General sales skills like communication and negotiation are equally important. A background in selling B2B products will make you a favorable candidate.

B2C Sales

The B2C sales sector deals with selling products directly to the public. B2C sellers include direct sellers, e-commerce platforms and shopping websites, subscription-based products/services, and advertising sales. Unlike B2B sales, the conversion period is shorter and less complex in B2C sales. It usually involves a single stakeholder who makes the purchase based on their personal choice. As a B2C sales professional, you should have a strong hold on the art of messaging across sales channels. Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills are essential parts of a B2C sales professional’s skill set.

Inside Sales

Inside sales refer to selling products/services remotely, using phone, email, or other digital channels. This also includes inbound sales queries that come through different sales channels. Inside sales is a high-tech sales model, particularly popular in the SaaS and tech industries. Unlike traditional, door-to-door sales, inside sales professionals complete all their sales tasks using the phone and other digital channels. Inside sales professionals may operate remotely or on office premises. Modern teams use a variety of tools and techniques in the sales process. To build a career in inside sales, you’ll have to master a range of skills and software. Most importantly, you need to develop technical expertise and the latest skills to match up to the needs of the modern sales industry.

How Has Sales Changed Over Time?

Keeping up with the advent of technology, shifting work models, and increased customer awareness, the sales industry has drastically evolved over the years. Modern sales tools and techniques have replaced outdated sales tools and tactics. Here’s a quick overview of the different changes that the sales industry has seen over the years.

1. Virtual Selling is Everything

The sales industry has overcome obsolete sales techniques like field sales. Instead, modern sales professionals are opting for virtual selling. Sales teams dial customers or email them to pitch products or services instead of knocking on their doors. Remote sales tools such as virtual call centers, sales call center software, CRM software, and email software are important in a virtual environment. If you’re aspiring to build a career in inside sales or virtual sales, brushing up your skills and abilities for a  remote selling environment is crucial.

2. Automation is a Life Saver

Manual tasks such as dialing numbers, logging call details, and recording voicemails eat up a lot of time. This would render sales reps unproductive most of the time. Automation has replaced these repetitive actions. Important tasks, such as dialing contacts, feeding call information, and sending messages, can be automated. Moreover, automatic integrations between sales calling software and CRM software are a huge savior. Incorporating automation into the sales cycle saves a lot of time and effort. This boosts sales productivity and contributes to a rise in revenue.

3. Need for a Personalized Selling Approach

Let’s face it. Buyers are smarter and more well-aware than ever before, and consumers have access to similar information. What they look for is a direct solution to their business problems. Generic content and data serve little purpose. The real value comes from supplying information that caters to customer-specific use cases.

4. Adopt Modern Sales Coaching Techniques

Sales training and coaching form the very foundation of your sales machinery. Old and outdated sales training techniques fail to keep up with modern sales processes. Sales teams are no longer relying on low-ROI sales training techniques. While analyzing performance continues to be one of the top practices, modern sales teams are opting for sales training tactics with shorter turnaround times. Sales training programs are meant to get all reps sales-ready in a matter of days and not months. Sales teams rely on sales readiness platforms and tools like Dialworks for their sales training needs. But that’s not all. Sales teams rely on different tools for different functions.

Best Tips for Getting into Sales with No Experience

Wondering how to get a sales job with no experience? Good news! You can pursue a career in sales without any prior experience. Review the tips given below and learn how to get a sales job and remain one step ahead of the other candidates.

1. Study Core Sales Principles

You may be eager, passionate, and optimistic, but are you aware of the core sales principles? It is easy to get a sales job if you internalize, memorize and apply the following 2 core sales principles. Focus on the benefits, not the features: In sales, benefits sell – features don’t. Follow the same principle in your interview. Emphasize the value you will add to the company rather than focusing on the skills you possess. Make sales on trust: Employers need truthful and open staff, as a sales rep cannot sell to customers without winning their trust. So, open up to the interviewer to represent your trustworthiness.

2. Be Ready to Accept Entry-level Role and Create a Professional Network

When you lack sales experience, you must be willing to take an entry-level position despite having a higher position in your previous job. There’s an upside to this, especially in the sales industry – you’ll receive useful training. Attending networking events can open the door to job opportunities. Connect with sales managers on social networking sites, go to industry-specific events near your place, and join professional organizations. By building a solid sphere, you can land professional sales jobs faster.

3. Enhance Your Knowledge of Sales Through Sales Books and Online Courses

You must have basic sales knowledge to communicate a selling theory that’s more than just, “I’m a people person.” One of the easiest ways to learn sales strategies and the selling philosophy is to read sales books and blogs online. Check out Sell or be Sold by Grant Cardone, To Sell is Human by Daniel H. Pink, and New Sales by Mike Weinberg. This will help you to answer the questions asked during your interview confidently. You can also enroll in various online and in-person sales workshops to increase your sales knowledge. They’re not only a fantastic way to network, but they also show your commitment to how to get into sales.

4. Do Research on the Company

Another way to demonstrate that you would be an excellent sales rep is to prepare for the interview, just like you would prepare for a sales call with a prospect. Research to better understand the company, the industry, and the services and products that it sells. Based on your research, discuss specific information and ask meaningful questions to show the potential employer that you have done your homework. For example, “I learned your business plans to touch a new market segment in the next quarter. Can I know more about your growth plans?” Such questions show interviewers that you can extract information from a prospect.

5. Stress on your Transferable Skills

Sales managers will check if you can sell yourself before hiring you to sell their firm’s service or product. Even if you lack sales experience, you might have developed transferable skills from other non-sales jobs. For example, If you’ve worked in any customer-facing job (as a nurse or in a restaurant), you likely have developed skills like problem-solving, identifying needs, and communication. Prepare some anecdotes to share with your interviewer to highlight these soft skills. Being directly applicable to sales, these skills are very appealing to potential employers.

6. Tailor your Cover Letter and Resume

Your resume and cover letter must be customized to emphasize your qualifications and experience for the particular position you’re interested in. Review the job posting to determine prominent keywords and incorporate them within your resume. Highlight in your cover letter the important accomplishments you’ve enjoyed in your career. Did you conduct a training session for new hires? Did you develop a streamlined process that enhanced efficiency? Mention similar success stories to show that you’re capable of putting into action what you know.

Tech Stack You Need for Your Sales Job

Sales teams deploy a variety of tools and software at different stages of the sales process to close more deals. So, before you step into the shoes of a salesperson, it’s important that you get a pulse on which tools make up an ideal sales tech stack.

1. Sales Contact Center Software

Sales outreach continues to happen through auto dialer for cold calling. A sales tech stack is incomplete without outbound contact center software. Modern sales call center software has replaced wire-based analog phones for cold calling. It is not bound by hardware or wires. All you need is an internet connection and a device to operate it. Sales contact center software serves the needs of both on-premise and remote sales teams. Advanced sales call center features to enable sales teams to scale outreach campaigns and raise revenue figures. Most outbound call center software comes equipped with the following features.

  • Auto Dialer: Manual dialing is a thing of the past. The auto dialer makes calls to a list of contacts with a simple click of a button. It also automatically drops pre-recorded voicemails on reaching a voicemail inbox.
  • Call Disposition: Once a call ends, you can mark the call outcome from a list of pre-set actions. These pre-disposition codes save agents the pains of post-call formalities, so they can straightaway jump on to the next call.
  • Local Area Code Numbers: Sales teams can use local business phone numbers and get a higher contact rate, irrespective of where they are located.
  • Business SMS Features: Sales outreach campaigns benefit with business texting features. Bulk SMS and SMS automation are another set of functionalities for more productive workflows.
  • Call Center Analytics: Sales data informs important sales strategy moves. A call center analytics dashboard captures vital sales metrics and KPIs while cold-calling campaigns take place.
  • Automated Integrations: Outbound call center software integrates with a variety of business software, including CRM and helpdesk. Automated integrations remove tedious tasks from the sales workflows.

2. CRM Software

Sales is data-heavy. This is where CRM software comes to the rescue. A CRM is a centralized platform for storing customer data and managing customer interactions. CRM software allows sales agents to sort, manage and prioritize leads with minimal effort. At the same time, it helps identify high-value accounts. Sales teams are able to focus on closing deals than juggling data.

3. Sales Intelligence Tools

The outreach process involves a lot of research. A good sales intelligence software or conversation intelligence software does the job of scoring crucial information about prospects. From sentiment analysis to coaching insights, it helps you make the most out of every conversation. If you aren’t already using sales intelligence tools, there’s enough evidence to do so. In fact, sales professionals that deploy sales intelligence tools tend to outperform their peers by 2X.

4. Sales Training Software

Sales training need not be a long-haul process. Rookie agents can become seasoned sales professionals with the right kind of training and tools. A good sales training software can help uncover the full potential of sales professionals. And there’s nothing that beats learning on the job with real customers. This is when a sales readiness platform comes in handy. It connects agent trainees with a simulated audience identical to the ICP. The exposure and experience are meant to get the reps ready for the real deal, complete sales quotas, and earn incentives, which also brings us to the next important thing you should know about your sales job.

High-Paying Sales Job in Different Industries

Below are seven good-paying professional sales jobs where you can earn a handsome salary.

1. Sales Engineer

Sales engineers sell complex technological and scientific products to consumers. This job requires you to explain why a consumer or business might require your machine, complicated software, or tool over the competition. A bachelor’s degree in engineering is the required educational qualification. The average salary of a sales engineer in India is around INR 5 Lakhs per annum.

2. Real Estate Agent

As a real estate agent, you’ll have a lot of responsibilities to perform. In addition to showing people pretty houses, you’ll also have to become a marketplace expert, schedule appointments, meet with clients, help negotiate offers and create marketing plans for listings. You must pass state and national examinations to legally get a license to practice real estate in your state. The average salary of a real estate agent in India is around INR 2.2 Lakhs per annum.

3. Insurance Sales Agent

As an insurance sales agent, you’ll have to build and manage your consumer base, contact prospects and give details about the financial services you offer, like casualty, property, health, life, and long-term care insurance. A high-school diploma is the required educational qualification. The salary of an insurance agent in India ranges between INR 1 Lakhs to INR 4 Lakhs.

4. Pharmaceuticals Sales Representative

A pharmaceutical sales representative makes multiple calls to HMOs, hospitals, pharmacies, and doctors’ offices to reach new customers. The job may involve a considerable amount of travel every month. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement. However, to be successful, you must possess good knowledge of therapeutic conditions and treatment protocols. The average salary of a pharmaceutical sales representative in India is INR 3 Lakhs per annum.

5. Advertising Sales Executive

Ad sales executives work in a wide variety of industries, such as television, radio, Internet publishing, and at advertising agencies. The competition in this field has grown exponentially in the past few years. Thus, sales executives often work under pressure to achieve high sales quotas. A bachelor’s degree (in marketing, business, advertising, or communications) is the required educational qualification for entry-level jobs. The average salary of an advertising sales executive in India is INR 3.5 Lakhs per annum.

6. CPG Sales Representative

A consumer packaged goods (CPG) rep sells products to groceries stores, retailers, and small businesses. Regular duties include researching prospects, contacting them, and conducting product demonstrations. Educational requirements vary based on the product type and the employer. A bachelor’s degree is required for selling technical or scientific goods, and a high school diploma would do for selling other products. The average salary of a CPG sales representative in India is INR 2.2 Lakhs per annum.

7. Financial Services Sales Agent

You will sell financial products to individuals or businesses as a financial services sales agent. You could be dealing in securities, insurance, or banking. For instance, you may be required to manage IRAs, loans, credit cards, etc. A bachelor’s degree in finance is the required educational qualification for entry-level jobs. An MBA degree is essential to get a senior position. The average salary of a financial services sales agent in India is INR 6 Lakhs per annum.

Compensation to Expect in your Sales Job

The compensation model for sales professionals can be very rewarding. Besides a fixed base salary, you’ll be entitled to incentives based on your performance. So, while you explore sales job opportunities, be prepared to negotiate your ideal pay package. According to PayScale, the average annual salary of sales reps is $ 48,963. As you move to mid-level and higher positions, the compensation levels also move up. Having said that, conducting your own research will get you better equipped for salary negotiations. Company-specific and role-specific research will help you give a clear picture.

Sales Jobs: Career Path and Job Satisfaction

Sales, in itself, is a financially rewarding job. What’s more, sales representatives and other sales roles are always in demand, and there’s enormous scope for incremental growth. Given below are a few tips to get the most out of your sales career.

Identify Your Industry and Interests

Don’t jump headfirst into any sales job that comes your way. It is harder to stay in a job that does not align with your interests. This is why you should make a wise choice based on your interests right at the outset. Do you want to take up B2B sales or B2C sales? Which kind of products/services you’d want to focus on? Before you make any major career moves, get clarity on which direction you want to go. And most importantly, don’t sell anything that you, as a sales rep, aren’t convinced about.

Assess your Skill Set and Abilities

The skills and abilities you possess will be decisive factors in your sales career path. For instance, if you have a good hold on your interpersonal skills, cold calling may be an effortless job for you. Hone your abilities and develop new skills so you can gain control of your sales career trajectory. You can use online courses and certifications to showcase that you’re always trying to sharpen your skills.

Consider Long-Term Job Outlook

Reviewing your position for longevity is important. Will your current role witness growth in the future? More importantly, will it be as relevant eventually as it is today? Explore potential growth opportunities and professional development for every role.

Capture your Goals

You can’t ignore your professional, personal, and financial goals when framing your career path. Sales jobs can be very competitive and demanding. But then there is enormous scope for growth and incentives. Having said that, your sales job would not exist in isolation from other aspects of your life. You thrive best in a sales career when there’s a clear balance between personal and professional life.

Have a Growth Mindset

In a dynamic and competitive industry such as that of sales, a growth mindset is a necessity. You need to be prepared to tackle challenges and unforeseen hurdles in completing your sales goals. Without a growth-focused approach, you’re in for a tough, stagnated journey. But, adapting to the ever-evolving nature of the sales industry will help you achieve your job goals and help you grow manifold.

How to Ask for Promotion in your Sales Job?

Asking for a promotion in your sales job can be very intimidating. Don’t assume that your organization will do it for you. Initiating the promotion conversation will have to come from your side. But, to spare you the inhibitions, we’ve laid out all the steps you need to take in order to try getting a promotion in your sales job:

  1. Gather Feedback from peers as well as from your manager to understand where you stand.
  2. Develop a compelling case as to why you deserve to be promoted to a higher position.
  3. Identify the right timing and start preparing the ground for the conversation with your manager. This won’t be a one-time discussion and will involve a series of conversations.
  4. Arm yourself with feedback, concrete materials, and metrics to establish the impact in your current role.
  5. Don’t push too much on your manager to give you an answer. Patiently wait for them to respond.

Even if you don’t manage to get a promotion, don’t be discouraged. Use this opportunity to get detailed feedback from your manager. Take their help to understand how you can take the next step toward a higher position. Landing a high-value sales job is a long-term commitment. It takes a lot of preparation and demands a lot of awareness about the sales industry in general. To make it big in sales, you need to arm yourself with the right set of sales tools. Modern sales personnel rely on modern tools like sales call center software, CRM, and sales readiness platforms. Above all, a flexible and adaptive approach will set you up for success in the long run. Finally, before you take the plunge, speak with experienced peers/friends and/ or take the help of mentors to make a decision.

Conclusion

We hope that now you’ve got the required clarity on how do I start a career in sales. Now that you’re aware of the ins and outs of a sales career, you’re better prepared to apply for your 1st sales job. You can investigate the options at a few of your known businesses or search online for job postings. It is essential to continue growing, learning, and updating your skill set to be on the correct track for a successful career in sales. Want to elevate sales productivity for yourself and your team? Speak to our team to understand how our sales call center software can help.

FAQs

What to do if you don't get a sales job?

If you don’t get the sales job, follow up with the hiring manager and raise a feedback request. This will help you build goodwill with the employer, which can lead to future opportunities.

Do we have an easy career path in a sales job?

The career path in a sales job is much quicker than any other profession. Successful sales reps must deal with everyone in the company to close and sell. If you put in the right effort, you will have a bright future.

Will it be difficult if we switch sales jobs to different industries?

It won’t be difficult to shift industries if you’ve garnered essential skills and have a good performance record. You can easily get offers with 20-30% hikes from different companies.

What is the best way to get hired in sales?

Getting hired in sales is all about selling yourself. If you’re unable to sell yourself, you must not pursue a career in sales.

What education or skills are required for a sales job?

Some of the most important sales skills are effective communication, active listening, flexibility, confidence, and time management.

What is the starting salary for a sales job?

The starting salary for a sales job in India is around INR 1.2 Lakhs per annum. Remember that one year of minimum experience is essential to get a sales job.

Sandy leads the US Sales team at JustCall and he has been integral in growing JustCall’s ARR by 5X while bootstrapped. He is a big believer in using tech to enable sales and is the first person to try out every new feature in the JustCall stack. While he’s not writing high performance email cadences for his team, he dabbles in blogging about Sales Strategy, Sales Tech and Sales Training.

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