Sales Jobs

Sales jobs in manufacturing, biotechnology and service companies are on the rise. Many companies are doing better now and are looking to fill sales jobs that they have put off for the past several years.

However, sales jobs have changed dramatically. No longer are companies looking for hard-hitters. The focus of sales jobs has changed from selling products to selling value. Relationships are more and more important in sales jobs. Sales personnel must also be good listeners. Find out what the customer needs, then provide it.

Salaries in sales jobs have also shown a gain - 6 percent on average. Base salaries from a vice president of sales can reach $350,000 in larger companies.

Most consumer-products companies are not adding new sales jobs, but upgrading the level of executive talent. They are looking for candidates with experience in selling to "big-box retailers" -- such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Sales jobs involve being able to persuade a retailer to carry the product they are pitching, explain why it is better than the product that will have to be removed to make space. Companies will seek proof of a sales executive's expertise before filling sales jobs. Sales jobs are no longer just sales. Successful candidates will have to be resourceful and exude confidence. Computer networking will be a necessity.