There are some things you should remember when leaving your sales job. It is likely that skills acquired in sales will transfer well to new fields. When searching for a new job, it's a good idea that you consider the salary and compensation structure. Another important thing is to quantify your accomplishments.
Skills transfer well from sales to IT job
An IT job is a great option for anyone who wants to make a career shift. An IT job requires many skills that you have in sales. They include initiative, attention to detail, and communication. These skills will make you an asset in an IT role.
Sales positions require a lot of relationship-building, and skills in this area are particularly important. These positions require that people listen to and assess others' information as well as make decisions. This skill is transferable to many careers. Also, skills like problem-solving can be transferred easily.
A job that pays a wage and commission is possible
Many companies offer job opportunities that pay a salesperson a salary and a percentage of the sale. These jobs are highly lucrative. Software companies for instance often receive a high commission when software is sold to businesses. A company may have high upfront costs to develop software. They can afford to pay commissions to their salespeople. You should look for a company with high margins.
Your abilities and learning style, as well as your previous experience, will dictate the type job you choose. If you are a naturally gifted salesperson, a commission-based position may suit you better than a salaried one. It is better to start with a job that gives you financial security and a stable base salary if your sales abilities are not clear.
Conducting an interview in order to fill a sales position
A sales interview can be difficult when you're transitioning. The interview is more like an audition and the hiring firm wants to know if you have what it takes to do the job. Do your research on the company before going to an interview. Note the company's marketing strategy, and the primary customers.
You can use the questions in your interview to showcase your experience and skills. You can ask candidates to describe their sales experience. You can use these questions to help you get to know the candidate's experience and background, as well his personality traits.
Quantifying your sales results
The first step to quantifying your sales achievements as you exit a sales career, is to identify them. List them in percentages or ratios if you can. State what the sales goal was, what action you took, and what resulted. Employers can see the difference between what you set for sales and what actually happened.
Your resume and job interview will be easier if you can quantify your sales achievements after leaving a sales career. While it is acceptable to send press releases, it is better if you submit ten each week. Your resume should not only include numbers but also metrics. Financial and salespeople are able to access many obvious metrics. However, you should also include people-oriented measurements.
Taking an online career aptitude test to help you transition out of sales career
A career aptitude test helps narrow down your options. It assesses your professional talents, strengths, and personality traits to determine which career is right for you. It will help you stay focused on your strengths and prevent you from applying for jobs that are not right for you.
Many career tests are free. However, you may need to pay fees for some. If you're not sure about taking a career aptitude test, here are some sites that will help you decide if it's right for you.