Requirements
For getting started in sales, unlike the medical or legal professions, experience and talent are more important than education. A college or advanced degree can't hurt—and may be required in more technical fields such as biotechnology or telecommunications—but a proven sales record is generally the most attractive feature to a potential employer. Areas such as real estate and financial services may require a state license or certification, and employers often provide any additional training needed. Recent college grads with little or no sales experience can boost their chances of getting hired by learning as much as possible about the companies they'd like to work for. Salespeople need a comprehensive knowledge of their product or service, regardless of how much or how little education they have. Most important, they need to be able to communicate that information effectively. Even without a compelling sales record, a candidate can impress an interviewer by displaying the traits necessary to succeed in sales. Recruiters want people who are outgoing, optimistic, loyal, personable, and highly motivated. The ideal candidates will be organized, flexible, and thick-skinned—rejection comes with the territory. A good sense of humor and good grooming are also required. Though it probably won't be explicitly stated at the job interview, the salesperson may mean the difference between a purchase and a dismissal from a potential buyer; first impressions are everything, so making a good one at your interview is essential. If you're not the kind of person who can cope well with the prospect of a significant portion of your total compensation being generated by commissions, you should take that into account as you think about different possible sales careers, or consider another, less pressure-packed line of work.