If you are considering a career change or are just entering the job market for the first time, you may have given some thought to working as a sales manager. The following information will help shed some light on what this position entails and how you can increase your chances of being hired as a sales manager.
Responsibilities
A sales manager wears many hats. For example, in one work day, he or she may need to fill in for an absent worker while simultaneously making executive decisions. Managers must hold monthly meetings with staff members to help ensure that sales quotas are met, track each worker's overall job performance, and keep morale high.
Staying abreast of the department’s financial affairs is another must for sales managers. According to the well-respected business magazine Entrepreneur, sales managers are responsible for setting up monthly sales objectives that will be reported on superiors.
Education and Experience
A sales manager's daily duties may seem intimidating to some people, and they can be, but practice makes perfect. This is why most companies want prospective sales managers to have a few years of managerial experience before they will be considered for a position. Some companies may, however, be willing to take a chance on an applicant with extensive sales knowledge as opposed to actual work experience.
College experience can also help get your foot in the door of a company. Prospective sales managers with degrees in business or marketing are more likely to be hired. Classes in these fields come with a definite price tag, but they can give you a competitive edge over other applicants who may not have received degrees.
Salary and Job Outlook
Sales manager salaries vary based on factors such as job experience, education, location and the company’s products. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a sales manager in 2012 was more than $100,000. BLS officials have concluded that job opportunities for sales managers will continue to grow at an average rate during the next seven years. This is promising news for people who are interested in becoming sales managers.
