Sales

If you like to think you’re a smooth talker and that you could charm even the coldest of hearts, the sales industry may be perfect for you. You could work independently or even as part of a larger team working to gain the all-important sale that will see you prosper.

Industry Summary

The sales industry is booming due to the impact of consumerism on our daily lives. Every product you see in a shop window or any object displayed on an online vendor has been impacted by a sales process at one time or another.

Sales people are the backbone to even the most established of companies, striving to hit their targets for their employers and ensure that the business continues to excel. Thus, the sales industry offers an excellent chance for those with a strong talent for selling and a healthy business acumen.

Sales roles are constantly evolving with the times. It is now crucial that people are flexible, as the sector has come to support every facet of our work and leisure lives. From cars, to events, health products and even houses, the sales industry supports everything we interact with without us even realising. That’s not even to mention the business to business side of things – you could be flogging your wares to other talented sales people who want the best possible deal.

What options can I take for a career in sales?

Work Experience

Any work experience opportunity that helps you build your ability to communicate effectively and develop your customer service skills will be valued by employers in the sales industry. Some employers may offer summer placements or industrial placements to students wishing to gain more sales experience. Working in the industry will help you decide whether a career in sales in the future is the right path for you and show employers that you have the necessary skills to succeed in your role.

Unsure about what a work placement could involve? You should’ve asked!

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a great route into sales (or those wishing to enter similar sectors). Apprenticeships are available at a range of levels and so can meet you at whatever stage you wish to enter. You’ll be paid a salary by your employer to study towards a qualification that’ll give you all the academic knowledge you’ll need for your role. In addition, you’ll also spend most of your time in the workplace, gaining all the skills and experience that come from being exposed to the industry first-hand.

As you advance, you’ll be handed even more responsibility (especially in the higher-level apprenticeships) which will aid you as you develop into your role. You could even complete a degree level apprenticeship, which will give you a qualification that your employers will sponsor. That means no student fees!

Level 3 – Bid and Proposal co-ordinator
Level 3 – IT Technician Sales Person
Level 4 – Sales Executive

Want to know what apprenticeships are all about? We have you covered!

Degree Apprenticeship

A degree apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity to combine both the practical experience that comes from spending time in the workplace alongside experienced colleagues, and the chance to study for a university degree. Not only will you be paid a salary by your employer for all your hard work, but you’ll also have the chance to gain your degree qualification – alongside any others that may be necessary for your role, with all of your student fees covered. That means gaining a degree without the normal debts!

Level 6 – Business to Business Sales Professional – degree

Is a degree apprenticeship up your street? We’ll help you know!

University

It is not necessary to go to university in order to pursue a successful career in the sales industry, however, your degree may give you some excellent foundations to go from once you enter the workplace. If you choose university as the best path for you, you will gain all the theoretical knowledge behind the sales sector that you’ll get to apply to your job when you graduate. At university you’ll get to pick your units, meaning you can alter your learning to suit your own interests and career prospects. Here are some potential sales degree subjects you could choose:

Sales and Marketing Management BA (Hons)
Sales BA (Hons)
Sales Management BA (Hons)

Want to find out what University could offer you? We have your back!

Graduate Jobs

If you have excellent communication skills, enthusiasm, confidence and good business acumen, a sales job once you graduate may be the perfect route for you. Many employers often recruit graduates straight from university. Most accept graduates of all degree backgrounds, as companies are instead focused on the self-discipline and motivation that comes with completing a degree. Others also offer graduate schemes to provide on-the-job training and formal mentoring with staff, but these are often highly competitive due to the highly lucrative nature of some sales roles which holds great appeal.

Want to know what graduate jobs are all about? We can help!

Other routes

The great thing about the sales industry is that you can go straight into a role from school, college or university, or even as a career change later in life. Many people choose to work their way up through the organisation after starting at a younger age. The sales industry is one that offers many chances to progress and quickly develop your career through promotions and increased responsibilities.

Why not check out roles in sales right now?

Career Progression, Discover Your Future

Marketing and sales directors

Work Description

Marketing and sales directors plan, organise and direct market research and formulate and implement an organisationâ€™s marketing and sales policies.

Qualification

Entry is generally via career progression from related occupations (e.g. Marketing Manager, Sales Manager). Entrants to the professional qualifications of the Chartered Institute of Marketing require GCSEs/S grades, A levels/H grades, a BTEC/SQA award, a degree or equivalent qualification and/or relevant experience.

Job Tasks

liaises with other senior staff to determine the range of goods or services to be sold; discusses employerâ€™s or clientsâ€™ requirements, plans and monitors surveys and analyses of customersâ€™ reactions to products; examines and analyses sales figures, advises on and monitors marketing campaigns and promotional activities; controls the recruitment and training of staff; produces and/or assesses reports and recommendations concerning marketing and sales strategies.

Related Jobs

Director, account Director, commercial Director, development, business Director, export Director, marketing Director, sales Director, sales and export Director, sales and marketing Director, technical Director Director Director Director Director Director Director of business development Director of marketing Director of sales Head of business development Head of commercial Head of communications Head of digital marketing Head of marketing Head of sales Owner Owner

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Buyers and procurement officers

Work Description

Buyers and procurement officers organise and undertake the buying of raw materials, equipment and merchandise from manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and other sources for wholesale distribution, resale or for own internal use.

Qualification

There are no formal academic requirements although some employers expect A levels/H grades, BTEC/SQA awards or degrees. Employers may ask for specific experience for a particular role. Professional qualifications and NVQs/SVQs in Procurement at Levels 2, 3 and 4 are available.

Job Tasks

attends trade fairs, shows and demonstrations to research new product lines and suppliers, checks catalogues; keeps up with market trends and chooses products/services; assesses budgetary limitations and customer requirements and decides on quantity, type, range and quality of goods or services to be bought; assesses bids from suppliers, finds suppliers and negotiates prices; helps negotiate contract with supplier and specifies details of goods or services required; looks at ways to improve supply networks, presents new ideas to senior management team; ensures that delivered items comply with order, monitors quality of incoming goods and returns unsatisfactory or faulty items, monitors performance and makes sure targets are met; supervises clerical, administrative and warehouse distribution staff, deals with recruitment and training; works closely with merchandisers who allocate stock and develop sales forecasts; maintains records and prepares reports as necessary.

Related Jobs

Administrator, contracts, purchasing Agent, buying Agent, purchasing Assistant, buying Assistant, purchasing Assistant, trading Buyer, advertising Buyer, fashion Buyer, media Buyer, print Buyer, space Buyer, store Buyer Buyer and estimator Consultant, purchasing Consultant, wine Controller, buying Controller, purchasing Coordinator, purchasing Coordinator, supplies Engineer, procurement Engineer, purchasing Estimator and buyer Executive, purchasing Manciple Oenologist Officer, contract Officer, contract Officer, contracts Officer, contracts Officer, procurement Officer, purchasing Officer, supplies, chief Officer, supplies Officer, supply, armament Officer, supply Planner, demand Planner, merchandise Planner, supply Purchaser Salesman-buyer Selector, range Specialist, chain, supply

Estimated Pay

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Business sales executives

Work Description

Business sales executives provide advice to existing and potential customers, and receive orders for specialist machinery, equipment, materials and other products or services that require technical knowledge.

Qualification

There are no formal academic requirements, although entrants usually possess academic qualifications and/or relevant experience in a particular profession or speciality. Training is usually on-the-job. Professional qualifications and NVQs/ SVQs at Levels 2 and 3 are available.

Job Tasks

discusses customer requirements and advises them on the capabilities and limitations of the goods or services being sold; quotes prices, credit details, delivery dates and payment arrangements and arranges for delivery and installation of goods if appropriate; makes follow up visits to ensure customer satisfaction and to obtain further orders; stays abreast of advances in product/field and suggests possible improvements to product or service; maintains records and accounts of sales made and handles customer complaints.

Related Jobs

Administrator, e-commerce Adviser, sales, technical Adviser, service, home Adviser, technical Agent, agricultural Agent, business Agent, commission Agent, commission Agent, commission Agent, commission Agent, engineer's Agent, manufacturer's Agent, publisher's Agent, sales Agent, textile Agent Agent Agent Assistant, gallery, art Consultant, leasing Consultant, sales Consultant, sales and marketing Consultant, shipping Consultant, technical Controller, area Controller, divisional Controller, retail Controller, sales Developer, business Engineer, commercial Engineer, consulting Engineer, consumers Engineer, development, business Engineer, marketing, product Engineer, sales Engineer, service, sales Engineer, support, sales Executive, account, corporate Executive, account, enterprise Executive, account Executive, accounts, national Executive, e-commerce Executive, sales Executive, sales and marketing Handler, account, sales Manager, territory Merchant Merchant Officer, liaison, medical Officer, sales Officer, support, sales Organiser, sales Planner, sales Representative, agricultural Representative, architectural Representative, company Representative, educational Representative, heating Representative, liaison Representative, medical Representative, publisher's Representative, sales, technical Representative, sales Representative, technical Representative Representative Representative Representative Salesman, cattle Salesman, commercial Salesman, commission Salesman, computer Salesman, delivery Salesman, export Salesman, fish Salesman, glazing, double Salesman, meat Salesman, outside Salesman, tea Salesman, technical Salesman, travelling Salesman, tyre Salesman, van Salesman, van Salesman, water, mineral Salesman, wool Salesman Salesman Salesman Salesman Salesman-mechanic Specialist, computer Specialist, product Specialist, products Specialist, sales Specialist Superintendent, sales Superintendent Supervisor, area Supervisor, sales Trader, grain Traveller, commercial Traveller

Estimated Pay

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Marketing associate professionals

Work Description

Marketing associate professionals assist in the development and implementation of projects which aim to elicit the preferences and requirements of consumers, businesses and other specified target groups so that suppliers may meet these needs.

Qualification

There are no formal academic requirements, although many entrants possess a BTEC/SQA award, A levels/H grades, a degree or equivalent qualification. Training is typically in-house, supplemented by short courses or professional qualifications provided by the Market Research Society. NVQs/SVQs in Marketing Research are available at Levels 3 and 4.

Job Tasks

discusses business methods, products or services and targets customer group with employer or client in order to identify marketing requirements; establishes an appropriate quantitative and qualitative market research methodology and prepares proposals outlining programmes of work and details of costs; collates and interprets findings of market research and presents results to clients; discusses possible changes that need to be made in terms of design, price, packaging, promotion etc. in light of market research with appropriate departments; briefs advertising team on client requirements, monitors the progress of advertising campaigns and liaises with client on potential modifications.

Related Jobs

Advertiser Adviser, marketing Adviser Agent, advertising Agent, leasing Agent, marketing Agent Analyst, chain, supply Analyst, marketing, digital Analyst, marketing Analyst, media, social Analyst, media Analyst, research, market Analyst, support, sales Analyst Assistant, development, business Assistant, marketing, digital Assistant, marketing, online Assistant, marketing, sales Assistant, media, digital Assistant, media, social Assistant, sales and marketing Associate, marketing Campaigner Consultant, advertising Consultant, client Consultant, fundraising Consultant, marketing, digital Consultant, marketing, internet Consultant, marketing Consultant, research, market Consultant, telemarketing Consultant, tourism Contractor, advertisement Contractor, advertising Controller, information, market Controller, marketing Controller, merchandise Controller, promotions Coordinator, account Coordinator, appeals Coordinator, digital Coordinator, marketing, digital Coordinator, marketing Coordinator, marketing and sales Coordinator, national, appeals, telephone Coordinator, promotion Coordinator, promotions Copywriter, creative, advertising Designer, service Developer, product Executive, account, digital Executive, account Executive, account Executive, accounts Executive, advertising Executive, client Executive, commercial Executive, development, business Executive, insights, consumer Executive, liaison, client Executive, marketing, content Executive, marketing, digital Executive, marketing, online Executive, marketing Executive, media, digital Executive, media Executive, project Executive, promotion, sales Executive, promotions Executive, relationship, client Executive, research, market Executive, research Fundraiser Hacker, growth Handler, account Marketer, digital Marketer, internet Marketer, music, digital Marketer, network Marketer, online Officer, appeal Officer, appeals Officer, commercial Officer, contract Officer, contracts Officer, development, donor Officer, development, marketing Officer, development, tourist Officer, development Officer, fundraising Officer, marketing, digital Officer, marketing Officer, promotion, sales Officer, research, market Organiser, appeals Planner, account, advertising Planner, media Raiser, fund Representative, account Researcher, market Specialist, marketing Specialist, product Specialist, products Storyteller, brand Storyteller Strategist, brand Strategist, marketing Superintendent, marketing Supervisor, account Supervisor, development, sales Supervisor, research, market Writer, advertisement Writer, copy, creative, advertising Writer, publicity

Estimated Pay

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Estate agents and auctioneers

Work Description

Estate agents and auctioneers arrange for the valuation, sale, purchase, rental and leasing of property on behalf of clients.

Qualification

There are no formal academic entry requirements although entrants to professional training via the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) will normally possess GCSEs/S grades, an NVQ/SVQ and/or relevant experience. Off- and on-the-job training is possible, and apprenticeships are available in some areas.

Job Tasks

discusses clientâ€™s requirements and may advise client on the purchase of property and land for investment and other purposes; conducts or arranges for structural surveys of properties and undertakes any necessary valuations of property or agricultural land; advises vendors and purchasers on market prices of property, accompanies clients to view property; markets the property on behalf of the vendor, prepares written information and press advertisements; negotiates land or property purchases, sales, leases or tenancy agreements and arranges legal formalities with solicitors, building societies and other parties; makes inventories of property for sale, advises vendor of suitable reserve price, issues catalogues, conducts auction, notes bids and records sale.

Related Jobs

Agent, estate Agent, house Agent, land Agent, land and estate Agent, letting Agent, property Agent, relocation Agent, site Agent, transfer, business Agent, viewing Agent Agent and valuer, land Assistant, agent's, estate Assistant, sales Auctioneer Auctioneer and valuer Consultant, letting Consultant, property Consultant, relocation Consultant, sales Inspector, property Negotiator, lettings Negotiator, sales Negotiator

Estimated Pay

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Sales accounts and business development managers

Work Description

Sales accounts and business development managers plan, organise and undertake market research to meet the requirements of an organisationâ€™s marketing and sales policies.

Qualification

Entrants to the professional qualifications of the Chartered Institute of Marketing require GCSEs/S grades, A levels/H grades, a BTEC/SQA award, an Advanced GNVQ/GSVQ Level III, a degree or equivalent qualification and/or relevant experience. NVQs/SVQs in sales and qualifications from other relevant professional bodies are available.

Job Tasks

liaises with other senior staff to determine the range of goods or services to be sold, contributes to the development of sales strategies and setting of sales targets; discusses employerâ€™s or clientâ€™s requirements, carries out surveys and analyses customersâ€™ reactions to product, packaging, price, etc.; compiles and analyses sales figures, prepares proposals for marketing campaigns and promotional activities and undertakes market research; handles customer accounts; recruits and trains junior sales staff; produces reports and recommendations concerning marketing and sales strategies for senior management; keeps up to date with products and competitors.

Related Jobs

Controller, account, national Manager, account, digital Manager, account, national Manager, account, sales Manager, account, telesales Manager, account Manager, account Manager, agents, commission Manager, area, sales Manager, area Manager, area Manager, area Manager, brand Manager, category Manager, channel Manager, client Manager, commercial Manager, communications Manager, community Manager, contract Manager, contracts Manager, development, business Manager, development, corporate Manager, development, market Manager, development, marketing Manager, development, product Manager, development, sales Manager, district Manager, district Manager, e-commerce Manager, export Manager, field Manager, force, sales Manager, import Manager, label Manager, licensing Manager, market Manager, marketing, digital Manager, marketing, online Manager, marketing, product Manager, marketing Manager, merchandise Manager, merchandising Manager, operations, commercial Manager, pay-per-click Manager, PPC Manager, pricing Manager, product Manager, product Manager, production Manager, production Manager, products Manager, promotion, music Manager, promotion, sales Manager, promotions Manager, regional Manager, revenue, onboard Manager, rights Manager, sales, advertisement Manager, sales, advertising Manager, sales, area Manager, sales, district Manager, sales, export Manager, sales, field Manager, sales, regional Manager, sales, technical Manager, sales, telephone Manager, sales, territory Manager, sales Manager, sales and advertising Manager, sales and commercial Manager, sales and marketing Manager, sales and service Manager, service, client Manager, services, client Manager, services, client Manager, services, marketing Manager, strategy, business Manager, support, marketing Manager, support, sales Manager, team Manager, tele-marketing Manager, telemarketing Manager, telesales Manager Manager Manager Manager Manager Manager Manager

Estimated Pay

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Sales administrators

Work Description

Sales administrators provide support to the process of selling equipment, materials and other products or services.

Qualification

There are no minimum academic requirements, although entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades or equivalent qualifications. Training is normally provided on-the-job. NVQs/SVQs in Administration are available at Levels 1 and 2.

Job Tasks

provides information to customers on products and prices; fields telephone enquiries from prospective customers on behalf of the sales team; prepares sales invoices and maintains records and accounts of sales activity; handles customer complaints or forwards them to relevant member of sales team; carries out general clerical duties.

Related Jobs

Administrator, contracts, sales Administrator, marketing Administrator, office, sales Administrator, order, sales Administrator, retail Administrator, sales Administrator, support, sales Assistant, administration, sales Assistant, commercial Assistant, marketing Assistant, operations Assistant, sales, online Assistant, trading, eBay Clerk, administration, sales Clerk, office, sales Clerk, order, sales Clerk, sales Coordinator, sales Coordinator, sales and marketing

Estimated Pay

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Sales and retail assistants

Work Description

Sales and retail assistants demonstrate and sell a variety of goods and services in shops, stores, showrooms and similar establishments.

Qualification

No minimum academic qualifications are required although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically provided on-the-job. Apprenticeships and NVQs/SVQs in Retail Operations are available at various levels.

Job Tasks

discusses customer requirements, including type and price range of goods/services desired; advises customer on selection, purchase, use and care of merchandise and quotes prices, discounts and delivery times; advises customer making major purchase on credit terms and arranges finance as appropriate; receives full or partial payment, checks validity of form of payment, writes or prints bill, receipt or docket and packages merchandise for customer; arranges and replenishes goods on display stands, undertakes stock checks and assists with the receipt of deliveries from suppliers into the stock room; handles returns and deals with customer complaints.

Related Jobs

Adviser, customer Adviser, fashion Adviser, sales Adviser, service, customer Agent, cleaner's, dry Agent, dyer's Agent, laundry Agent, receiving, laundry Assistant, away, take Assistant, bakery Assistant, bookseller's Assistant, bookstall Assistant, centre, garden Assistant, confectioner and tobacconist Assistant, confectioner's Assistant, counter Assistant, customer Assistant, dairy Assistant, dairyman's Assistant, dealer's Assistant, delicatessen Assistant, draper's Assistant, floor, shop Assistant, florist's Assistant, fruiterer's Assistant, furrier's Assistant, grocer's Assistant, haberdashery Assistant, jeweller's Assistant, kiosk Assistant, mercer's Assistant, merchant's Assistant, NAAFI Assistant, newsagent's Assistant, off-licence Assistant, office, post Assistant, office, sub-post Assistant, operations Assistant, pawnbroker's Assistant, perfumer's Assistant, poulterer's Assistant, retail Assistant, room, sale Assistant, room, show Assistant, sales Assistant, seedsman's Assistant, service, customer Assistant, service, customer Assistant, services, customer Assistant, shop Assistant, stall, book Assistant, stationer's Assistant, store Assistant, stores Assistant, takeaway Assistant Assistant Associate, customer Associate, retail Associate, sales Athlete Attendant, kiosk Attendant, room, show Attendant, stores Bookseller Boy, programme Colleague, Asda Consultant, beauty Consultant, bridal Consultant, carpet Consultant, cosmetics Consultant, fashion Consultant, food Consultant, furniture Consultant, perfumery Consultant, sales Counsellor, beauty Counterhand Counterhand Counterman Counterman Cutter, cheese Dairyman Executive, sales, retail Fitter, shoe Hand, bacon Hand, first Hand, provision Help, part-time Helper, part-time Inspector, NAAFI Member, cast Member, team, customer Member, team Newsboy Operative, kiosk Operator, kiosk Player, team Receiver Salesman, bread Salesman, butcher's Salesman, counter Salesman, fish Salesman, fish and fruit Salesman, fish and poultry Salesman, fishmonger's Salesman, indoor Salesman, market Salesman, meat Salesman, milk Salesman, motor Salesman, retail Salesman, shop Salesman, showroom Salesman, television Salesman, TV Salesman, warehouse Salesman Salesman Seller, book Seller, book Seller, fish and chips Seller, programme Server Shopper, personal Stylist, personal Worker, retail Worker, shop Worker, shop Worker, shop

Estimated Pay

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Retail cashiers and check-out operators

Work Description

Retail cashiers and check-out operators accept payments from customers and give change in respect of sales or services.

Qualification

There are no minimum academic requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades or relevant experience. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/SVQs in Retail Operations are available at Levels 1 and 2.

Job Tasks

records cost of each item on cash register or by use of bar code reader and totals the amount to be paid; receives cash, cheque or debit or credit card payment, checks validity of form of payment, gives change and issues receipts for purchase; debits customerâ€™s account in respect of purchases or services; monitors fuel taken by self-service customers or refuels vehicle if required; maintains transaction records as requested.

Related Jobs

Adviser, customer Assistant, cash and wrap Assistant, check-out Assistant, forecourt Assistant, garage Assistant, general Assistant, petrol Assistant, sales, forecourt Assistant, sales, petrol Assistant, sales, supermarket Assistant, sales Assistant, scanner Assistant, scanning Assistant, shop, forecourt Assistant, station, petrol Assistant, supermarket Assistant, till Attendant, forecourt Attendant, garage Attendant, petrol Attendant, pump, petrol Attendant, pump Attendant, station, filling Attendant, station, petrol Attendant, station, service Cashier, check-out Cashier, forecourt Cashier, sales Cashier, shop Cashier, station, petrol Cashier, supermarket Cashier Cashier Cashier Cashier Cashier Checker-out Clerk, check-out Clerk, EPOS Clerk, scanner Clerk, scanning Controller, EPOS Member, team, customer Operative, check-out Operator, cash and wrap Operator, check-out Operator, consol Operator, console Operator, EPOS Operator, scanner Operator, scanning Operator, till Pumpman Refueller Salesman, forecourt Salesman, petrol

Estimated Pay

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Telephone salespersons

Work Description

Telephone salespersons obtain, receive, process and record telephone orders for goods and services.

Qualification

Academic qualifications may be required. Training is typically received on-the-job, supplemented by short courses in practical skills. NVQs/SVQs in Selling are available at Levels 2 and 3.

Job Tasks

learns about the product(s)/service(s) to be sold; telephones potential customers, explains purpose of call, discusses their requirements and advises on the goods/services being offered; quotes prices, credit terms and delivery conditions and records details of orders agreed; receives orders for goods/services by telephone and records relevant details; arranges despatch of goods and services, information and/or brochures to customers; maintains record of sales statistics, customers contacted and changes to customer details.

Related Jobs

Adviser, sales, inbound Adviser, sales, media Adviser, sales Adviser, telemarketing Adviser, telesales Agent, sales, inbound Agent, sales, telephone Agent, telemarketing Agent, telesales Assistant, marketing, telephone Assistant, sales, telephone Assistant, telemarketing Assistant, telesales Canvasser, tele-ad Canvasser, telephone Canvasser, telesales Clerk, order, telephone Clerk, sales, telephone Clerk, tele-ad Clerk, telesales Consultant, sales, tele Consultant, telesales Correspondent, sales Executive, sales, commercial Executive, sales, telephone Executive, sales Executive, telemarketing Executive, telesales Girl, tele-ad Operative, telesales Operator, line, order Operator, sales, telephone Operator, telemarketing Operator, telesales Representative, sales, telephone Representative, tele-ad Representative, telemarketing Representative, telesales Salesman, telephone Telecanvasser Telemarketer Telephonist, marketing Telephonist, sales

Estimated Pay

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Pharmacy and other dispensing assistants

Work Description

Pharmacy and other dispensing assistants work under the supervision of pharmacists or other relevant health professionals to dispense drugs and medicines, issue pre-packaged prescriptions, sell over-the-counter medication, dispense spectacles and contact lenses and other related products.

Qualification

Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically received on-the-job, supplemented by study towards vocational qualifications. NVQs/ SVQs are available in relevant areas and at various levels, and apprenticeships may be available.

Job Tasks

checks received prescriptions for legality and accuracy and confirms patientsâ€™ or customersâ€™ details; maintains records of prescriptions received and drugs issued; checks stock levels, rotates stock, orders new stock from supplying companies and ensures that products are stored appropriately; arranges displays of merchandise; relays information to customers under the direction of pharmacist or other health professional; carries out sales transaction, wraps and packages goods.

Related Jobs

Adviser, healthcare Adviser, optical Adviser, sales, optical Assistant, care, health Assistant, chemist's Assistant, chemist's Assistant, counter, medicines Assistant, counter, pharmacy Assistant, counter Assistant, counter Assistant, dispensary Assistant, dispenser's Assistant, dispensing, optical Assistant, dispensing, pharmacy Assistant, dispensing Assistant, dispensing Assistant, healthcare Assistant, lens, contact Assistant, optical Assistant, optician's Assistant, optometristâ€™s Assistant, pharmaceutical Assistant, pharmacist's Assistant, pharmacy Assistant, sales Assistant, shop, chemistâ€™s Consultant, optical Dispenser, chemist Dispenser, pharmacy Dispenser Officer, technical, assistant

Estimated Pay

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers

Work Description

Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers sell new and used vehicles to the general public, and vehicle accessories and parts to garages, vehicle dealerships and the general public.

Qualification

There are no formal academic requirements for entry but some employers may ask for GCSEs and/or some previous relevant work experience. Apprenticeships may be available in some areas. Vehicle salespersons generally require a full, clean driving licence.

Job Tasks

discusses customerâ€™s requirements, advises on most appropriate vehicle, explains its features and arranges test drive; negotiates sale price including any â€˜trade-inâ€™ and extra accessories, works out finance arrangements and completes sales paperwork; carries out pre-delivery inspection and formal hand-over of vehicle to customer; updates stock record, orders new vehicles from manufacturer, buys in used cars; receives orders for parts by phone, email or in person and checks availability on stock record; obtains parts from store or orders from suppliers; organises delivery of parts and handles payment; orders new supplies, arranges storage and updates stock records.

Related Jobs

Adviser, parts Adviser, sales, car Adviser, sales, vehicle Assistant, parts Assistant, sales, vehicle Consultant, sales Coordinator, parts Executive, sales, car Executive, sales, fleet Executive, sales, vehicle Man, parts, vehicle, motor Operative, parts, vehicle Partsman Representative, sales, parts Representative Salesman, car Salesman, parts Seller, car Technician, parts

Estimated Pay

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Sales supervisors

Work Description

Sales supervisors oversee operations and directly supervise and coordinate the activities of sales and related workers in retail and wholesale establishments.

Qualification

No minimum academic qualifications are required although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades or A levels/H grades along with relevant work experience. NVQs/SVQs in Retail Operations are available at Levels 1 and 2, and apprenticeships may be available in some areas. Professional qualifications are relevant in some areas of selling and may be an advantage.

Job Tasks

directly supervises and coordinates the activities of sales and related workers; establishes and monitors work schedules to meet sales and productivity targets; liaises with managers and other departments to resolve operational problems; determines or recommends staffing and other needs to meet sales and productivity targets; reports as required to managerial staff on departmental activities.

Related Jobs

Assistant, senior Checker Controller, deli Controller, till Foreman, dairy Foreman, district Foreman, forecourt Foreman, rounds Foreman, shop Foreman Foreman Foreman Foreman Inspector, round Inspector, rounds Leader, section Leader, team, operation, sales Leader, team, telesales Leader, team Manager, bakery Manager, check-out Manager, clothing Manager, concession Manager, concessions Manager, counter, trade Manager, counter Manager, department Manager, depot Manager, floor Manager, food, fresh Manager, forecourt Manager, goods, dry Manager, grocery Manager, line Manager, parts Manager, produce Manager, product Manager, provisions Manager, replenishment Manager, section Manager, trading Superintendent, floor Superintendent Supervisor, cash Supervisor, centre, service Supervisor, check-out Supervisor, counter Supervisor, kiosk Supervisor, market Supervisor, produce Supervisor, retail Supervisor, room, show Supervisor, sales Supervisor, sales Supervisor, shop Supervisor, store Supervisor, supermarket Supervisor, telesales Supervisor, trade Supervisor Walker, floor Walker, shop

Estimated Pay

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

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