A career in sales combines many of the qualities you might be looking for in your career: Challenge, variety, and activity, all of which lead to the ability to control your own earnings based on your performance. With the right mindset, a successful career in sales is achievable even if you do not have previous experience selling directly to others. If you are resilient and like working with other people, these three reasons to consider a career in sales may help you decide to make an important career change.

Sales Skills Are Always In Demand 

The skills developed during a career in sales are always in demand, even if a former sales person decides to pursue other career choices. For example, many top CEOs and executives in Canada started their careers in sales, and were able to move up the ladder based on the skills they developed in the sales field. Sales skills are always in demand because these skills prepare individuals to work independently and be accountable for their own results. Just a few transferable skills that a career in sales helps develop include: 

• The ability to communicate with others at all levels of responsibility, listening as well as speaking
• A strong aptitude for developing business relationships benefitting both parties
• The strength to overcome challenges and other obstacles, as well as the mindset to develop effective solutions 

The skills developed through a career in sales are real world skills that have already been honed in the marketplace. Employers in all industries are always looking for candidates who have these skills and experiences and can point to a track record of success, which a career in sales can provide. 

A Career in Sales Provides Additional Earnings Opportunities 

The income potential of a sales person is virtually unlimited in sales positions that are largely based on commission. This is attractive in and of itself, but those pursuing a career in sales are also eligible for other earnings opportunities that simply cannot be found anywhere else. The potential for bonuses and other outside the box compensation is also virtually unlimited, especially for those who are doing well. Such compensation commonly encompasses:

• Exotic all expenses paid trips for top sales reps and their families
• Car and travel allowances
• Quarterly and annual bonuses for meeting goals important to an organization

For top sales people, these additional earnings opportunities might add up to more than their original compensation of salary and commission! Even better, these opportunities frequently compound, so that a sales rep that exceeds each of his or her quarterly targets finishes the year with a pay cheque few who are not in a career in sales will ever see.

Sales People Have High Autonomy

Since sales people are responsible for their own results, they are also responsible for making many of their own business decisions. Decisions on when and how to contact prospects, when to schedule a presentation or meeting, and when to network are largely left in the hands of the sales rep. Sales people who are doing well may even receive additional freedoms that make their sales schedule even more flexible.

This autonomy also extends to decisions about career direction. Many organizations provide training and resources to sales people who are willing to make the commitment; this benefits the organization and its sales team. These factors could also be benefiting you – if you move into a career in sales. One of the best ways to break into this exciting field is through an experienced sales recruiter, who can help you find the right organization based on your interests and past experiences. If a career in sales appeals to you, get in touch with a sales recruiting firm so that you can start your new career and take advantage of these exceptional opportunities.