If you enjoy the thrill of closing a sale and talking to lots of people, then a career as a sales executive could be right path for you. Sales executives are the key point of contact between a company and its clients. They promote products and services to customers and negotiate contracts, amongst other tasks, to improve profits for the organisation. Take a look below to see a full job description for a sales executive.

 

What does a sales executive do?

A sales executive builds business by developing and managing relationships with customers, identifying and selling solutions to their problems, whether it be a product or a service. 

Other responsibilities might include:

  • Maintaining quality service by establishing and enforcing company standards through customer service
  • Identifying product or service improvements or new products, by adapting to commercial and competitor trends
  • Preparing reports by collecting, analysing and summarising information
  • Selling products to new or existing clients and establishing solutions to their business problems
  • Finding business opportunities by identifying prospects and evaluating their position their in the industry
  • Working in a team by accomplishing related results as needed

 

What qualifications do you need to become a sales executive?

Any degree subject is acceptable for a sales degree, although relevant qualifications are preferred for some positions – e.g. if you completed a medical degree, this might be helpful with the likes of a medical recruitment role.

Relevant experience like customer service or being in contact with the general public will also be useful. Relevant qualifications might include NVQ Level 4 in Sales Management, Level 5 Diploma in sales and Account Management (ISMM), or/and a Level 6 Executive Diploma in Strategic Sales and Account Management.

 

What skills do you need to become a sales executive?

If you are resilient, have great communication skills, and a confident attitude, you could thrive in this role. Other skills that will benefit the job include:

  • The ability to present your ideas or demonstrate a service or product to a group of people
  • The ability to develop strong client relationships
  • Negotiation skills
  • Be self-motivated and driven
  • A competitive nature
  • Prospecting skills
  • Hitting sales targets
  • Being creative and proactive
  • Ability to work independently 

 

Working conditions

As a sales executive, you will likely be based in an office but will also be required to travel frequently to meet customers, and you may be required to attend events for networking purposes. Sales office hours can be long, any time from 7:30am – 7:00pm. If you work in a call centre, it could be longer. 

 

How much does a sales executive earn?

The average salary for a sales executive are as follows:

Starting salary: £23,000

Average salary: £35,386.87

Experienced salary: £52,500

Glassdoor data suggests that the average salary for a sales executive in London is: £25,686

[simplyjobs site_url=”https://www.simplysalesjobs.co.uk/” placement=”post” site_name=”Simply Sales Jobs” username=”SEO_TEAM” password=”fmgseo” feed_identifier=”blog_sales_executive” category=”Sales Executive jobs”][/simplyjobs]

3 surefire tips for sticking to your career goals

3 surefire tips for sticking to your career goals

We all have a fair idea of where we want our career to go in the near/late future. Most of us will spend many years working to achieve this.It’s easy to set goals, but difficult to achieve them. The easiest option is to give up on those goals once you...

What should I wear for my job interview?

What should I wear for my job interview?

Showing up to an interview polished and dressed appropriately for the role shows you have made an effort. Choosing the correct interview outfit can also give your confidence boost if you feel you are dressed correctly for the occasion. Feeling great on the...

Should I use a generic CV?

Should I use a generic CV?

Hiring managers receive an average of 75 CVs per position that they post, so their time is limited when reading through yours. If it doesn’t stand out to them, then it’s likely heading for the rejection pile.When you are applying for jobs, the easiest...

A day in the life of a Chief Revenue Officer

A day in the life of a Chief Revenue Officer

Rasim from OKRA Technologies tells us about his role as a Chief Revenue Officer: How did you get into sales/marketing?Truthfully, I fell into the role of sales and marketing. I studied chemistry at university and the thought of going into the financial...