If you asked 9 out of 10 people to conjure up their idea of a ‘typical’ salesperson we’re sure the results would raise an eyebrow or two.
For those working in sales, first thoughts turn to someone clad in a cheap suit with a hideous if not ultra-modern hairdo, fake tan and diamante stud earrings to match.
(For those of you who haven’t seen E4’s PhoneShop, we recommend a viewing – “How is ‘your’ day today, please?”)
The reality is in stark contrast to these hilarious stereotypes.
So, why work in sales? And what are the best sales jobs and most common ones available?
First off the bat, we have Sales Executives. What is a Sales Executive?
They’re the person tasked with introducing, promoting and selling their employers’ products and services to existing and potential clients.
Confidence is a must, so if you sat at the back of the class at school you may want to reconsider a career in sales. It helps if you have the gift of the gab but not a motormouth. Product knowledge is also pivotal to convince people to buy.
Sales roles also come in other guises. You have senior roles in Sales Managers and Sales Directors, while there are also different variations of the Sales Executive.
But where will you work? s1jobs has earmarked the top 5 sales jobs: Sales Manager, Financial Sales Services, Engineering Sales, Property Sales and Insurance Sales. As Scotland’s leading recruitment board, we know what we’re talking about so it’s a safe bet these are the roles you want to find yourself in.
Now to consider the benefits and drawbacks of working in sales. And do you really have to be capable of selling your own granny to close a deal?
A role in the sales industry can offer a degree of flexibility that’s hard to find with other 9-5 jobs. Working hours can vary with late starts, finishes and other shift patterns.
The main attraction to most sales jobs is the incentive of earning a potentially uncapped sales commission from closing deals. The carrot at the end of this stick is enough to bring out the beast in people looking to boost their monthly pay packet.
Short of making clients ‘an offer they can’t refuse’, you can no longer acknowledge the word “no”. A thick skin, strong influencing skills and a never say die attitude is industry standard.
As for selling your granny to ensure the success of a deal? Well, that’s your call but we’d walk over the Dalai Lama himself if it meant an extra pint come payday.
http://www.s1jobs.com/blog/sales-sectors-going-big-2015/
http://www.s1jobs.com/blog/top-5-sales-jobs-get/
http://www.s1jobs.com/blog/jedi-knights-guide-sales-success/