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Sales executives promote products and services to customers and negotiate contracts with the aim of maximising profits.

Sales executives are the key point of contact between an organisation and its clients: answering queries, offering advice and introducing new products.

Their work includes:

• organising sales visits

• demonstrating and presenting products

• establishing new business

• maintaining accurate records

• attending trade exhibitions, conferences and meetings

• reviewing sales performance

• negotiating contracts and packages

• aiming to achieve monthly or annual targets.

Promotional prospects are excellent - progression can be into senior sales roles or into related employment areas such as marketing or management.

Qualifications and training required

There are routes into sales for both university graduates and school leavers.

Any degree subject is acceptable, although relevant qualifications are preferred for some positions, particularly within medical or technical sales.

Relevant experience gained in any commercial area involving contact with customers or the general public can be beneficial. Larger employers run vacation courses and placements which can give a useful insight into the profession. Job shadowing, networking and speculative applications are advisable.

Key skills for sales executives

• Maturity

• Confidence

• Perseverance

• Patience

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Commercial awareness

• IT skills

• Numerical skills

A full driving licence is often essential for jobs. Being able to speak more than one language fluently is also a useful skill.

Typical employers of sales executives

• Manufacturers

• Service industries

• Retailers

• Industrial organisations

• Charities

Staff with specialist knowledge are employed in industries such as pharmaceutical, healthcare and publishing.