Sales jobs can be a great career choice for people from all walks of life. Not only can sales jobs pay well, but they also tend to have flexible hours and allow you to work independently or with a team. Further, the sales skills learned in jobs are transferable to many other professions, making them a great option if you want to switch careers. Finally, the sales industry is vast, with many types of sales jobs available. 

Understanding the different types of sales jobs can help you find the right fit for your interests and goals. This guide will introduce you to 15 sales jobs and offer tips for finding your best match. As you read, consider that Dopplio can help you land your ideal sales job by generating personalized video introductions to potential employers. These videos can help you stand out from the competition and get noticed.

Table of Contents

• What are Sales Jobs?

• What to Look for in A Sales Job

• 15 Types of Sales Jobs

• How to Get into Sales Jobs

• How Dopplio Can Optimize Your Sales Workflow

• Breaking into Sales Without Experience

• Get 3x Higher Reply Rates with Our Personalized Video Creator.

What are Sales Jobs?

There are more than 13 million sales jobs in the U.S. — more than all the teachers, doctors, nurses, and police officers combined. Before you apply to your next role, educate yourself about the types of sales jobs in the market to find your perfect fit. 

Sales Jobs 101: What Are They? 

Sales jobs are all about connecting businesses with their customers. They involve strategically persuading potential clients to purchase products or services, driving revenue, and fostering growth. Sales professionals play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between a company's offerings and the needs of its target market. 

Industries Employing Sales Professionals 

Sales professionals are needed across many industries, including: 

• Technology. Sales representatives in tech companies promote software, hardware, IT services, and other technological solutions. 

• Retail. Retail sales encompass various products, from clothing and electronics to home goods. 

• Healthcare. Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services often require skilled sales professionals to reach healthcare providers and patients. 

• Finance. Insurance, banking, and investment firms rely on sales teams to sell financial products and services. 

• Manufacturing. Sales professionals in manufacturing industries market industrial products and machinery. 

• Consulting. Business, management, and technical consulting firms employ sales teams to sell their expertise and services. 

• Real Estate. Real estate agents and brokers handle residential and commercial property sales. 

• Education. Higher education institutions and online courses often have sales teams to recruit students. 

Key Responsibilities of a Sales Professional

Sales jobs can offer diverse opportunities, from working independently to being part of a larger sales team. With the right skills and dedication, sales professionals can build successful careers and contribute significantly to the growth of businesses across various industries. Here are some of the critical responsibilities of a sales professional: 

• Prospecting. Identifying and qualifying potential customers likely to be interested in the product or service. 

• Outreach involves reaching potential customers through various channels, such as phone calls, emails, or social media. 

• Presentations. Demonstrating the value of products or services to customers and addressing their specific needs. 

• Negotiation. Discussing and agreeing upon terms and conditions of sales with customers. 

• Closing Deals. Persuading customers to make a purchase. 

• Customer Relationship Management. Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers to foster loyalty and repeat business. 

• Sales Reporting. Tracking sales performance, analyzing data, and providing insights to management. 

Related Reading

• Sales Pitch Examples
• Sales Process
• What Is B2B Sales
• Sales Techniques
• Entry Level Sales
• Sales Funnel Stages
• Sales Metrics
• How to Get Into Sales

What to Look for in A Sales Job

When looking for a sales job, consider the industry that interests you the most. Do you have a passion for technology, health care, or sustainability? The answers to these questions will guide you toward a sales role that aligns with your interests—and can lead to greater overall job satisfaction. 

Next, consider the career path associated with your sales position of choice. What’s the long-term outlook for this industry? Are there opportunities for advancement? Before accepting a sales job, research the company’s culture, training programs, and mentorship opportunities. Look for organizations that invest in their employees’ professional development. 

Pay Attention to Compensation Structures

Another critical factor to evaluate when considering a sales position is compensation. While a lucrative commission structure can be enticing, assessing the entire package before deciding is essential. Start by looking at the base salary. Ensure the base salary is competitive within the industry and region. Research industry standards and consider factors like experience, location, and company size. 

Next, evaluate the commission structure carefully. Consider the percentage of sales, quota requirements, and potential bonuses. Assess your confidence in meeting sales targets and whether the commission structure aligns with your earning potential. Finally, consider the overall benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks. A comprehensive benefits package can significantly enhance your overall compensation and well-being. 

Company Culture Impacts Your Success

Sales can be a cutthroat profession. That’s why paying attention to company culture is crucial when considering a sales position. Research the company’s culture, values, and work environment. Look for a company that aligns with your personal values and work style. Next, consider the team dynamics and the relationships between sales representatives. 

A positive and supportive team environment can contribute to job satisfaction and success. Finally, evaluate the leadership style and the company’s commitment to employee development. A supportive and inspiring leader can make a significant difference in your career.

Know What You’re Getting Into

Before accepting a sales position, fully understand the job responsibilities and expectations. Clarify the specific duties of the role and ensure they align with your skills, interests, and career goals. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the company’s sales cycle and the typical length of sales transactions. Consider whether the sales cycle aligns with your preferred pace of work. Finally, assess your willingness and ability to travel frequently if the job involves travel. Consider factors like travel frequency, destinations, and accommodation arrangements. 

Dopplio: A New Approach to Sales Outreach 

Dopplio is revolutionizing personalized outreach for sales and marketing teams. We blend authentic human-made videos with AI personalization, giving you the best of both worlds - the genuine feel of real people with the scalability of technology. Our solution delivers 3x higher reply rates compared to traditional methods. 

With Dopplio, you can create a single charismatic video and then personalize it for thousands of leads, greeting each by name. Our platform allows you to generate videos in bulk, automatically voice clone and lip-sync to maintain authenticity, and integrate seamlessly with Zapier to kick off your existing workflows. Plus, we offer the option to share your personalized videos as attention-grabbing GIFs. 

The best part? Dopplio provides all this at just a tenth of the cost of enterprise options. So, if you're a tech sales rep or marketing agency looking to boost conversions, Dopplio offers the perfect blend of personalization, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Try Dopplio and generate personalized videos at scale today!

15 Types of Sales Jobs

Entry-Level Sales Jobs: Where to Start Your Sales Career

Entry-level sales jobs are a great way to kick off a rewarding career in sales. Positions like sales development representative and inside sales representative help you develop the skills, experience, and industry knowledge you need to advance your career. 

1. Sales Development Representative (SDR): Your First Step to a Successful Sales Career

• Role: Identify and qualify potential customers for a sales team.

• Responsibilities: Researching prospects, conducting cold calls, qualifying leads, scheduling meetings, and providing sales support.

• Average Salary: Around $76,000 in the US.

• Essential Skills: Excellent communication skills, strong work ethic, ability to handle rejection.

2. Inside Sales Representative: Learn the Ropes of the Sales Process

• Role: Conduct sales activities remotely or in an office setting.

• Responsibilities: Making outbound calls, responding to inquiries, closing deals, and providing customer support.

• Average Salary: Competitive, often with a commission structure.

• Essential Skills: Strong communication skills, ability to work independently, time management.

Other Sales Jobs: The Next Step in Your Sales Career

After working in an entry-level sales job, you can transition into various roles to further your sales career. The following sales jobs will help you build on your existing expertise, gain new skills, and increase your earnings. 

3. Account Executive: Close the Deal

• Role: Close sales deals with existing and new customers.

• Responsibilities: Building relationships, negotiating contracts, meeting sales quotas, and providing post-sale support.

• Average Salary: Based on industry and experience, typically higher than SDRs.

• Essential Skills: Persuasion, negotiation, relationship building, problem-solving. 

4. Outside Sales Representative: Take Your Sales Skills on the Road

• Role: Travel to meet with customers in person.

• Responsibilities: Building relationships, demonstrating products, closing deals, and providing customer support.

• Average Salary: Typically higher due to travel expenses, with a commission structure.

• Essential Skills: Excellent communication skills, ability to adapt to different environments, and strong work ethic. 

5. Customer Success Manager: Ensure the Customer Is Happy

• Role: Build and maintain relationships with existing customers.

• Responsibilities: Ensuring customer satisfaction, addressing issues, upselling, and cross-selling.

• Average Salary: Competitive, often with a commission structure.

• Essential Skills: Relationship building, problem-solving, customer service, product knowledge. 

6. Sales Engineer: Use Your Technical Knowledge to Support the Sales Team

• Role: Provide technical expertise and support to sales teams.

• Responsibilities: Explaining product features, addressing technical questions, assisting in demos, and providing post-sale support.

• Average Salary: Competitive, often with a commission structure.

• Essential Skills: Technical knowledge, strong communication skills, ability to explain complex concepts, problem-solving. 

7. Channel Sales Manager: Manage Relationships with Partners

• Role: Manage relationships with channel partners (distributors, resellers).

• Responsibilities: Recruiting partners, setting sales targets, providing support, monitoring partner performance.

• Average Salary: Competitive, often with a commission structure.

• Essential Skills: Relationship building, negotiation, strategic thinking, market analysis. 

8. Business Development Representative: Identify New Opportunities

• Role: Identify and develop new business opportunities.

• Responsibilities: Prospecting, qualifying leads, building relationships, conducting market research.

• Average Salary: Competitive, often with a commission structure.

• Essential Skills: Strong communication skills, ability to identify market trends, and problem-solving. 

9. Sales Operations Manager: The Behind-the-Scenes Sales Expert

• Role: Oversee the administrative and operational functions of a sales team.

• Responsibilities: Sales forecasting, data analysis, process improvement, and reporting.

• Average Salary: Competitive, often with a salary and bonus structure.

• Essential Skills: Analytical skills, project management, process improvement, attention to detail. 

10. Sales Trainer: Teach the Next Generation of Sales Reps

• Role: Develop and deliver training programs to sales teams.

• Responsibilities: Creating training materials, conducting workshops, coaching sales representatives, and evaluating training effectiveness.

• Average Salary: Competitive, often with a salary and bonus structure.

• Essential Skills: Instructional design, communication, subject matter expertise, facilitation skills.

Specialized Sales Roles: The Experts of the Sales World

In larger organizations, you will often find specialized sales roles. These sales positions focus on specific tasks or customers to improve overall sales performance. 

11. Salesforce Administrator: Manage Your Company’s Salesforce Account

• Role: Manage and configure Salesforce CRM systems.

• Responsibilities: Data management, user training, system optimization, troubleshooting issues.

• Average Salary: Competitive, often with a salary and bonus structure.

• Essential Skills: Technical skills, problem-solving, attention to detail, and knowledge of Salesforce best practices.

12. Sales Manager: Lead a Sales Team

• Role: Lead and manage a team of sales professionals.

• Responsibilities: Setting sales targets, coaching team members, analyzing performance, and developing sales strategies.

• Average Salary: Competitive, often with a salary and bonus structure.

• Essential Skills: Leadership, communication, strategic thinking, motivation, problem-solving. 

13. VP of Sales: Oversee a Company’s Sales Strategy

• Role: Oversee the overall sales strategy and performance of a company.

• Responsibilities: Developing sales plans, hiring and managing sales teams, analyzing sales data, and driving revenue growth.

• Average Salary: High, often with a salary, bonus, and equity compensation.

• Essential Skills: Strategic thinking, leadership, industry knowledge, financial acumen. 

14. Chief Sales Officer: The Top Executive of the Sales Team

• Role: The top executive responsible for sales and revenue generation.

• Responsibilities: Setting sales goals, developing strategies, overseeing sales operations, and driving company growth.

• Average Salary: Very high, often with a salary, bonus, and equity compensation.

• Essential Skills: Strategic thinking, leadership, industry knowledge, financial acumen, business development. 

15. Technical Sales Specialist: Sell Complex Products and Services

• Role: Focus on selling complex technical products or services.

• Responsibilities: Demonstrating product features, addressing technical questions, providing technical support, and closing deals.

• Average Salary: Competitive, often with a commission structure.

• Essential Skills: Technical expertise, strong communication skills, ability to explain complex concepts, problem-solving. 

How to Get into Sales Jobs

Essential Requirements and Skills  

You'll need specific skills, experience, and a strategic approach to break into sales. Let's discuss some of the essential requirements and abilities.  

Education  

While a college degree isn’t always required, it can increase your competitiveness when applying for jobs. Business, marketing, or communications degrees can provide a solid foundation for a sales career.  

Certifications  

Consider obtaining sales certifications like Certified Sales Professional (CSP) or Certified Sales Manager (CSM). These credentials demonstrate your commitment to the field and can enhance your job prospects.  

Soft Skills  

Strong interpersonal skills, excellent communication abilities, and a persuasive personality are essential for building customer relationships and closing deals.  

Hard Skills  

Proficiency in sales techniques, such as objection handling, needs assessment, and closing deals, is crucial.  

Building Experience   

You can land an entry-level job without experience to break into sales. However, having some relevant experience can help you build skills to succeed on the job and make you a more attractive candidate. Let’s explore ways to build expertise before you apply for sales jobs.  

Relevant Work Experience  

While only sometimes necessary for entry-level positions, experience in customer service, sales, or related fields can be beneficial. Start looking for roles that will help you build transferable skills.  

Internships  

Internships offer valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities. To gain practical knowledge, look for internships in sales or related fields.  

Volunteer Work  

Volunteer work can help you develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, which are highly transferable to sales roles.  

Finding the Right Sales Job   

Once you’ve built your skills and experience, you can start looking for a sales job. Here are some tips to help you find the correct position.  

Networking  

Building relationships with professionals in the sales industry can provide valuable insights, job leads, and mentorship. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and join sales associations.  

Job Boards  

Search for sales openings on online job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific job application.  

Company Websites  

Visit the websites of companies you’re interested in and check their career sections for open sales positions.  

Recruiters  

Consider working with a sales recruiter who specializes in finding suitable job opportunities and can provide guidance throughout the job search process.  

Additional Tips for Landing a Sales Job  

Before applying for sales positions, keep these additional tips in mind. They can help you secure a sales job, even in a competitive market.  

Persistence  

The sales job search can be competitive. Be persistent and keep applying for positions, even if you receive rejections.  

Positive Attitude  

Maintain a positive attitude throughout the job search process. A positive mindset can help you overcome challenges and stay motivated.  

Continuous Learning  

Stay up-to-date with industry trends, sales techniques, and technology advancements. Continuous learning will make you a more valuable asset to potential employers.  

Practice  

Practice your sales skills, such as role-playing and practicing your pitch. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.  

Additional Considerations  

Knowing the demands of sales jobs is essential for preparing yourself for what to expect. Here are some critical factors to keep in mind.  

Adaptability  

Sales roles often require adaptability to changing market conditions and customer needs. Be prepared to learn new techniques and adjust your approach as needed.  

Resilience  

The sales profession can be challenging sometimes, with rejection and setbacks being a standard part of the job. Develop resilience and the ability to bounce back from challenges.  

Self-Motivation  

Sales professionals often work independently, so self-motivation is essential. Set your own goals, manage your time effectively, and stay focused on achieving your objectives.  

Customer Focus  

A genuine interest in helping customers and understanding their needs is crucial for sales success. Put yourself in the customer’s shoes and strive to provide exceptional service. 

Related Reading

• Marketing Vs Sales
• Is Sales A Good Career
• Types Of Sales Strategies
• Sales Roles
• Sales Psychology
• Client Prospecting
• Sales Kpis
• Relationship Selling
• Sales Programs
• Sales Trends

How Dopplio Can Optimize Your Sales Workflow

Personalized Outreach at Scale

Sales is all about relationships. The more personalized your sales outreach, the better. With Dopplio, you can create authentic, personalized video messages at scale. Instead of writing a boring email or making a dreaded cold call, you can create a charismatic video and personalize it for each prospect. This unique approach helps capture attention and fosters engagement, leading to significantly higher response rates than traditional email or cold calling methods.

Cost-Effectiveness

You may think that a tool with such cutting-edge capabilities would come with a high price tag. On the contrary, Dopplio offers competitive pricing, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises. By increasing response rates and improving conversion rates, Dopplio can help you achieve a positive return on investment.

Key Features

Dopplio’s bulk video generation capability allows you to create multiple personalized videos simultaneously and scale your outreach efforts efficiently. The tool’s automatic voice cloning and lip-syncing features maintain authenticity and consistency in your videos by cloning your voice and syncing your lips to the new content. Dopplio also integrates seamlessly with your existing workflows using Zapier, streamlining your sales process and saving time. Finally, you can share your personalized videos as attention-grabbing GIFs to increase engagement and reach a wider audience.

Benefits of Using Dopplio

There are numerous benefits to using Dopplio to optimize your sales workflow. For starters, personalized videos create a more memorable and engaging experience for potential customers. Higher response and conversion rates lead to a more significant pipeline of qualified leads. By building stronger relationships and providing a more personalized experience, Dopplio can help you close more deals and grow your business. Finally, Dopplio's automation features and scalable approach can save you time and resources.

Breaking into Sales Without Experience

Start with Entry-Level Positions to Land a Sales Job

Sales is a dynamic and rewarding field with numerous career growth and advancement opportunities. Even if you don't have sales experience, you can successfully break into the industry by following these steps: 

Start with Entry-Level Positions Sales Development Representative (SDR)

This entry-level role involves identifying and qualifying potential customers. 

Inside Sales Representative

This role typically involves conducting sales activities from a remote or office setting, such as making outbound calls and responding to inquiries. These positions provide valuable experience in sales processes, customer interactions, and building a pipeline of leads. 

Network with Sales Professionals

Connect with Sales Professionals 

Attend industry events, join sales associations, and connect with people in the sales industry on LinkedIn. 

Seek Mentorship

Find a mentor who can guide, advise, and support you as you navigate your career. 

Attend Industry Events

Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops to learn about industry trends and connect with potential employers. 

Develop Essential Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Strong interpersonal skills are crucial for building relationships with customers and colleagues. 

Communication Skills

Effective communication is essential for conveying your message clearly and persuasively. Positive Attitude: A positive attitude can help you overcome challenges and maintain a growth mindset. 

Invest in Your Professional Development 

Online Courses

Take online courses or enroll in sales training programs to enhance your skills and knowledge. 

Workshops 

Attend workshops and seminars to learn from experienced sales professionals. 

Certification

Consider obtaining sales certifications like Certified Sales Professional (CSP) or Certified Sales Manager (CSM) to demonstrate your commitment to the field. 

Tips for Success in Sales

Build Strong Relationships 

Focus on building long-lasting relationships with your customers. 

Be a Good Listener

Understand your customers' needs and tailor your approach accordingly. Be Persistent: Sales can be challenging, so it's essential to be persistent and resilient. 

Continuous Learning

Stay current with industry trends, sales techniques, and technological advancements. 

Maintain a Growth Mindset 

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and development. By following these tips and consistently working on your skills, you can successfully break into sales and build a rewarding career. 

Average Salary for Sales Jobs 

Individual Contributors

• Account Executive: This role involves closing sales deals with existing and new customers. The average total compensation for account executives is around $116,610. 

• Outside Salesperson: Outside sales representatives travel to meet with customers in person. They typically earn an average total compensation of $107,139. 

Managerial and Operations Positions 

• Chief Sales Officer (CSO): As the top executive responsible for sales, the CSO commands a substantial salary. The average total compensation for a CSO is $358,643. 

• VP of Sales: The VP oversees a company's overall sales strategy and performance. They typically earn an average total compensation of $354,799. 

Best Entry-Level Sales Jobs 

Sales Development Representative (SDR) 

SDRs are often considered among the best entry-level sales jobs due to their potential for career advancement and learning opportunities. They identify and qualify potential customers. 

Inside Sales Representative (ISR)

SRs conduct sales activities remotely or in an office, such as making outbound calls and responding to inquiries.

Business Development Representative (BDR)

BDRs focus on identifying and developing new business opportunities. 

Highest-Paying Sales Jobs 

The data shows that the highest-paying sales jobs are typically managerial and executive. Chief Sales Officer (CSO) VP of Sales Account Executive Outside Salesperson 

Get 3x Higher Reply Rates with Our Personalized Video Creator.

Dopplio is transforming personalized outreach for sales and marketing teams. We blend authentic human-made videos with AI personalization, giving you the best of both worlds - the genuine feel of real people with the scalability of technology. Our solution delivers 3x higher reply rates compared to traditional methods. With Dopplio, you can create a single charismatic video and then personalize it for thousands of leads, greeting each by name. 

Our platform allows you to generate videos in bulk, automatically voice clone and lip-sync to maintain authenticity, and integrate seamlessly with Zapier to kick off your existing workflows. Plus, we offer the option to share your personalized videos as attention-grabbing GIFs. The best part? Dopplio provides all this at just a tenth of the cost of enterprise options. 

So, if you're a tech sales rep or marketing agency looking to boost conversions, Dopplio offers the perfect blend of personalization, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Try Dopplio and generate personalized videos at scale today!

Related Reading

• Sales Mindset
• Sales Objectives Examples
• Sales For Beginners
• Sales Ethics
• Sales Vocabulary
• Sales Communication Skills
• Sales Presentation Tips
• Sales Networking
• Sales Pitch Common Objections