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
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Sell the Sales Manager in your CV
One thing to look at is your summary section where you give a snap-shot of your experiences. Here you want to match your experiences to the job description. This does not have to be perfect in that you do not have to create a brand new CV for every job application.
How to shine in your sales job interview
For sales job interviews you need to take the same steps before, during and after the sales job interview that you would when attempting to close any other sale
How to create a sense of urgency in the sale
The sales interaction went well. The prospect seems very interested, and you feel that you
have covered all of the possible objections. However, the prospect sees no reason or need to act NOW.
6 Super Sales Slip–Ups You Need To Avoid
Some sales mistakes, blunders and failures are easy to recognize. Things like losing the sale to the competition, objections you cannot overcome, or providing poor service are issues that you can see and understand.
Seeking a sales job? Time to fire up your webcam!
So next time you apply for a sales job, will you have the skills to impress on camera if asked to speak to the hiring company via video link-up?
How to compensate sales people for extraordinary performance
Sales contests and incentive programs are a natural and integral part of any sales force compensation plan. However, poorly designed sales incentive programs can cost your firm a ton of money as well as lost sales, missed opportunities and high sales employee turnover. After all, once recruited into sales roles, you want your team to stay and build long-term client relationships and maximise productivity.
