Sales is the fourth most popular job category in the United States, according to Indeed Job Trends, with a total 244,149 job postings on the site. In this post, we break down the 10 most popular sales job titles. The responsibilities of a sales position can vary considerably depending on the client, whether the person works on a commission basis, and whether the role is management level. Choosing the right title will help you attract qualified candidates for each type of sales position.
When you’re ready to look for candidates to fill these sales positions, make sure you hire the best candidate by using a boutique HR agency like 4 Point Consulting. Their hiring specialists will not only create job descriptions based on the sales skills the position will require, but also proactively source and connect with qualified candidates. 4 Point will also phone screen them before passing them along for your review. They also maintain communication with both the candidates and your company, helping you find the best salesperson for the job. Click here for a free 20 minute consultation.
Most Popular Sales Job Titles
1. Sales Representative
What they do
The primary job of a sales representative is to sell products, goods, or services to customers. The person employs sales techniques to find out what customers want and suggests products or services that address their need. While some sales representatives work with inbound customers, the majority of sales representatives do outbound sales. These people roll up their sleeves to generate more sales by finding new sales leads.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal sales representative must be able to demonstrate expertise in application of various types of sales techniques. Also, the candidate must have thorough knowledge of the product or service line to accurately and sufficiently address customer questions. In addition, the individual must have strong communication and interpersonal skills to establish rapport with prospects. The individual, especially if doing outbound sales, must be driven and motivated to close deals.
Number of clicks on Indeed
3.97 million clicks
2. Account Manager
What they do
Account managers are in charge of building and managing relationships with particular clients in behalf of their company. They leverage expertise in sales techniques and in depth knowledge of the company’s product line to make pitches and successfully complete sales. Account managers are also expected to be good mentors to train and develop junior members of the sales team.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must possess exceptional analytical, presentation, and time management skills. The person must also have a track record of working with clients and closing sales. Moreover, the account manager must demonstrate thorough understanding of the company’s solutions or services and leverage analytical skills to anticipate changes in trends and/or technology that would affect the client’s business.
Number of clicks on Indeed
1.26 million clicks
3. Outside Sales Representative
What they do
An outside sales representative’s primary job is to pursue new customers and maintain warm relationships with existing customers. The person generates new leads by using various sources such as the internet, directories, and independent researchers. Sales representatives may begin the sales process over the phone, but they frequently travel to meet the customer face to face.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal outside sales representative must be flexible and organized with a proven ability to consistently achieve or exceed sales objectives. The person must have strong collaborative sales, negotiation, and inference skills to notice and exploit an opportunity. The candidate must also have solid interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain relationships with customers and business affiliates.
Number of clicks on Indeed
1.24 million clicks
4. Account Executive
What they do
Account executives and account managers may be different terms but both have similar functions. Companies use these terms interchangeably. Just like an account manager, the account executive sells products and services to businesses or key individuals on behalf of their company. They maintain relationships with the client and monitor signs of emerging trends to forecast and meet possible changes in the client’s business.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must possess strong business acumen and exceptional analytic skills to understand industry trends and leverage insights to deliver results. The account executive must have a history of meeting or exceeding sales quota with the ability to work independently while making contributions to promote team development.
Number of clicks on Indeed
1.16 million clicks
5. Inside Sales Representative
What they do
As opposed to outside sales reps who travel to meet customers face-to-face, inside sales representatives sell products and services over the phone or online. Inside sales representatives use their expertise in sales along with product knowledge to generate prospects and meet or exceed sales quotas.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal inside sales representative must have outstanding product knowledge and presentation skills. The person must also have excellent analytic skills to identify key opportunities like client pain points and demonstrate the value of the product or service. In addition, the candidate must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport and foster nurturing relationships with clients.
Number of clicks on Indeed
930,942 clicks
6. Sales Consultant
What they do
A sales consultant is another term for sales representative. The person is in charge of finding quality leads who are likely to buy the company’s product or service. The sales consultant meets with clients in person at the office or at an outside location.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must demonstrate very good product knowledge with strong communication and interpersonal skills to earn the customer’s trust. The person must be able to employ solution based approach in sales to sufficiently address customer concerns.
Number of clicks on Indeed
795,278 clicks
7. Sales Manager
What they do
Depending on company size, the sales manager may oversee the entire sales department or a particular sales team. Either way, they perform similar functions such as ensuring team members meet or exceed sales quotas, hiring and mentoring new employees, developing sales strategies, and acting as the point of contact between the sales team and upper management.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal sales manager must have a record of leading productive and quota busting sales teams. The individual must also possess exceptional people, communication, analytic skills to gain the confidence of team members and superiors. Strong business acumen and creativity are also required to develop innovative approaches to help sales teams to meet objectives.
Number of clicks on Indeed
635,401 clicks
8. Collection Agent
What they do
A collection agent keeps track of customer accounts and payment status. They keep a close eye on overdue accounts, accept invoice payments, and update customer information if payment is made. They also assist delinquent payers to come up with repayment arrangements and settle outstanding debt.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal collection agent possesses the ability to communicate effectively and employ strong negotiation and reconciling skills. The person must also be able to perform advanced arithmetics such as computing for percentages and rates. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to focus on solutions to address the customer’s financial issues within company policies.
Number of clicks on Indeed
474,646 clicks
9. Car Sales Executive
What they do
A car sales executive works for dealerships to sell vehicles. Using in-depth knowledge about the company’s car selections, the sales executive listens to the customer’s needs and offers strong product recommendations to make a sale. They often work on commission.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal car sales executive is passionate about the position with solid communication and customer facing skills. The person must be quick to respond to customer concerns and must be able to keep emotions in check when dealing with upset or hostile clients. The candidate must also be goal-oriented to consistently meet sales quotas.
Number of clicks on Indeed
449,977 clicks
10. Regional Sales Manager
What they do
The primary function of regional sales managers is to oversee sales managers within their territory. They develop new approaches to increase product or service sales and come up with new products for the market. More important, they are in charge of developing business strategies to be implemented by sales managers in an effort to meet or surpass sales objectives.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must have a proven track record of leading multiple sales teams and improving their performance to consistently exceed sales targets. The person must also have exceptional business acumen and in-depth knowledge of the industry and the market to identify opportunities and translate it into actionable plans. The regional sales manager must also possess excellent composure, high level presentation skills, and fluency in building relationships.
Number of clicks on Indeed
426,997 clicks
Bottom Line: Most Popular Sales Job Titles
Customer-facing and managerial roles are popular among job seekers looking for work in sales. Make sure you hire the best candidates for those roles by using an HR agency like 4 Point Consulting to vet quality job seekers before their resumes come across your desk. Click here for a free 20 minute consultation.
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