SALES & MARKETING

College

You could take a professional qualification like those offered by The Institute of Sales Management (ISM). Qualifications include:

• Level 4 Award in Managing Responsible Selling
• Level 4 Award in Managing a Sales Team
• Level 4 Award in Finance for Sales Managers
• Level 4 Award in Operational Sales Planning

ISM qualifications are designed so that you can study a number of short courses and build up to a full certificate or diploma. You could then work towards a Level 4 Certificate or Diploma in Sales and Marketing Management.

University

For some sales jobs, like hi-tech scientific or engineering equipment, employers may prefer you to have a qualification like a higher national diploma or degree.

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels to do a degree or higher national diploma
  
  

Direct applcation

You'll need experience in sales and a record of achieving targets. Most employers will consider your sales and management experience, market knowledge and track record to be more important than your academic qualifications.You could also be considered for specialist sales management jobs if you have a background in designing or manufacturing the products your team are selling. To view vacancies click here.

Ideally you'll need knowledge or experience in the following:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• business management skills
• leadership skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• You will be expected to use a computer confidently as part of this job.

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• recruiting and training sales staff
• allocating areas to sales reps
• developing sales strategies and setting sales targets
• providing feedback and coaching to team members
• monitoring the team’s performance and motivating them to reach targets
• compiling and analysing sales figures
• reporting back to senior managers
• keeping up to date with products and competitors

You could work in branch or in an central office.

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Business and Administration. You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) for a level 3 course
  
  

Apprenticeships

You could get into this job through a business administrator advanced apprenticeship.

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), usually including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

To view apprenticeship vacancies click here.

Work

You may be able to work your way into this role by starting as a receptionist or administration support worker and learning on the job.

Direct application

You could apply directly if you've got the relevant skills and knowledge needed to do this job.

Some employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

Telephone, typing and IT skills will also be useful.

Ideally you'll need knowledge or experience in the following:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• persistence and determination
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• You will be expected to use a computer confidently as part of this job.

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• answering customer enquiries over the phone, by email and face to face
• processing orders, credit checks and payments
• sending out invoices and other paperwork
• updating customer records
• checking stock and re-ordering supplies
• organising deliveries
• providing after-sales support
• typing up documents like letters and reports

You could work in branch or in an office.