Primary functionThe main purpose of your role as a salesperson is to persuade potential customers that your product or service satisfies their needs and should be an immediate priority for them to invest in. While you may be targeted on a range of key performance indicators, the ultimate gauge of a salesperson’s success lies in how much revenue they generate.
Necessary hard/soft skillsTo be a successful salesperson, you need superb communications skills. If you are not speaking to potential customers, you have no chance of achieving your targets, so much of your average day will involve talking to people, either via email, on the phone, on video conferences, or in person. You must be able to get your points across effectively, which also requires a sense of empathy for the needs of your prospect. What sort of language do they expect you to use? What key features and benefits should you highlight? How hard should you push them to close the deal? You should have a strong knowledge of the market in which you operate, identifying external conditions and trends that may increase demand for your product, and understanding how your solution differs from those of your rivals. You will also need strong problem-solving skills to handle objections and answer tough questions quickly and effectively.
Qualifications requiredNo specific formal qualifications are required to become a salesperson, although courses and accreditations are available through organisations such as City & Guilds, and the Institute of Sales Management. For more senior sales roles, you may be expected to possess a Master’s degree in business or a related subject.
Related jobsIf you prefer an alternative role in the same field, then there are a range of related jobs to choose from. These include:
Sales executiveAccount managerRegional sales manager