Log InSign Up
Article

What does a Sales Professional do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A sales professional is responsible for generating revenue for a company through the sale of products or services. They work with customers to identify their needs and then match those needs with the appropriate product or service. Sales professionals typically work on commission, so their income is directly related to their ability to sell.

Sales Professional job duties include:

  • Meeting or exceeding sales targets
  • Developing and maintaining strong relationships with customers
  • Providing excellent customer service
  • Generating new leads and sales opportunities
  • Identifying customer needs and requirements
  • Negotiating terms of sale and service contracts
  • Managing customer accounts
  • Resolving customer complaints
  • Upselling products and services

Sales Professional Job Requirements

A Sales Professional is typically required to have a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most jobs will require some on-the-job training. Many employers also prefer to hire candidates who have previous sales experience. There are no formal certification requirements for Sales Professionals, although completing a certified sales training program may give candidates a competitive edge.

Sales Professional Skills

  • Communication
  • Persuasion
  • Confidence
  • Resilience
  • Empathy
  • Time management
  • Research
  • Product knowledge
  • Industry knowledge
  • Customer service
  • Closing skills

Related: Top Sales Professional Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Sales Professional

Sales is a profession that is often seen as being cutthroat and high-pressure. However, it can also be a very rewarding career for those who are able to excel at it. If you are interested in becoming a sales professional, there are a few things that you will need to do in order to be successful.

First, you need to have a strong understanding of the products or services that you will be selling. It is important to be able to articulate the features and benefits of what you are selling in a way that is compelling to potential customers. You should also be prepared to answer any questions that they may have.

Second, you need to be able to build relationships with potential customers. This means being able to connect with them on a personal level and understanding their needs. It is also important to be able to build trust with them so that they feel comfortable making a purchase from you.

Third, you need to be persistent. Sales can be a numbers game, so it is important to make sure that you are following up with potential customers regularly. You should also be prepared to handle rejection, as not every sale will go through.

Fourth, you need to be willing to continuously learn and grow. The sales profession is always changing, so it is important to keep up with new trends and developments. Additionally, there is always room for improvement, so never stop trying to learn and improve your skills.

If you are willing to put in the work, becoming a sales professional can be a very rewarding career. It is important to remember that success takes time and there will be setbacks along the way. However, if you stay focused and committed, you can achieve great things in the world of sales.

Related: Sales Professional Resume Example

Related: Sales Professional Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

Similar articles