Have you ever wondered what jobs count as sales experience? If you’re considering a career in sales or looking to switch careers, it’s important to know what positions or roles can provide you with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in sales.
First, let’s define what sales experience entails. Sales experience refers to any job, role, or position that requires significant interaction with customers or clients, where you have to persuade them to make a purchase or take an action. This could be anything from retail sales to fundraising to account management.
In fact, many jobs that you may not traditionally think of as sales roles can provide valuable experience for a career in sales. For example, customer service representatives, event planners, and even teachers or trainers all require communication and persuasion skills that are necessary for success in sales. So, if you’re considering a career in sales, don’t discount your previous job experiences – they may have provided you with more sales experience than you realize.
Types of Sales Jobs
When it comes to sales experience, there are numerous types of sales jobs to choose from. Here are some of the most common:
- Retail Sales: Retail sales involve selling products directly to customers in a store. This is a great entry-level sales job that requires excellent communication skills and customer service.
- Inside Sales: Inside sales jobs involve selling products or services over the phone, email, or other digital channels. This type of sales job requires strong communication and technology skills.
- Outside Sales: Outside sales jobs involve selling products or services in the field, often by visiting clients or prospects in person. This type of sales job requires excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with clients.
- Business-to-Business Sales: Business-to-business sales involve selling products or services to other businesses. This type of sales job often requires in-depth knowledge of the industry and excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Medical Sales: Medical sales jobs involve selling medical products or equipment to healthcare providers such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This type of sales job requires industry expertise and the ability to communicate technical information to healthcare professionals.
The Role of Sales Jobs
No matter what type of sales job you choose, the role of a salesperson is to persuade potential customers to buy a product or service. Sales professionals must be able to build relationships with customers, understand their needs and preferences, and present solutions that meet those needs. They must also be able to negotiate and close deals while maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor.
The Skills Required for Sales Jobs
Successful sales professionals possess a variety of skills that enable them to effectively communicate and persuade potential customers. These skills include:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong listening skills
- Ability to build rapport and establish relationships with customers
- Understanding of customer needs and preferences
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Negotiating skills
- Closing skills
- Time management and organizational skills
Average Salaries for Sales Jobs
The salaries for sales jobs vary depending on the industry, the company, and the specific job title. However, according to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a sales representative is $60,000 per year. Sales managers have an average base salary of $97,000 per year, while sales directors have an average base salary of $147,000 per year.
| Job Title | Average Base Salary |
|---|---|
| Sales Representative | $60,000 per year |
| Sales Manager | $97,000 per year |
| Sales Director | $147,000 per year |
It’s important to note that many sales jobs also offer commission on top of the base salary, which can significantly increase earnings potential.
Importance of Sales Experience
Sales experience is crucial for anyone seeking to work in a business-related field. Whether you want to be a business owner, an entrepreneur, or a sales representative, sales experience is an asset that can help you in your career. Below are some reasons why having sales experience is important:
- Sales experience helps you develop your communication skills
- It helps you understand the sales process
- Sales experience shows potential employers that you have the ability to close deals
- It can prepare you for a career in any field that requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to persuade and negotiate
In today’s dynamic job market, employers are looking for candidates with a variety of skills, including sales experience. Sales experience showcases your ability to interact with customers, close deals, and generate income. Many employers view sales experience as a sign of personal and professional growth, which is highly valued in the workplace.
Having strong sales experience can also help you build a successful business. Whether you want to start your own company or work as a sales representative, knowing how to sell is critical to your success. Sales experience can prepare you for the day-to-day challenges that come with running a business, including reaching out to customers, closing deals, and generating revenue.
What Jobs Count as Sales Experience?
If you’re looking to gain sales experience, there are plenty of job opportunities available. Below are some examples of jobs that count as sales experience:
- Sales representative or account executive
- Retail sales consultant
- Telemarketer or call center agent
- Real estate agent or mortgage broker
- Financial advisor or investment banker
- Business development manager or sales manager
While some of these jobs may not seem like traditional sales positions, they all require strong communication and relationship-building skills. Sales representatives and account executives are obvious examples of sales positions, but a career in retail sales or telemarketing can also provide valuable sales experience. Even a role in real estate or finance requires an understanding of how to persuade and negotiate effectively.
How to Highlight Your Sales Experience on Your Resume
If you’re looking to emphasize your sales experience on your resume, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure your resume includes all relevant sales experience, including specific details about your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs to describe your experience, such as “closed deals,” “generated leads,” or “exceeded sales targets.”
| Action Verb | Description |
|---|---|
| Closed | Describe the number of deals you successfully closed |
| Generated | Explain how many leads you generated and converted into sales |
| Exceeded | Talk about how you exceeded sales targets and exceeded expectations |
Also, consider including any sales-related achievements, such as awards or metrics that demonstrate your success in sales. Finally, be sure to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, emphasizing the sales skills that are most relevant to that position.
Overall, sales experience is an asset that can help you in your career, whether you’re seeking a job in business or hoping to build your own successful company. By highlighting your sales experience on your resume and focusing on developing your communication and relationship-building skills, you’ll be well-positioned to succeed in whatever career path you choose.
Transferable Sales Skills
Sales experience is often viewed as strict and limited to a particular industry, but in reality, it encompasses a wide range of skills that are easily transferable to other fields. Transferable sales skills are primarily soft skills that can be applied to various careers and industries, regardless of the products or services being sold.
Here are some of the top transferable sales skills:
- Communication: Being able to communicate effectively is crucial in any job. Sales professionals are skilled at tailoring their communication style to the needs and preferences of their clients, which is a valuable skill in any role.
- Relationship building: Sales rely heavily on creating and maintaining relationships with clients. The ability to establish trust and rapport can be transferred to other roles that require building relationships with team members or stakeholders.
- Negotiation: Salespeople are trained to negotiate deals with clients and find mutually beneficial solutions. This skill is valuable in any role that requires conflict resolution or contract negotiation.
In addition to these top transferable sales skills, there are several others that can be applied to various professions such as problem-solving abilities, time management skills, goal orientation, and customer service.
Below is a list of careers where transferable sales skills can be applied:
| Careers | Transferable Sales Skills |
|---|---|
| Marketing | Communication, relationship building, goal orientation, and customer service skills. |
| Entrepreneurship | Negotiation, problem-solving, goal orientation, and communication skills. |
| Human Resources | Prospecting, communication, negotiation, and relationship building skills. |
| Customer Service | Communication, problem-solving, relationship building, and conflict resolution skills. |
No matter which industry or role one is in, transferable sales skills are valuable assets that can set one apart from their colleagues and make them successful in their career.
Sales jobs for beginners
Starting a career in sales can be daunting, especially if you have little to no experience. However, there are various entry-level sales positions that can give you the foundation you need to succeed in the field. Here are four sales jobs for beginners:
- Retail Sales Associate – This is a great starting point for anyone looking to get into sales. It involves working in a retail store and assisting customers with their purchases. Retail sales associates need strong communication and customer service skills, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Telemarketer – While telemarketing may not be the most glamorous sales job, it can be a good way to gain experience and develop important sales skills. Telemarketers work on the phone, making outbound calls to potential customers and selling products or services.
- Customer Service Representative – Although customer service representatives aren’t typically thought of as salespeople, they often play an important role in the sales process. They interact with customers, answer questions, and help resolve any issues that arise. Good customer service skills can translate into strong sales skills.
- Door-to-Door Salesperson – While door-to-door sales can be challenging, it can also be a lucrative job for those who are willing to put in the effort. This type of sales job involves knocking on doors and trying to sell products or services to homeowners.
No matter which entry-level sales job you choose, it’s important to remember that it may take time to develop your skills and become a successful salesperson. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out mentorship from more experienced salespeople. With hard work and dedication, you can start a successful career in sales.
How to Highlight Sales Experience on a Resume
If you’re applying for a job in sales, it’s likely that the recruiter or hiring manager is looking for candidates who have experience in this field. Whether you have worked in a sales-focused role before or you’ve had sales-related responsibilities in another position, it’s important to make sure that your resume emphasizes your sales experience.
- Start with a strong objective statement:
- Use the right keywords:
- Quantify your achievements:
One of the first things a recruiter or hiring manager will see when they review your resume is your objective statement. Make sure that this statement includes a focus on your sales experience. For example, if you’re looking for a job in sales management, your objective statement might read: “To obtain a sales management position where I can apply my extensive experience in driving overall revenue growth.”
Recruiters and hiring managers often use software that screens resumes for certain keywords before they even see them. Make sure that you include relevant sales-related keywords in your resume, such as “pipeline management,” “customer acquisition,” and “sales forecasting.”
Instead of simply listing your job responsibilities, make sure that you highlight specific achievements that show how you have contributed to the success of your company. For example, you might say something like, “Increased sales by 30% in my first year with the company by implementing a targeted customer outreach strategy.”
When putting together your resume, it’s important to make sure that you’re highlighting your sales experience in a way that is clear and compelling. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your resume stands out to recruiters and hiring managers in the competitive world of sales.
Examples of Sales Experience on a Resume
If you’re struggling to figure out how to highlight your sales experience on your resume, it can be helpful to see some examples. Here are a few ways to showcase your sales experience:
| Position | Sales-related Duties |
|---|---|
| Account Manager | Managed a sales pipeline of over 100 clients with a total value of $5 million; exceeded quarterly sales quotas by an average of 25%. |
| Marketing Coordinator | Developed and executed integrated marketing campaigns that resulted in a 20% increase in new customer acquisition. |
| Customer Service Representative | Upsold existing customers on premium services, resulting in a 15% increase in monthly recurring revenue. |
These examples show how you can highlight your sales experience in a way that is specific and results-oriented. By putting the focus on measurable achievements, you can help demonstrate your value as a sales professional to potential employers.
Sales Job Interview Tips
Getting hired for a sales job can be a challenging task, especially if you are new to the industry or don’t have a traditional sales background. However, having transferable skills from other jobs and experiences can still count as sales experience. These include:
- Customer service roles
- Marketing positions
- Management positions
- Account management roles
- Entrepreneurship experiences
- Freelancing or consulting work in sales-related fields
During your sales job interview, it’s important to emphasize how your previous roles and experiences have prepared you for a sales position. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Research the company and be familiar with their products or services.
- Prepare stories and examples that highlight your sales skills and successes.
- Show your enthusiasm and passion for the job and the industry.
- Be confident, but also humble and willing to learn.
- Be ready to discuss your sales process, including how you identify prospects, handle objections, and close deals.
- Ask thoughtful questions about the company and the sales team culture.
One way to stand out during your sales job interview is by demonstrating your knowledge of the latest sales tools and technologies. Here is a list of some popular sales tools:
| Salesforce | Copper | HubSpot Sales |
| ZoomInfo | LinkedIn Sales Navigator | Outreach |
| Crunchbase | BombBomb | Vidyard |
By doing your research, preparing well, and demonstrating your sales skills and knowledge during the interview, you can increase your chances of landing the sales job of your dreams.
Sales Experience vs Customer Service Experience
When it comes to identifying sales experience, there is often a question of what types of roles should be included. One area of confusion is whether customer service experience counts as sales experience or if they are completely different skill sets. While customer service and sales roles can share some similarities, they are ultimately distinct from one another.
- Customer service experience involves addressing customer inquiries, concerns, and complaints. This may be done in person, over the phone, or via email and often involves a focus on providing a positive customer experience.
- Sales experience, on the other hand, revolves around the act of closing deals and generating revenue. This may include identifying qualified leads, building and maintaining relationships with clients, and negotiating pricing and contracts.
One way to distinguish customer service experience from sales experience is to examine the specific responsibilities of the role. If the primary function of the job is to interact with customers and solve their problems, then it is likely more focused on customer service. However, if the primary function is to drive revenue or sell products/services, then it is more likely considered sales experience.
Some roles may involve a mix of both customer service and sales responsibilities, such as a customer service representative who is also responsible for upselling products or services. In these cases, it may be appropriate to include the role as sales experience, particularly if the sales component was a significant part of the job.
Sales Experience Subcategories
- Inside Sales – refers to sales roles that are conducted over the phone or online, often targeting smaller potential customers
- Outside Sales – refers to sales roles that involve face-to-face interactions with customers, often targeting larger potential customers
- Business-to-Business (B2B) Sales – refers to sales roles where the primary focus is on selling products or services to other businesses rather than to individual consumers
Customer Service Experience Subcategories
While not necessarily related to sales experience, it is worth noting that customer service experience can vary in terms of scope and focus. Here are a few subcategories:
- Retail Customer Service – involves providing customer service in a retail setting, such as in a store or a restaurant
- Call Center Customer Service – involves providing customer service over the phone, often handling a high volume of calls
- Technical Support – involves providing customer service around technical products, such as software or hardware
Conclusion
While there may be overlap between the skills required for customer service and sales roles, they are ultimately two distinct areas of experience that should be evaluated on their own merits. When it comes to identifying sales experience, it is important to examine the core responsibilities of the role and whether driving revenue and closing deals was a significant part of the job.
| Sales Experience | Customer Service Experience |
|---|---|
| Focus on driving revenue and closing deals | Focus on addressing customer needs and concerns |
| Identification of qualified leads | Responding to customer inquiries |
| Negotiating pricing and contracts | Resolving customer complaints |
No matter which experience you have, it is important to highlight your relevant skills and accomplishments when applying for sales roles. Whether it is customer service or sales experience, your ability to communicate effectively, build relationships with clients, and meet or exceed goals will be valued in a sales role.
What Jobs Count as Sales Experience FAQs
1. What kind of sales experience is needed for a job in sales?
Typically, sales experience involves interacting with customers or clients, following up on leads, closing deals, and meeting sales targets. However, different sales jobs may require different types of experience.
2. Does retail experience count as sales experience?
Yes, retail experience can definitely count as sales experience, especially if you were involved in selling products directly to customers and achieving sales targets.
3. Can customer service experience be considered sales experience?
While customer service experience can be valuable in sales, it isn’t necessarily the same thing. Sales experience involves actively closing deals and generating revenue, while customer service experience revolves more around resolving customer issues.
4. What about roles in marketing or advertising?
Marketing and advertising jobs typically involve aspects of sales, such as targeting and reaching out to potential customers, but they may not be considered true sales experience. However, they can still be valuable skills to have in a sales role.
5. Are telemarketing and door-to-door sales experience considered sales experience?
Yes, telemarketing and door-to-door sales experience can definitely be considered sales experience, as they both involve actively reaching out to potential customers and closing deals.
6. What if I had a sales role in a non-profit organization?
If you had a sales role in a non-profit organization, it can still count as sales experience even though the end goal may have been different. The skills required for sales, such as communication and customer engagement, are still applicable in a non-profit setting.
7. Do sales internships count as sales experience?
Yes, sales internships can count as sales experience if they involved actively working with customers or potential clients, meeting sales targets, and learning about the sales process.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for reading this article on what jobs count as sales experience. Remember, sales experience can come in many different forms, from retail to telemarketing to non-profit work. Whether you’re looking to enter a sales role for the first time or add to your existing sales experience, there are a variety of ways to gain valuable skills and knowledge. Keep exploring and learning, and don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors or colleagues for advice and guidance. Thanks again for reading, and be sure to visit our website for more informative articles on the job market.