Sales
The sales department is all about connecting with customers and making sure the products or services of a business reach the right people. This involves understanding customer needs, presenting products effectively, and closing deals. If there are any customer questions or concerns, it’s up to the sales team to address them.
Building strong relationships is super important, too. The sales team works hard to make sure customers are happy and keep coming back. They also keep track of sales data to see what’s working and what’s not.
Working in the sales department can involve face-to-face meetings, phone calls, or online presentations. Many sales jobs offer flexible hours and the option to work from home. So, if you’re interested in talking to people and are motivated by smashing challenging targets, this could be a great career option for you!
Why people love working in sales
Dynamic and challenging
In sales, you’re always meeting new people and pitching products. This means the work is dynamic, full of exciting challenges and never boring.
Creativity
If you enjoy finding out what people need and figuring out the best way to meet those needs, sales is for you. Whether it’s finding the right product or crafting the perfect sales pitch, there are lots of opportunities to use your creative thinking.
Earnings potential
As more people buy what you’re selling, there are more chances for you to succeed and even earn bonuses or commissions. This means your hard work directly affects your earnings.
Added perks
People who work in sales can earn great salaries, especially with commissions. Plus, many companies offer extra perks like bonuses.
Work-life balance
Many sales jobs let you set your own schedule or work from different locations, which can be really handy if you have other stuff going on in your life. If you’re looking for flexibility this could be for you.
Communication and networking
You get to talk to lots of different people every day, which keeps things interesting and fun. If you’re a social person, sales can be really rewarding.
Some of the key job roles within a sales department/company
Sales representative
A sales representative is responsible for selling products or services directly to customers, whether in person, over the phone, or online. Their daily tasks include reaching out to potential customers, demonstrating products, and explaining how they meet the customer’s needs. They negotiate deals, answer questions, and follow up to close sales.
This role suits individuals who are confident, outgoing, and enjoy building relationships while working towards targets. Strong communication and persuasion skills are essential.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Account manager
An account manager is responsible for maintaining strong relationships with customers after they’ve made a purchase. They ensure clients are satisfied, help them with any issues, and identify opportunities to offer additional products or services. Daily tasks include checking in with customers, handling service requests, and strategising ways to build loyalty.
This role is ideal for people who enjoy relationship-building, problem-solving, and ensuring customer satisfaction to encourage repeat business.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Sales manager
A sales manager leads a team of sales professionals, setting sales targets and creating strategies to achieve them. Their daily tasks include coaching their team, tracking performance metrics, and adjusting sales tactics as needed. They also coordinate with marketing teams to develop promotional campaigns and ensure customer satisfaction.
This role suits motivated, goal-driven individuals with leadership skills who can inspire and develop a team while driving business growth.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Customer service representative
A customer service representative helps customers after they’ve made a purchase by answering questions, resolving issues, and ensuring they have a positive experience. Their daily tasks may include responding to phone or online inquiries, troubleshooting product problems, and handling returns or complaints.
This role suits individuals who are patient, empathetic, and excellent communicators, as they need to provide helpful solutions while maintaining a friendly and professional approach.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Business development manager
A business development manager focuses on identifying and creating new opportunities for business growth. They research potential markets, develop partnerships, and generate new leads. Daily tasks include networking, analysing sales data, and pitching new ideas to expand the company’s reach.
This role suits proactive individuals who are strategic thinkers, strong negotiators, and highly motivated to drive a company’s success by exploring untapped markets and opportunities.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Key skills and attributes needed
Effective communication skills
Persuasive abilities
Attention to detail
Numerical proficiency
Teamwork and independence
Specialisms within the sales arena
Sales strategy
Developing and implementing effective sales plans to drive business growth and achieve targets.
Sales operations
Streamlining and managing the sales process to improve efficiency and support the sales team in achieving their goals.
Inside sales:
Selling products or services remotely, typically over the phone or online, and managing a high volume of sales interactions.
Field sales
Engaging directly with customers in person, often traveling to meet clients and close deals on-site.
Sales training and development
Designing and delivering training programs to enhance the skills and effectiveness of the sales team.
Customer success management
Ensuring customers achieve their desired outcomes with the product or service, leading to higher retention and upsell opportunities.
Channel sales
Managing relationships with third-party partners and distributors to expand the company’s reach and sales channels.
Sales analytics
Analysing sales data to identify trends, forecast performance, and provide insights to guide strategic decisions.
Territory sales
Managing sales activities within a specific geographic area to maximize market penetration and revenue.
Entry path into a career in sales
For sales roles in the UK, the qualifications needed can vary depending on the industry and the specific position. For example, in some sectors, such as pharmaceuticals or finance, specific qualifications may be required, such as a science degree or financial certifications. In general, however, relevant sales experience is often more valued than formal qualifications, especially for more senior roles. This experience can come from various sectors.
Apprenticeships are available at various levels, from Level 2 to Level 7, and are open to individuals of any age and at any stage in their career, offering flexible opportunities for professional growth and development.
We’ve included a snapshot of relevant courses that might be suitable for you.
GCSEs
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Marketing
- English
A-levels
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Marketing
- English
T-levels
Management and Administration
Apprenticeship standards
- Level 3 Bid & Proposal Coordinator
- Level 4 Sales Executive
- Level 6 Business to Business Sales Professional
Further education courses
Levels 1, 2, 3, 4
- Sales Professionalism
- Executive Sales Professionalism
- Business Management
- Customer Service Practitioner
University courses
- BA(Hons) Business Management
- BA(Hons) Business
- Advanced Sales Professionalism
- Chartered Sales Professionalism
Professional courses
Institute of Sales Professionals (ISP)
- Level 3 Certificate in Sales and Marketing
- Level 4 Diploma in Professional Sales
- Level 6 Diploma in Sales Leadership
For more information about skills and training in Lincolnshire, please click here
Professional Associations
Institute of Sales Professionals (ISP) – https://the-isp.org/
The Direct Selling Association (DSA) – https://dsa.org.uk/
Sales Performance Association (SPA) – http://salesperformanceassociation.co.uk/