I know from experience that when you say you work in sales, it can mean many different things. You could have a variety of different roles like I have. It can also mean you work for one of many different companies and industries (again like I have). Now, as a veteran sales recruiter, I get asked a lot by sales candidates about the best type of companies salespeople should work for. 

While there isn’t one all-encompassing answer to the question (it depends on your skills, experience, knowledge, interests, etc.), there is one main takeaway – you have lots of options. Employers of all types in all industries are always on the lookout for top sales talent. So below, I outline some of the top things salespeople should think about when considering employers. Then, I provide a list of the 3 best types of companies to work for in you’re in sales along with some specific examples:

What 4 Factors Should I Look At When Comparing The Best Sales Companies To Work For?

Did you know that the average tenure of a salesperson is only 1.4 years and that sales team turnover is 40% annually? That suggests a lot of poor decisions by both candidates and employers. So comparing potential employers is an important part of your due diligence as a job seeker. There are pros and cons to all companies. So, I always advise candidates to compare companies using these factors:

• Industry presence: How well is the company known? Have they won any awards? What is their reputation as an employer? Where do they rank performance-wise compared to other organizations?
• Coaching, training, mentorship: What programs does the company have in place to support its sales team?
• Employee reviews: What do past and present salespeople have to say about working for the company?
• Compensation: Money is always a top consideration. Look at things like base pay, commission structures, bonuses and benefits. 

List Of The 3 Best Types of Companies For Salespeople To Work For

If you’re looking to get into sales or move into a new industry, here are the best types of companies to consider:

1. Medical sales companies

Medical sales is a top industry to consider. Medical sales representatives are agents for medical device manufacturers, advocating for and educating healthcare professionals about a range of medical products. These products vary from everyday consumables such as tongue depressors and gloves to high-value items like medical implants and prosthetics. Their responsibilities include addressing inquiries, offering guidance, distributing samples, and facilitating orders for customers. 

Top companies include Medline, BIOS Medical, General Electric, and more

2. Pharmaceutical sales companies

To build on the point above, an aging population requires more medical support, especially in the area of pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical sales representatives act as representatives for pharmaceutical companies, promoting and selling their drugs to physicians and key decision-makers within healthcare institutions. Their role involves disseminating marketing materials and providing samples to enhance awareness of pharmaceutical products. They also address inquiries and provide necessary information to ensure physicians are well-informed when prescribing these medications.

The top companies to consider are Johnson & Johnson, Bayer AG, Pfizer Inc., and Novartis International AG.

3. Technology sales companies

The IT industry continues to change and evolve. Working for technology companies is a great career option for sales professionals with IT skills and knowledge. Technology sales professionals promote and sell technological products and solutions to businesses, organizations, and individuals. This can include anything from hardware to software, IT solutions, consulting, and support services. 

Top companies to consider working for include Google, Cisco, Salesforce, Shopify, HubSpot, Sprout Social, and many others. 

Want More Insights On Your Sales Career? Check out these posts:

What Sales Jobs Will Be Most in Demand in 2024?

8 Industries With the Largest Need for Sales Talent

Is 40 Too Old To Start A Sales Career?

Feature Photo by Saulo Mohana on Unsplash