When you think of a sales job, chances are one of the first images that comes to mind is that of a busy salesperson, conducting meetings in person and on the telephone, answering e-mails, and staying on top of the company’s initiatives. Selling jobs are fast paced, and because of this they are also extremely rewarding. By following up on the needs of customers and your employer, you can make a larger impact as a salesperson than you can in nearly any other career. In return, selling jobs offer great flexibility, an opportunity to interact with people at all professional levels, and benefits that are hard to find anywhere else. That’s why one of the best jobs is selling.

Selling Jobs Offer Flexibility

With all that a salesperson has to do for a company, it might be surprising to learn how flexible selling jobs are, but consider: If a salesperson needs to set up a meeting, send a follow up, or learn about a new product, how is that task getting onto his or her schedule? Employers know that a salesperson needs to be able to adjust their own schedule to be truly effective, so salespeople have wide latitude when it comes to scheduling. Successful sales do not always happen between the hours of 9 and 5, either; since salespeople are often invited to meetings and conferences outside of office hours, it’s usually possible for a salesperson to arrange time away from work during the morning or afternoon hours when needed.

Selling Jobs Have Job Security

When a company needs to drive revenues, what is the first department it hires for? The sales department. In a down market, what department is a company most likely to hire for? Again, it’s the sales department. Selling jobs are one of few careers that did not see dramatic cuts during the recession, because whether the market is up or down, businesses depend on sales to keep revenues flowing.

• According to Wanted Analytics, Sales Representative is currently the fifth most popular position for recruiting in Canada. Sales Associate holds the number eight spot, and Sales Manager is at number twenty-one – surprising since fewer management positions are being filled overall.

• PayScale Canada’s latest national salary data indicates that Outside Sales Representatives earn average annual compensation between $32,779 and $75,237, far above many other career choices hurt more severely by the recession.

• Human Resources and Skills Development Canada predicts a pending national shortage of workers in the health care, construction, and technology industries, all of which industries use salespeople to sell their products.

Selling Jobs Are Highly Rewarding

There are few jobs that offer the opportunity to set ones owns earnings, and this is one of the benefits of selling jobs. Salespeople are usually compensated with a base salary plus commission, and it is these commissions that can turn a well paying job into a top paying job. For self driven individuals, the ability to earn more or less based on one’s own needs is a key reward offered by selling jobs.

Selling jobs are a good fit for individuals who enjoy a challenge and relationship building both inside and outside of the firm where they work. As business generators, people in selling jobs are dedicated to bringing in revenue for their employers, even in a down market. In return, salespeople receive compensation above a base salary in the form of commissions and bonuses for a job well done. Selling jobs offer individuals the flexibility they need and the opportunities they want to develop skills, which is why selling jobs are an excellent career.