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Different Careers

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A Career in Sales

The job role

Most organisations, regardless of industry sector, will employ a sales team whose primary objective is to actively promote and sell company products and services.  Sales staff can also be involved in introducing new customers to a business while ensuring that both new and existing customers receive a high standard of service.

Depending on the specific nature of the role, sales staff can be based in an office or out on the road travelling to meet their customers, and will often be involved in customer meetings and exhibitions.  However, whether the role is in account management, sales engineering, field sales or telesales, most sales staff will be required to meet or exceed sales targets.

Relevant qualifications

Entry into a sales environment is relatively easy with no academic qualifications as in-house training will usually be provided in company products/services and specific selling techniques preferred by the individual company.  In order to progress further, there are NVQs available in Sales and Sales Management as well as Diplomas and Certificates in Sales and Key Account Management offered by the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM).  It is also possible to study for degree and postgraduate qualifications in Sales and Management.

Skills requirements

A lively and energetic personality is important for working in any sales environment as this will help when building customer relationships and stimulating enthusiasm for the products on offer.  It is also essential to be ambitious in order to achieve targets and beat the competition, and to be able to create a positive first impression both in terms of a professional appearance and the use of good communication skills.

Career development

It is possible to progress to the role of Sales Manager, Area Manager or Director although this is dependent on the company and the industry.  Responsibilities at management level will include ensuring that your team reaches its targets and that escalated customer issues and complaints are resolved.

Salary in sales roles will vary from industry to industry but will generally be commission based combined with other perks of the job such as a company car.