Get Sales Experience

If you want to get into the sales industry, it's a great idea to gain some experience. You can take an internship or work on fundraiser or in a retail position while you're developing the necessary skills. With your newfound talents and experience, you'll be well on your way to landing the perfect sales job!

Steps

Training for the Industry

1. Take a sales class. Find out if sales courses are offered at a nearby community college. Taking classes in sales can help you learn relevant terms, prepare you to interact with clients and customers, and understand the industry better. You'll also make connections that could help you land a job in the future.
   • You could take just 1 class, enroll in a 1-year certification class, or get a 2-year associate degree in sales or marketing.
2. Apply for an internship with a sales company. An internship is a great way to discover more about the sales field and gain experience. Look for positions as a lead qualifier or appointment setter. Choose an inside sales organization over an outside sales organization so you can become familiar with the science of sales.
   • Inside sales are done remotely, while outside sales are made face-to-face.
3. Work in retail or customer service. A job in retail or customer service will get you used to interacting with customers on a daily basis. You'll become more comfortable handling a variety of situations and will get to practice your communication skills. This is a great option to gain experience if you're having a hard time finding a job selling the products or services you wish to.
   • After you've worked in retail or customer service for a few months, update your resume and apply for that dream job.
4. Raise funds for a good cause. Fundraising is similar to sales and can help you improve your persuasive skills. Raise funds for a local school, animal shelter, children's hospital, or other worthy cause. Approach individuals and businesses in the community and ask if they will donate money to help those in need, or host an event, like a concert, carnival, or silent auction.

Developing the Necessary Skills

1. Scrutinize your relevant skills. Though you may think you don't have experience in sales, you actually might! If you've given presentations or speeches or were a member of the debate team or student government, you're likely comfortable talking to others. Similarly, if you've participated in a fundraiser or are able to persuade people to do something your way, that experience will help you in your career. If you've been a coach or teacher or are great at managing time effectively, those skills give you a leg up.
2. Improve your communication skills. Salespeople need to be able to communicate clearly with a wide range of potential customers and clients. Make eye contact with someone when holding a conversation. Listen carefully to the person speaking to you and try to put yourself in their shoes. Use body language, like gesturing while you're speaking, to convey positive energy.
   • Keep an open stance with your arms relaxed at your sides to send the message that you are friendly and approachable.
3. Increase your confidence. To be a great salesperson, you must believe in yourself! If you start to feel self-conscious, tell yourself that you are confident and capable. Remind yourself of your strengths and skills, and do your best to be positive and optimistic. Set small, realistic goals and reward yourself when you reach them.
   • For instance, you might make a goal to sell a certain number of items per month. Alternatively, you may set a goal to find 5 new leads each week.
4. Learn to handle rejection. Unfortunately, rejection goes hand in hand with a sales job. You'll need to learn not to take rejection personally. Don't let it get you down or affect your next sales pitch. Instead, understand that rejection is par for the course and try to use it to improve your sales skills.
5. Be persistent. Persistence will help you face the day-to-day challenges that arise with a career in sales. Don't give up, even if it seems like the odds are stacked against you. Sometimes, you'll put a lot of work into a deal that goes nowhere. Remain positive and continue to work hard. Remind yourself that another opportunity is just around the corner.

Getting a Sales Job

1. Utilize existing connections. Networking can help you land a job that you might otherwise be looked over for. Join social media sites, like LinkedIn, to connect with former classmates and coworkers as well as potential employers. Talk to friends and family members to see if they know of any sales positions available as well.
2. Look for positions online. Career websites, like Monster, Indeed, and even Craigslist, are full of listings for open sales positions. Some job boards are even tailored to sales jobs, including Sales Gravy and Sales Heads. Use these websites, along with social media sites like LinkedIn, to find leads. If you don't have much experience, you should focus on entry-level positions.
3. Apply for positions that you think would be a good fit. Don't just consider the salary and benefits of a position, think about the product or service the company sells. Does the company mission align with your own values? Consider the company culture as well. Can you see yourself there long-term? Thinking these things through will help you find a position that is a good match for your personality and skill set.
4. Submit your resume and cover letter. Ensure your resume is up to date and error-free. Submit it along with a cover letter for each position you apply for. End the cover letter by making a sale—tell the employer that you will call to schedule an interview. Employers will be impressed by your forthrightness and determination. Don't forget to actually call and schedule the interview!
5. Impress potential employers during interviews. Be sure to arrive on time and dress professionally. Bring any relevant information, like a copy of your resume as well as letters of recommendation or references. State your interest in the position to the interviewer and explain any relevant skills. Describe an instance in which you succeeded in making a sale or persuading someone to do something.
   • For instance, tell the story of how you raised $1,000 for your local humane society by hosting a doggy fashion show.
   • At the end of the interview, ask about the next step in the process and find out how to contact the interviewer.

References

See also

• Sell to Businesses
• Sell to Hospitals
• Complete the Sales Process from Prospecting to Closing Sales
• Improve the Effectiveness of Sales Training
• Make a Sale
• Use the GUEST Process in Sales
• Intern at an Advertising Agency
• Get a Marketing Jobs in Pakistan
• Maximize Your Sales
• Get the Perfect Mindset for Cold Calling

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