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Why Your First Job Should Be in Sales

Written by: Allison Webster- IYN Metroland Media
Published on: Sep 28, 2017

Photo credit: Thinkstock

When you’re young and looking to enter the workforce as a full-time employee for the first time, there are many avenues you can take. Many new applicants seeking employment in their field (related to their education, interests and skills) struggle to demonstrate that they have the experience and know-how to do the job right.

 

One way to get real-world job experience and gain numerous transferable skills is to apply for a job in sales. The dynamic world of sales can offer new workers many opportunities to learn valuable lessons and skills in an entry-level position.

 

If you work for just one year in sales, you will learn enough to guide you through wherever your career takes you in the future. For starters, you can learn the value of hard work. A sales position is perfect for teaching employees how to work. These positions tend to include seeking prospective clients, making cold calls and working on commission, which help to build confidence and drive in new employees.

 

Communicating is a huge part of working in sales, but it is valuable in all other job sectors as well. Gaining confidence in your communication skills through a sales job will transfer well to another career, should you choose to move on to something different in the future. Through making sales calls, you will be exposed to a wide assortment of people. Whether you’re selling advertising or selling products or services (door to door or over the phone), this experience will help you to become a more assertive and confident communicator.

 

Rejection is a part of life, and it’s certainly something you will have to face in the workforce. Sales jobs come with many rewards — making that first sale, reaching targets or exceeding them. However, one aspect that can be very challenging is the rejection you will face. Don’t let this dissuade you! Learning to face rejection with professionalism and grace is character building. Learn from your mistakes and become better at your job because of them, not in spite of them. You can make adjustments to your technique and improve your communication skills to turn your failures into successes.

 

If after a year in a sales position you decide it’s not for you, that’s okay. You will have gained so much that you can use in both your personal and professional lives that the time will not have been wasted. On the flip side, you may discover that you have a knack for the vocation, and decide to continue to grow and develop in the world of sales. There are plenty of opportunities to make a good living and have a rewarding career in sales