The top sales interview questions and answers

18/07/2021

The top sales interview questions and answers

If you’re preparing yourself for a big interview in sales, your best bet is getting a handle on the kind of questions that interviewers might ask you, and preparing great answers to those questions. It’s impossible to know exactly what interviewers will ask, but prepping answers to some of the most common sales interview questions can really help on the day.

The STAR Method

Sales interview questions will be designed to get to the bottom of your experience and your personality, with interviewers looking for evidence that you’re the best person for the job. A common tactic for answering interview questions is the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. You can use this format to structure your answers when providing examples of previous situations where you have demonstrated the competencies your interviewer will be looking for.

Common interview questions and answers

Let’s take a look at some of the most common sales interview questions and answers in the business.

Why do you want to work for our company?

To answer this, you’ll need to do some research on the company you’re applying to work with. Demonstrate some enthusiasm for the products or services you’ll be selling in the role, and you can even use this as an opportunity to praise the reputation or the culture of the company you’re interviewing with.

Why do you want to work in sales?

Whether you’ve worked in sales before or you’re a new starter, you’ll want to demonstrate a genuine passion for working in sales here. Think about those aspects of sales you enjoy, as well as perhaps aspects of your skillset that you believe make you an ideal candidate for a sales position.

What is your biggest weakness?

Always a tricky one to answer, interviewers might ask this question in order to see how you work to overcome flaws. Choose a weakness that isn’t that big of an issue for your employer – popular ones include being a perfectionist or struggling to switch off after work – and discuss how you’re working to overcome it.

How good are you at working as part of a team?

Most sales careers require a healthy dose of teamwork, and interviewers will be looking to make sure you won’t have a problem cooperating with other team members and working with the bigger picture in mind. Show an appreciation for other members of your team and discuss how you’ve worked with colleagues in the past to deliver better results.

How do you stay motivated at work?

Most sales positions rely upon self-motivation and self-discipline, which is one reason why your employer might be particularly keen to know how you keep yourself motivated during busy days. Talk about the parts of the job that inspire you to push yourself harder and reach new goals – and probably don’t mention the commission, even if it’s a big part of your motivation!

Who we are

At Sales Roles, we list the biggest and best sales jobs from around the country on our sales jobs board online. Sign up with us to list your sales role or find your next job in sales today.

The top marketing interview questions and answers

18/07/2021

If you’re looking for a career within marketing and you’re successful in getting an interview, there are a number of questions you should expect. We’ve put together a list of some of the most common marketing interview questions and the top answers for them.

Question: How would you rate your teamwork skills?

Answer: This is a very common question that is often asked at an interview for any job. A short answer is not really required at this point. Instead, you need to reply with an example of when you’ve worked on a project that has required you to communicate with others and how it improved the project’s performance.

Question: What is your experience with client SEO?

Answer: When you’re answering this question, think of a time where you helped to improve the rank of a client’s website. You can mention if you used tools like ahref, Google Console, Screaming Frog or SEMrush to monitor and improve the results of the client’s website.

If possible, try to mention some statistics in your answer, for example, if you improved the rank from page 3 to 1 and increased organic traffic by a certain percentage. If you can, have some evidence to show the work that you completed with graphs that showcase the improvements that you made.

Question: How have you helped to improve a client’s PPC campaign?

Answer: This is another question where you have to put some examples into place. What digital marketing team leaders are looking for is basic knowledge of PPC. You should also show that you can lower the cost of your client’s campaigns while also improving conversions.

Question: What do you know about [employer]?

Answer: This is another typical question that can be asked in any job interview, but for a digital marketing agency, you’re going to want to explain the services that the company offers and the core values of the business. This can often be found on the website of the employer. You might also want to check the latest news about the company. A Google search can help with this.

Question: How would you improve a client’s website so they will rank on the first page?

Answer: Talking specifically about a potential project you might have to work on requires you to think about the possible solutions. You need to include how you would use tools like Screaming Frog, Google Console and others to ensure the client ranks better. You should also include how you can work with others, communicate with the client and what results you would expect.

Question: Do you have any questions?

Simply answering ‘no’ to this question can lose you a role. You should be prepared to ask a couple of questions from a long list. When in doubt, ask the interviewer about their career journey, what they like about working there and what they expect from you.

Conclusion

There are lots of questions that you should be prepared to answer when you’re given an interview at a digital marketing agency. Whether it’s about your experience working with clients or your soft skills, you need to be prepared to respond quickly, fluently and confidently.

How hard is it to get sales jobs in hospitality post-pandemic?

02/07/2021

The hospitality industry has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic; with bars, hotels, restaurants, and clubs closing for months at a time, every corner of the industry has been hit. Hospitality venues have recently been able to open up to full capacity for the first time in over a year, but what does this mean for professionals looking to work in hospitality sales?

How has the pandemic affected the UK’s hospitality industry?

It isn’t an exaggeration to say that the UK hospitality sector has been turned upside down by the Covid-19 pandemic; in fact, the sector lost around £220m in sales every single day from April 2020 to March 2021. As a result of this, finding a job in the hospitality industry hasn’t been easy over the past 12 months; with bars, hotels, and restaurants closed or running a reduced menu for most of the last twelve months, many servers, bar staff, and hoteliers found themselves furloughed, with few new opportunities opening in the sector.

However, as of July 2021, hospitality is on its path to recovery. For the first time in a long time, restaurants, bars, and hotels can open fully without the need for social distancing in place. This means that hospitality staff are back in business, quite literally. In some areas of the country, recruiters are actually struggling to fill roles such as servers and waiters in restaurants because of the hit the sector has taken.

What do roles in hospitality sales involve?

Hospitality sales is a varied industry that includes everything from entry-level positions as front-of-house waiting staff to more senior sales positions working in luxury events and hotels. In hospitality sales, you could be:

– Serving drinks in a bar
– Selling space in hotels and resorts for conferences and meetings
– Selling tickets or rooms
– Creating marketing and content to sell a hospitality brand

The incredible range of positions available in the hospitality industry makes it a popular career choice for confident, outgoing sales professionals who are enthusiastic about good hospitality. From entry-level roles in sales and marketing, successful candidates go on to working in regional and national management positions, or in business development roles.

How hard is it to get sales jobs in hospitality in the current market?

With the hospitality and leisure sector finally poised to start its long recovery, many businesses will be looking to recruit both experienced sales professionals and new starters. Across the sector, the easing of restrictions poses a unique opportunity for hospitality brands to get ahead of the competition via a brand new marketing strategy combined with proactive sales.

The sector is already seeing this boom, with many companies listing new sales jobs in hospitality over the past couple of months. The past year has seen professionals working in hospitality sales jump ship for other sectors, which has left hospitality sales with a talent gap that still needs to be filled.

If the current lockdown lifting is permanent – as many are hoping it is – this means that candidates seeking roles in the hospitality sector could enjoy unique career opportunities over the coming months.

What is it like to work in digital marketing?

21/05/2021

Digital marketing isn’t just the latest buzzword in sales; it’s quickly becoming one of the most dominant kinds of marketing across the globe, with billions spent in the industry every year. Digital marketing effectively means marketing that takes place online, including Google ads, YouTube and website ads, as well as social media marketing.

What does a career in digital marketing entail?

Social media marketers utilise a wide range of digital tools to optimise online campaigns for the right audience. Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs , Moz , can be used to record, track, and assess the success of search engine optimisation (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns. Social media marketing is data-driven, with most marketers using data acquired from tools like this to optimise campaigns for different audiences.

Unlike many other sales careers, digital marketers don’t necessarily have to be outgoing, because most of the work of a digital marketer will be done at a computer. However, professionals in digital marketing and PPC will still have to meet with and work closely with clients to deliver campaigns that meet a client’s targets and match their brand, so some people skills are a must. Attention to detail, a good head for stats, and self-motivation are all key skills in digital marketing.

What are the rewards of a career in digital marketing?

Digital marketing is a popular industry at the moment, probably in part due to the trajectory of the sector: digital marketing is growing every year, which means that jobs in digital marketing are somewhat future-proofed. Average digital marketing salaries can range from around £25,000 for digital marketing executives just starting out to upwards of £40,000 for digital marketing managers with years of experience. As a largely office-based role, digital marketers may also enjoy more flexible working hours when compared to traditional sales professionals.

What experience do I need to work in digital marketing?

Digital marketing is a career that anyone can get a foot in the door with. Many positions may be open to graduates only, but some will accept candidates without degrees but with prior professional experience in digital marketing.

Without a doubt, the most important thing that recruiters will be looking for when hiring for digital marketing roles will be knowledge of digital marketing tools and strategies. It probably goes without saying that you’ll need to know your way around a computer to be in with a chance of working in digital marketing, but if you know your SEO from your PPC and you’ve got experience with tools like Google Ads Editor and Google Keyword Planner, you might be in with a shot.

For those candidates really keen to stand out, online courses in PPC and digital marketing can make a difference here.

Browse for digital marketing jobs today

If you’ve got experience in PPC and you think you know your way around a digital marketing campaign, browse digital marketing jobs on our jobs board online (https://www.salesroles.com/find-a-job/) at Sales Roles. With roles from entry-level positions all the way up to digital marketing manager, start your new career today with Sales Roles.

Could your next role be in account management?

20/05/2021

Could your next role be in account management?

Account managers can be found in almost all sales departments, from big high street retail offices to pharmaceutical sales, technical sales, and more. An account manager’s job is to be the first point of contact for their clients, ensuring that the level of service on offer is incredibly high, and communicating with other members of the sales team to ensure that a client’s needs are being met.

Account manager roles are relatively senior and highly sought after, offering both a good level of responsibility and authority in a sales team while retaining the dynamic and diverse challenges that are faced by sales executives.

What does an account manager do?

As the first point of contact between clients and businesses, account managers are responsible for relaying information between two parties, as well as ensuring that clients are happy with the service they’re receiving and keeping clients engaged and satisfied at all points. Typical duties of an account manager include:

– Liaising with clients
– Identifying client needs
– Writing up proposals for clients
– Chasing up client requests and enquiries with the sales team

The salary of an account manager varies, but many account managers will make between £25,000 and £40,000, depending on how much experience they’ve got and where in the country they’re working.

What are the essential skills of an account manager?

It probably goes without saying that the number one skill a good account manager should possess is excellent communication skills. Account managers need to be able to successfully liaise with clients both verbally (over the phone and in-person) as well as in writing, balancing the fine line between friendly approachability and professionalism at all times.

On top of this, account managers must also possess:

– Great organisational skills to balance the many duties of their workload.
– Strong time management skills to ensure that projects are kept on schedule.
– A clear ability to understand the needs and requirements of their different clients.
– The confidence to ask the right questions and encourage team members when needed.
– A passion for their work, which will not go unnoticed by clients.

How you can become an account manager

If you’re looking for a job that challenges you and involves meeting new people and working with different businesses and organisations on a daily basis, a career as account manager roles or similar could be for you.

These positions are best suited to individuals who are self-disciplined, confident, experienced, and friendly. Generally speaking, account manager positions are not entry-level roles, which means you will likely need previous experience in a similar branch of sales before becoming an account manager.

Any experience working closely with clients or sales-related qualifications can help you to land your first role as an account manager. From account management positions, many professionals can go on to become account directors and marketing managers.

Browse our jobs board today

To find your next role as an account manager, browse our jobs listings at Sales Roles and start your new career in account management today.

Is a career in recruitment for you?

20/04/2021

Recruitment is a little different to other sales roles, notably because rather than selling products, you’re selling roles and people. Recruitment consultants are responsible for finding the right candidates for jobs and matching up the perfect candidates with their perfect roles.

What does a recruitment advisor do?

As a recruiter, it’s your job to find candidates for open positions. This involves writing job adverts that will find the perfect candidates, networking, liaising with clients, interviewing candidates, and finally matching candidates with the right roles.

While recruitment isn’t always much like traditional sales, many of the skills and tools you learn in sales and marketing carry over to recruitment. For example, recruiters:

– Use marketing techniques to advertise positions and sell candidates
– Liaising with clients to build positive relationships
– Writing up vacancy descriptions to advertise online
– Using social media to advertise positions
– Headhunting candidates using social media
– Networking with other recruiters and clients
– Briefing candidates on their new responsibilities in the role
– Negotiating pay and salary between client and candidate

Do you want to specialise?

As a recruiter, you can choose to work at an agency which covers a wide range of sectors or you can choose to specialise in one or a few different fields of recruitment. Candidates with a background in specialist fields may want to consider specialising in a particular area, for example:

– Construction & engineering
– Hospitality & leisure
– IT & tech
– Human resources
– Retail
– Pharmacy & medical

In these fields, the most knowledge you have of the sector, the better placed you’ll be to hire the right candidates as a recruiter.

Recruitment salaries

As a recruitment consultant, you will sometimes be offered a high OTE (on-target earning) salary as a trainee, with future salaries depending upon sales performance. Basic recruitment consultant salaries start from around £15,000 to £20,000, climbing to £28,000 for recruiters with more experience. Managers with between 10 and 15 years’ experience can earn over £40,000, plus bonus and commission.

Since recruitment salaries generally include bonus and commission, the total average salary in recruitment is around £38,000 for consultants and upwards of £60,000 for managers – both great salaries for career-driven candidates keen to make their mark.

What skills does a great recruitment consultant have?

To work in recruitment, most candidates will usually hold an undergraduate degree, though there are no restrictions on what this degree should be in. Further qualifications aren’t usually necessary, but experience, skills, and drive will all help to make an applicant stand out among the crowd.

To be a successful recruiter, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

– Great communication skills, both written and verbal
– Sales and negotiation skills
– Self-discipline and time management
– Ambition and determination to succeed and hit targets
– Team-working skills
– Creativity
– Confidence
– An ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines

Find your role in recruitment today

Find your perfect role in recruitment today by browsing our recruitment job listings online (https://www.salesroles.com/job-category/recruitment-sales-jobs/). Browse, apply, and start your new career today.

A Career in Beauty Sales

21/03/2021

Could you work in beauty sales?

Beauty is one of those sectors which is a mystery to many but incredibly sought-after by those in the know. If you’re passionate about all things beauty, a career in beauty sales could be your calling. While beauty sales jobs aren’t always easy to get, they pose a unique opportunity for fashionistas to work in an industry they love.

What sales jobs in beauty are available?

Sales jobs in beauty vary from entry-level roles as sales representatives right up to middle and senior management positions. While entry-level positions might not require much in the way of experience, candidates will still be expected to be able to demonstrate knowledge of and an enthusiasm for beauty products. This competitive sector doesn’t struggle to attract candidates, so any extra detail that can make your application stand out will help.

Gaining experience in beauty – whether that means working in make-up at a department store or even previous experience in salons – is the best way to demonstrate your specialism in this field. The more time you spend in beauty sales, the more chance you have of rising through the ranks to higher positions. At the very top level, beauty sales can lead to positions such as regional and national account managers.

What background do you need for sales jobs in beauty?

There are no strict requirements for beauty sales roles, though for some employers a degree or equivalent qualification will always be an extra plus on an application form. Beauty qualifications can also help to make your application stand out, but the main factor for candidates wishing to break into beauty sales jobs will always be experience.

Experience in beauty can come from a wide range of settings, including experience working in hair and makeup salons as well as experience in beauty retail. Demonstrating a personal enthusiasm for all things beauty will also go a long way, since enthusiasm for the products you sell is always a number one priority in sales jobs.

Could you excel in sales jobs in beauty?

It does take a particular person to be great at beauty sales. Not only do you need to be passionate and knowledgeable about beauty, but you have to be capable of bringing out the joy in your products and making your customers feel good about themselves. If you’re thinking of applying for jobs in beauty sales, you should be:

– Confident, outgoing, and friendly
– Motivated to work hard and reach targets
– Passionate about beauty, hair, and makeup
– Great at communicating, both in writing and verbally
– Able to organise yourself and manage a busy schedule

If this sounds like you, you’re in luck. Beauty sales could be the perfect career for you; the next step is looking for roles and applying for them.

Find your new role today

If you think sales jobs in beauty are calling to you, don’t wait. Browse our listing today and find the perfect role for you here at Sales Roles (https://www.salesroles.com/job-category/beauty-sales-jobs/).

A Career in Software Sales

15/03/2021

Software sales jobs

If you’re a whizz with computers but you don’t want to be stuck working in an office all day, a career in software sales could be for you. Software sales offers a dynamic, versatile career to outgoing individuals with technical knowledge and experience in IT or computers. If you’re looking for a career that will be challenging, interesting, and rewarding, browse software sales jobs today.

What do software sales jobs entail?

Software sales jobs are varied, including both B2B and B2C roles. Entry-level positions will include telesales roles and sales executive positions, requiring representatives to have good product knowledge of the software they’re trying to sell, which means having a strong understanding of the technical aspects of the product.

As professionals rise through the ranks, roles in middle and senior management will open up, as well as roles such as Head of Sales and even business development roles. Tech is an ever-growing industry across the world, which means there are plenty of software companies clamouring to solidify their place in a busy market. There’s plenty of room to grow in software sales careers, as well as moving onto other companies with greater potential if you feel you’ve outgrown a particular role.

Do you have what it takes to work in software sales?

Software sales jobs aren’t for just anyone. If you’re not the most technically-minded person, you might want to look at sales roles in another sector. Software sales is a great choice for candidates with a background in IT or computers; whether you’re a computer science graduate or you’ve spent a few years working in IT, proof that you know your way around an operating system is a great start for a burgeoning career in software sales.

As is the case with other sales roles, it also takes a certain kind of person to excel in software sales jobs. If you’re motivated, outgoing, and have great communication skills, you might have what it takes to do well in this career path. You don’t necessarily need a degree to work in software sales, though a technical background or qualifications in something IT-related will help to make your application stand out amongst the crowd.

How much do software sales jobs pay?

Because of the technical knowledge required to excel in software sales, salaries in this sector are quite high, with sales reps making as much as £30,000 and higher salaries of £60,000 available for managerial roles and above. On top of this, most roles in software sales will come with perks including pensions, bonuses, and commission based on performance, as well as plenty of opportunities for career growth, especially at successful and growing tech companies.

Browse software sales jobs today

If you’re looking to start an exciting new career in software sales, you can find all of the latest software sales roles on our jobs board here (https://www.salesroles.com/job-category/software-sales-jobs/). Search for local software sales jobs near you and find your vocation today.

FCMG Sales Roles

11/03/2021

FMCG sales: Positions and opportunities

FMCG, also known as Fast Moving Consumer Goods, includes everything from low-cost everyday items like toiletries to high-cost electronics. Working in FMCG sales is a varied and exciting career which includes roles across the spectrum of sales, from sales reps to directors and even business development specialists.

What positions are available in FMCG sales?

Most sales professionals starting out in FMCG sales roles will begin as sales representatives or sales executives. In these roles, you will be responsible for finding new customers and making sales. This can take place in person or over the phone. You also might have an opportunity at this point to specialise in a particular area of FMCG, and it’s a good idea to focus on products you’re enthusiastic about where possible.

As you climb through the ranks, your responsibilities will grow. Sales managers will be in charge of tracking sales trends and performance data across their team, while sales directors may supervise regional sales managers and work to improve international sales and overall business growth. Ensuring that you know your sector well is crucial to landing promotions and working your way up to managerial or higher roles in FMCG sales.

What are FMCG sales salaries like?

The salary range in FMCG sales is quite wide; it’s a profitable sector, which means salaries for senior managers and directors can be comparatively very good. However, the number of jobs available at lower levels in FMCG sales often mean that starting salaries can be quite basic.

Basic starting salaries in FMCG sales could be in the region of £15,000 to £20,000, and this can rise up to as high as £40,000 with growing experience. Salary will rise both with experience and higher levels of responsibility, topping out upwards of £100,000 for sales director roles in the sector. Depending on the role, some of these salaries may benefit from additional commission.

Why work in FMCG sales?

FMCG can be an attractive sector to work in, especially because of the variety of products sold. Sales professionals with a particular interest or enthusiasm for cosmetics, beauty, technology, or other branches of FMCG can specialise in products they’re passionate about without usually needing further qualifications or expertise, as is often the case in more niche sales fields like pharma sales.

It’s easy to climb through the ranks in FMCG sales without having any particular qualifications, though to begin your career in sales you might need some preliminary qualifications such as GCSEs in English and Maths, and sales qualifications will always help. Generally speaking, experience and results will go far in FMCG sales, which is why it’s the perfect career path for professionals looking for a career which offers rewards based on merit.

Is a career in FMCG sales for you?

If you’re a hardworking, motivated, and confident professional with good people skills and an enthusiasm for any branch of FMCG, this could be the perfect career for you. There’s a reasonable amount of competition for roles, especially in higher positions, so it’s crucial that you can make yourself stand out from the crowd with superior product knowledge and an excellent sales record to excel in this industry.

If you’re interested in browsing the latest sales roles, check out our jobs board and search for your perfect job in FMCG sales (https://www.salesroles.com/job-category/fmcg-sales-jobs/).

Telesales Roles

04/03/2021

Is there room for progression in telesales?

Telesales is often where many sales professionals get their first foot on the ladder: there are always lots of sales jobs in telesales available, and they usually have little in the way of entry requirements, making them the perfect starting position for candidates just beginning their career in sales.

Why consider working in telesales?

Telesales jobs aren’t too hard to come by, and they offer a great opportunity for candidates looking for sales experience in a busy, professional environment. Telesales positions usually offer regular hours and can be done from the office or sometimes even from home, which makes them a convenient choice for candidates who don’t feel able or ready to travel or work long hours. They are also the perfect opportunity to build up valuable sales experience.

Starting salaries for basic positions in telesales can vary from around £16,000 to £25,000, with room for pay rises and commission. This is on the lower side compared to more specialised sales roles, but for new starters and graduates lacking in experience, this is a good salary with lots of room for growth.

Can I progress in telesales?

Generally speaking, there are two paths that sales professionals can take after beginning a career in telesales. Sales jobs in telesales can be the perfect stepping stone into other branches of sales, for example in being a sales representative specialising in a particular sector such as FMCG sales or recruitment. It’s also possible to stay in telesales and rise through the ranks to positions such as call centre manager.

As a call centre manager, it will be your job to supervise telesales staff and track sales and performance across your team, as well as delivering training, organising shift patterns, and monitoring calls. Progressing to call centre manager roles is a great way to gain managerial sales experience, even for candidates keen to move into another sector eventually. Call centre manager salaries can vary widely, from around £20,000 to £60,000, with added bonuses, perks, and commission on top.

At any stage, the skills you learn and develop in telesales can be transferred successfully to other careers in sales. Telesales requires and builds upon communication skills, confidence, motivation, organisational skills, and analytical skills, all of which provide a great foundation for a career in sales and business.

Is a career in telesales right for you?

The wide variety of telesales jobs available means that telesales careers can provide a great opportunity for many different candidates. Professionals with qualifications or experience in specific fields – such as engineering, pharmacy, or finance – are well placed to embark on careers in niche industries where telesales may be the first step, while candidates without specialisation can begin their careers in telesales before finding their industry focus.

Browse our job board today

If you’re a goal-orientated, driven individual with great interpersonal skills, you might just find a career in sales that starts with telesales is perfect for you. Browse our jobs board (https://www.salesroles.com/job-category/telesales-sales-jobs/) to find the best sales jobs in telesales from around the UK and start your new career today.

Technical Sales Roles

11/02/2021

Technical sales: Do you have what it takes?

Graduates in science and engineering subjects looking for a career with great potential for growth and plenty of day to day variety might consider sales jobs in engineering. These roles, in technical sales, require the precision and knowledge gained from further studies in STEM subjects, as well as the people-facing communication skills required to succeed in sales.

What does a technical sales engineer do?

Like in all sales roles, the number one priority for technical sales executives is selling. In technical sales, this could mean putting together bids and tenders for new contracts for technical staff in medical facilities, construction, government, and other sectors. Technical sales roles will also often involve a lot of liaising with clients, but before and after-sales; you will be the first point of contact with clients and expected to be there to answer any questions they may have about your products or services.

Broadly, the responsibilities of various sales jobs in engineering might include:

– Finding and contacting new customers
– Developing long-term relationships with clients
– Working on tenders and negotiating
– Offering after-sales support
– Carrying out product training
– Tracking sales targets and performance
– Attending trade shows and other marketing activities

How much does a technical sales engineer earn?

Starting salaries in technical sales are quite generous, likely because they require more qualifications than the usual entry-level sales positions found in other sectors. Depending on where in the UK you’re based, you could earn between £20,000 and £30,000 in your first role in technical sales, with this figure rising up to £45,000 or more with further experience and middle management promotions.

At the top end of the payscale, senior managers can earn between £50,000 and £70,000 in technical sales. As with all careers in sales, in many companies, these base salaries are boosted by bonuses, commission pay, and extra incentives including company cars and perks. Overall, salaries in technical sales are good at every level.

Is a career in technical sales for you?

If you’re considering roles in technical sales, first consider whether you’ve got what it takes to excel in this challenging career. Many sales jobs in engineering will require candidates to work long or irregular hours, with time often split between offices and client sites. Travel is almost always involved, and like other careers in sales, your ability to sell and retain clients will have a huge impact on your career progression.

You’ll also need to ensure you are sufficiently qualified to embark on a career in technical sales. This will usually mean possessing a degree or, at minimum, a HND in a relevant field; for example, sales representatives working in the construction industry could require a degree in civil or structural engineering.

The perfect candidates for technical sales roles will have great technical knowledge, good communication skills, and sound judgement. Being able to organise yourself, work in a team, and build effective relationships with clients are also essential skills, as is the ability to work independently and motivate yourself for success.

Browse our job board today

If you’re looking for sales jobs in engineering, browse our jobs board (https://www.salesroles.com/find-a-job/) and find your perfect role today. With hundreds of jobs available from providers across the UK, there are always new opportunities out there with Sales Roles.

Could e-commerce sales be right for you?

02/02/2021

Could e-commerce sales be right for you?

E-commerce is an emerging industry. Amazon paved the way for millions of e-commerce retailers to come, and today e-retail accounts for 14.1% of all retail sales across the globe. The sector was already predicted to reach $4.13 trillion by 2023, but this has no doubt been expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen more and more consumers choose to stay at home and shop online than ever before. If you’re considering a role in sales, e-commerce sales is a burgeoning industry and one which is set to be bigger than ever in the years ahead.

(https://ecommerceguide.com/ecommerce-statistics/)

What kind of sales jobs are available in e-commerce?

E-commerce is a little different to most other branches of sales, but it bears most similarity to retail sales positions. Candidates with backgrounds in retail or digital media are ideal for e-commerce sales jobs, which combine the market and product range of the retail industry with the tech of digital services.

Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of e-commerce or an old hand, there are plenty of roles in this growing sector, including:

– Sales advisers. This is an entry-level, customer-facing position that involves converting leads into e-commerce customers via phone and webchat. Experience in telesales is a huge plus here.

– E-commerce executive roles. Requiring a little more experience than sales adviser roles, these sales jobs are strategy-centred, with key responsibilities including listing products online, marketing products digitally, and creating online sales campaigns.

– E-commerce managers. Managing an e-commerce team is a little different to traditional retail management, requiring the skills to manage a team of online sales staff, as well the experience to manage a successful e-commerce strategy across multiple marketplaces; an ability to understand data including web traffic and conversion rates; and an understanding of SEO and PPC as well as other digital marketing techniques.

What skills do I need for a sales role in e-commerce?

One of the biggest differences between roles in e-commerce sales and more traditional sales departments is that, while verbal communication skills are still important, written communication skills really come to the fore in e-commerce. E-commerce sales roles will often involve communicating with customers via online mediums including webchat, as well as optimising online content (such as product listings) and creating digital marketing campaigns.

If you think you’ve got the skills to sell – so you’re motivated, organised, knowledgeable, and confident – but you’re happier in front of a computer than you are on the phone, then e-commerce sales might just be for you.

What other sales jobs could I do?

If you’re interested in e-commerce, the chances are you could excel in retail sales too. Both industries offer the same level of diversity and involve selling consumer goods – it’s just that one happens mostly online, and the other mostly offline.

Digital marketing positions are also a natural consideration for candidates interested in e-commerce, with these roles heavily connected to e-commerce sales positions but more focused on marketing and less on sales.

To find the hottest e-commerce sales jobs in your area, browse our listings (https://www.salesroles.com/find-a-job/) and apply today.

Search smarter with Sales Roles

25/01/2021

Today’s market is tough for job seekers. The UK’s unemployment rate is predicted to rise as high as 6.5% or more in the second quarter of 2021 due to the pressure businesses face amid the coronavirus crisis. This unemployment level will see increasing competition for jobs across almost all industries as thousands of professionals across the UK clamour for the same positions.

Prospering in a market like this is difficult. Jobseekers will have to be smart and resilient in order to succeed in such a climate. Going forward, specialist recruitment sites focusing on a particular industry or sector will offer a boon to candidates keen to get ahead by offering a quicker, safer, smarter way to search for jobs.

Sales Roles are keen to mark out their place as a specialist job board in sales and marketing. Regularly offering hundreds of sales jobs around the country at any one time, Sales Roles want to make a name for themselves as a discerning sales and marketing job board who take pride in pairing the best candidates with the best roles.

“Candidates keen to save themselves time and improve their chances of success should be looking at niche job boards targeted at their own industry during a job crisis like this,” said a company spokesperson from Sales Roles. “By playing to your strengths and focusing on an industry you know, you can maximise your chances of landing a great role while spending less time searching for jobs.”

Thankfully, during the Covid-19 pandemic, sales and marketing jobs haven’t suffered too badly. Many companies are keen to improve and develop their marketing strategies in an attempt to recover from the damaged caused by the pandemic and take advantage of any economic ‘bounce back’ effect which might occur after lockdown.

As a result, marketing executives and sales specialists are in a uniquely strong position compared to many other struggling professionals. By capitalising on past experience in sales and marketing, savvy job seekers can beat the odds to find rewarding, long-term positions in sales even at this difficult time.

The Sales Roles job board is home to the best sales and marketing jobs from across the UK. Led by a team of experienced and knowledgeable recruitment experts, candidates can search and apply for a wide range of roles, with new jobs posted every day. The Sales Roles teamwork with motivated professionals to source and secure the perfect sales and marketing roles while ensuring recruiters find their perfect candidate.

Advertise with ease on Sales Roles

For recruiters looking to hire the very best candidates, it’s important to reach the widest audience. This can be done using job posting tools like Broadbean, Idibu, and LogicMelon, all of which are compatible for use with Sales Roles. Using these multi-posting sites, you can easily and quickly post your sales positions across multiple sites, increasing their visibility and widening your net.

At Sales Roles, we want our sales job boards to be accessible and easy to work with, so that recruiters can find the perfect candidates and candidates can find the perfect roles. To reach the widest audience and fill all of your sales positions, post a job (https://www.salesroles.com/post-a-job/) on Sales Roles and watch the applications roll in.

Candidates Browse the Sales Roles listings (https://www.salesroles.com/find-a-job/) today to find your perfect job in sales and marketing.

How can you work in sales remotely?

08/01/2021

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the landscape of many industries including sales. With most professionals and office workers around the UK currently working from home, a career in sales looks a little different than it did 12 months ago. If you’re browsing remote working sales jobs online, you’ll probably find some remote jobs which may stay remote permanently even after Covid-19, while other roles will be remote for the time being, but with a view to all employees returning to office-based work in the future.

Working remotely in sales can be enjoyable, rewarding, and efficient, but it’s only for the right candidates. Let’s take a look at what sets home-based sales jobs apart from the rest.

Which sales roles can I do from home?

At the moment, many different sales roles are being offered remotely, from entry-level roles as sales representatives to business managers and sales consultancy roles. However, in the long term, it’s likely that most higher-level sales roles will return to the office, while some entry-level roles – those which can be conducted over the phone or online – may be permanently remote. If you’re keen to find a role in sales which will be remote even after the pandemic, it’s always worth checking with the hiring manager to see if they’re open to the possibility in the future.

What are the pitfalls of remote working sales jobs?

Working remotely offers a number of advantages: it’s convenient, cuts out the commute, and for many people offers a better work-life balance than working in an office. But it’s not without its drawbacks, either. Working from home means missing out on the social aspects of working in an office, as well as the coworker camaraderie; for many sales people, who are often outgoing and extroverted, this can be difficult in the long term.

In many cases, if you work remotely, you may also have to buy your own equipment, including a laptop and a desk – and find space to work in your home. You’ll also have to pay the heating bills during the day, and you’ll miss out on office perks like free snacks. This all sounds small, but it can add up to a significant chunk over the course of a year.

Do remote working jobs have good prospects?

If you’re dead set on remote working, it won’t help your job prospects. That doesn’t mean that remote working in higher positions is never possible, but limiting your options isn’t going to help your career. The majority of higher positions in sales will require office-based working, both because it’s a better way to keep in touch with your team and because your presence, as a manager or higher, is useful in itself.

However, if you’re keen to apply for a remote sales position, it’s still worth doing. For one, the long-term effects of the coronavirus aren’t yet known, which could mean more jobs become remote, even those which have traditionally been office-based. If you’re looking for a job in sales, browse our sales roles job board (https://www.salesroles.com/job-category/remote-working/) today and find your new home-based sales job.

How online courses could boost your sales CV during lockdown

07/01/2021

On January 4th 2021, Boris Johnson announced a third national lockdown for the UK. While this is no doubt disappointing for many people across the country, particularly those candidates who are still seeking work, it doesn’t have to spell disaster. Over the past year, thousands of companies and organisations have gone virtual, ensuring they can offer the same services and packages over the web that they used to deliver in person.

Instead of admitting defeat, take advantage of the time you have during the lockdown to boost your CV and add some valuable skills to your growing toolset with online learning. Not only will you gain knowledge and expertise, but you’ll impress future employers with your willingness to learn and set yourself apart from the crowd.

How eLearning can help you

Online learning, or eLearning, is offered by hundreds of educational institutions. Seminars, tutorials, and exams are offered via the web, which means that you can learn, study, and even take your exams from the comfort of your own home, earning a certificate if you successfully complete the course.

If you’re struggling to find work in the midst of lockdown, don’t give up. Keep trying, but make sure you’re constantly re-assessing your CV and improving it. Adding online courses that you’ve completed to your CV is one simple, sure way to demonstrate your enthusiasm to future employers.

What can you study online?

Almost anything. As a sales candidate, you’ll want to look at taking a course which bears some relevance for a career in sales. If there’s a particular field you want to work in, for example, pharmaceuticals, you could take a course to top up your knowledge in that field. Otherwise, courses on marketing, communication, management, and business will all look great on any sales CV.

Why take online courses during the pandemic?

If you’ve got the time, taking sales courses online during the pandemic is a simple way to improve your CV. By taking part in virtual learning, you can show on your CV that you:

– Are a hard-working, motivated person who takes the initiative in their career
– Are open to learning new skills and developing yourself
– Have knowledge and understanding of the concepts you’ve learned about on your courses
– Will do whatever it takes to succeed

As you can see, learning online is about much more than just the course you’re taking. It’s about demonstrating to employers that you’re serious about your career; this alone will make you a great catch for any employer and a rare find in the workplace.

Where can I study sales courses online?

If you want to improve your chances of getting a role in sales or business, don’t wait. You can study online at many institutions across the UK no matter where in the country you’re located, starting from today. Browse our directory of respected educators offering virtual sales courses here and take steps towards your next job now.

Please consult the below companies and organisations on choosing the right course for you.

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How to enter sales as a graduate

04/01/2021

Graduating from university is a simultaneously joyous and daunting milestone for young adults. Exams may have finished, but the hard work is far from over; the next step is finding roles and applying for graduate jobs. While some graduates have it all figured out, many have no idea which career is for them right up until graduation day and beyond.

Sales is a sector which offers dynamic and fulfilling careers to the right graduates. A career in sales isn’t for everyone, but graduates who are sharp, motivated, and organised can excel in a range of sales jobs in almost any industry. Working in sales can be either a rewarding career for the long term or a great way to get a foot in the door in your chosen industry.

Do you have what it takes for graduate sales?

There are no specific requirements for a graduate career in sales, and candidates come from a wide range of degree backgrounds including both arts and sciences. While some sales graduate schemes may require that candidates hold a 2.1 degree, this isn’t always the case.

A range of personalities can become successful in graduate sales jobs, though it’s true that sales attract a certain kind of person; graduates who are results-driven will no doubt be attracted to the nature of sales. Broadly speaking, graduate marketing roles require graduates who:

– Have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
– Are confident and driven
– Can work independently and organise themselves
– Have a good working knowledge of the industry they’re applying in, or a willingness to learn

What kind of graduate sales roles are available?

The variety of roles available to graduates wishing to work in sales is huge. From account management to business development, there are a number of career paths to follow in sales, and graduates can have their pick.

Another big decision to be made is which industry you’d like to work in; choosing your industry may even have a bigger impact on your future career than the role you start in because working in one industry can often be so different to working in another. Sales graduate schemes offer an invaluable opportunity for graduates to begin a career in:

– FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), working with consumer products
– Media, in B2B roles selling advertising space in magazines and online
– Pharmaceuticals, an excellent choice for science grads keen to put their expertise to work
– IT, selling IT products and services in both B2B and B2C sales

Why should you consider a role in sales?

The sales industry rewards graduates richly, and in more ways than one. Working in sales having graduated, you’ll start higher on the pay scale and have more room for progression compared to many colleagues without degrees. Careers in sales can offer salaries not far from three figures after many years of experience, and progression through the ranks is often results-based. Many sales positions also offer other perks including annual bonuses, private healthcare membership, and generous pensions.

At Sales Roles, we look for the best sales opportunities from across the UK and match great candidates with the perfect roles. Over the next few weeks we’ll be posting some of the best sales roles for graduates from around the country, so if you’re keen to explore this career option, watch this space. For more advice and guidance on beginning your career in sales, Check out (https://www.salesroles.com/job-category/graduate-sales-jobs/).

What do IT sales jobs entail?

28/12/2020

What do IT sales jobs entail?

Great candidates for IT sales roles are something of a rarity since they require a combination of fantastic interpersonal skills and a healthy dose of extroversion, as well as the kind of IT knowledge and enthusiasm that isn’t usually seen in sales professionals. If you want to combine a keen interest in all things tech with a natural aptitude for sales, then IT sales jobs might be the vocation you’ve been searching for.

What kind of sales jobs exist for IT specialists?

There are many sales jobs which suit IT specialists perfectly. Whether you’ve worked in IT before or you’ve just graduated with a degree in Computer Science or similar, a job in sales can offer a new pace of life with a generous salary and lots of room to grow.

Most IT sales positions can be categorised depending on where they land in the sales cycle:

– Pre-sales roles, where IT specialists will assist an organisation throughout the sales process with anything and everything relating to technical specs and customer requirements.
– Sales roles, where sales are negotiated between the seller and the customer. These roles require IT knowledge, but also lots of confidence, energy, and excellent verbal communication skills.
– Post-sales roles, which in IT sales often means delivering hardware and software support to customers both in-person and via phone.

Within these categories, there is a wide range of roles, from entry-level sales roles to managerial and consultant roles. Most roles in IT sales will require sound IT knowledge, self-discipline, commitment, and great communication skills, though the day-to-day nature of each role can be quite different.

How much do IT sales jobs pay?

As is the case in other sales roles, starting salaries for IT sales jobs begin at around £20,000 and rise as high as £70,000 or more for senior positions. Like many roles in sales, you might earn a commission working in IT sales, which means the better you are at your job, the more money you’ll take home.

Which other sales jobs should I consider?

If you come from a technical background, which includes graduates and professionals from fields such as engineering, computer science, electronics, and maths, then sales jobs in a relevant industry could be a good match. Technical sales engineers work in the engineering field to tender for new clients, and this role provides a great way to show off both technical expertise and sales skills at the same time.

For IT enthusiasts without a relevant technical degree, there are still plenty of sales jobs out there that might appeal. If you’ve got a background in retail, for example, then you could work selling IT software or hardware to electronics retailers.

The need for IT specialists across all sectors is growing every year, and there’s never been a better time to break into the industry than now. If you think you might be ready to start a career in IT sales, then head over to our jobs board (https://www.salesroles.com/job-category/it-sales-jobs/) and find your perfect role today.

How to get into sales in the health and pharmaceuticals industry

21/12/2020

How to get into sales in the health and pharmaceuticals industry

Almost every industry you can think of has its very own sales sector, and many sales professionals become specialised in a particular industry over time. In sales, it pays to be knowledgeable, so working to your strengths and sticking to an industry you know inside-out is the best way to advance your career.

Whether you’re already working in sales in the healthcare industry and you’re looking for a new role to advance into, or you’re a recent graduate or healthcare professional keen to start a career in sales, there are plenty of sales jobs going that could be just right for you.

What does a career in healthcare sales look like?

Sales jobs in the health and pharmaceuticals industry include medical sales reps, territory managers, and hospital specialists. These roles are all about driving sales for companies in the healthcare field, such as pharmaceutical companies: this means working closely with colleagues and clients in hospitals and other healthcare settings to build strong relationships, raise brand awareness, and boost sales in the long-term.

Other sales jobs in the healthcare industry could be positions in fitness and wellbeing companies and health food retailers. If you’re enthusiastic about health and fitness but don’t fit the technical background needed for roles in pharmaceutical sales, then there are plenty of roles that could still be a great fit for you.

Like sales jobs in other industries, roles in pharmaceutical sales often start at around £20,000 and rise up to £70,000 or greater for senior positions, with added benefits including a great pension and commission based on performance.

How to get into sales in the health industry

Healthcare is a complicated field, and one which requires good technical knowledge and a thorough understanding of the products and services that you’re selling. For this reason, graduates and professionals with a background in a related field – such as science, medicine, or health and social care – are particularly good candidates for sales jobs in the health sector. Of course, these are still sales positions, so a can-do attitude, excellent communication skills, and plenty of enthusiasm for your industry are all requirements, too.

It’s usual to start your career in sales as a sales adviser or representative, before climbing the ranks to management and consultant positions. A relevant academic or professional background will help you get your first foot on the ladder, but it’s your ability to sell and work with your team that’ll help you rise through the ranks.

Which other sales jobs could be right for me?

If you’re open to other roles in sales, it’s worth exploring to see what’s around. Many candidates applying for positions in sales in the healthcare industry come from a health sciences background; if your background is based more in maths, physics, or engineering, then a position in IT sales or technical sales might suit you better. For arts grads hoping to break into the industry, there may be opportunities in the fitness retail sector which don’t require a science background.

If you’re ready to take your first steps towards a career in healthcare sales, why not check out our sales roles listings (https://www.salesroles.com/find-a-job/) and find your perfect role today?

Is a career in business development right for you?

14/12/2020

Is a career in business development right for you?

Business development is all about improving a business and driving profits up. Business development professionals are intelligent, hardworking, and knowledgeable in their field. Many prospective sales applicants are keen to explore a career in business development because these positions can be both mentally and financially rewarding for the right candidates.

Over the next few months, there will be lots of business development roles appearing on Sales Roles, so keep your eyes open for the perfect career opportunity coming soon.

What is business development?

Business development encompasses everything involved in improving a business, from increasing revenue to driving growth and boosting profitability. For example, a business development executive may be needed to assess the suitability of various international markets and decide which market offers the most potential for expansion.

The best business development executives know their product and market inside and out, and are capable of high-level research and analysis. Key skills for business development candidates include:

– Clear communication and leadership
– Excellent product knowledge
– Persuasive negotiation
– Critical thinking
– Organisation
– Analytical skills

Popular business development roles include entry-level roles as a business development executive all the way through to managerial positions and above.

Which industries offer business development roles?

There are business development roles in just about every sector, since all businesses prioritise growth and profitability. It’s even possible to work in business development in the public sector, where the focus will often be streamlining working practices and improving results.

Many business development professionals choose to specialise in a particular industry, and this can be a good idea considering the expertise and knowledge required to excel in this field. There is a huge range of industries in which business development roles are key, including:

– Education
– Fashion
– Leisure and hospitality
– IT
– Manufacturing
– Telecommunications

It’s also possible to specialise in either B2C (business to consumer) and B2B (business to business) business development roles for those candidates who prefer to cover a wider range of industries.

What are typical business development salaries like?

As a career path offering a wide range of jobs varying from relatively junior positions to high-level roles, salaries in business development can vary hugely. On the whole, business development offers good salaries across the spectrum and plenty of room for growth.

– Starting salaries in business development range between around £22,000 to £25,000.
– Mid-level business development roles, which most executives will reach after several years in the field, offer salaries anywhere between £30,000 and £60,000, depending on region and sector.
– High-level roles such as Business Director offer upwards of £60,000, and potentially as high as £80,000 in the right sector.

On top of a generous salary, business development professionals can also expect other perks including a good bonus, pension, and sometimes healthcare membership.

Is a career in business development right for you?

There’s only one way to find out. If you’re a bright, hardworking, ambitious professional keen to explore a rewarding but challenging career in business, you may find that a career in business development is perfect for you. Check out our job listings page (https://www.salesroles.com/job-category/business-development-sales-jobs/) to explore the latest business development roles near you.

Could a role in estate agent sales be for you?

07/12/2020

If you’re looking for a role in sales, you might have considered estate agency jobs. Working as an estate agent can be an interesting, rewarding career for the right candidate. If you’ve got a natural aptitude for sales and you love browsing for new properties in your local estate agent’s windows, then this could be the perfect career for you.

What does being an estate agent entail?

Estate agents liaise between clients, solicitors, and other estate agents to negotiate buying, selling, and letting properties. Most estate agents specialise either in residential or commercial property, although some may work across both sectors. The responsibilities of an estate agent include:

– Estimating the value of a property
– Collecting information about a property
– Representing sellers and buyers in negotiations
– Marketing and promoting properties
– Liaising with other parties including solicitors and mortgage brokers
– Advising clients on buying and selling
– Drawing up tenancy agreements
– Ensuring properties meet legal letting requirements

The exact nature of the work of an estate agent will depend on whether the agent specialises in lettings or sales, with those in lettings focusing more on collecting rent, drawing up tenancy agreements, and making sure that properties meet legal standards for letting.

Would you make a good estate agent?

An interest in property is a good start to becoming a great estate agent, but it’s not the only thing you’ll need. You don’t usually need a degree to become an estate agent, though a degree in a business-related subject, like business studies, surveying, or property management could help you to stand out from the crowd.

What’s really more important than your qualifications is the skills you can demonstrate to a potential employer. When hiring for new homes sales jobs, employers will be looking for:

– An ability to negotiate and persuade
– Confidence and good verbal communication skills
– Commercial awareness and knowledge of the property sector
– Self-motivated, target driven personalities
– A friendly nature and good customer service skills
– Marketing knowledge

A background in sales will demonstrate a lot of these competencies, though it’s not essential. Previous experience in marketing positions or even retail sales could also serve as a great jumping-off point. It’s also often possible to start a trainee estate agency post with no experience whatsoever, making a role in property sales the perfect starting point for a long and fruitful career in sales.

Why look for property sales jobs

As an estate agent, you will be compensated well for your time. While starting salaries in estate agents are a little lower than in some branches of sales, beginning from around £16,000 to £20,000 for trainees, they quickly rise to £25,000 and beyond for more experienced estate agents. Standard salaries can be as high as £60,000 plus commission, with higher salaries in high-end management offering positions paying up to £100,000.

If this sounds like it could be the career for you, don’t wait: browse our job listings (https://www.salesroles.com/job-category/property-sales-jobs/) and begin your rise through the ranks today.

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