Why is sales a great career for graduates?
There’s a high earning potential - One of the biggest attractions of a career in sales! Roles often include a base salary plus commission. The harder your work, the more you earn! Unlike fixed-salary jobs, sales rewards effort.
There’s rapid career progression - Many companies promote from within, and it’s common for high-performing graduates to move into management positions within a few years.
Sales teaches and develops transferable skills - From communication to negotiation, equipping you with essential skills that are highly valued across all industries
There are diverse opportunities - Whether you’re interested in technology, pharmaceuticals, recruitment, or finance, there’s a demand for sales professionals in every sector. This flexibility allows you to choose an industry that aligns with your interests and strengths. Every company needs salespeople.
For ambitious graduates, sales is an excellent stepping stone into business, marketing, and leadership roles.
What are he top skills needed for a graduate sales career?
To succeed in sales, you need:
- Communication - Convincing, negotiating, and explaining products clearly.
- Resilience - Learn to handle rejection and keep moving forward.
- Adaptability - Adjust your approach for different customers
- Time management - Prioritise leads and close deals efficiently
- Confidence & Initiative - Take charge in conversations and decision-making
Not all of these skills need to be fully developed before you start, as many graduate sales schemes offer extensive training!
What do sales graduates do?
Your daily tasks may include:
Cold calling & prospecting - Finding new customers.
Building client relationships - understanding clients and offering solutions.
Negotiating & closing deals - persuading customers to buy.
Hitting targets - Meeting sales goals to earn bonuses.
Attending meetings & events - networking and learning about industry trends.
Some roles are office-based, while others involve field sales and travel.
Why should graduates consider a job in sales?
“Sales is hard but the rewards can be amazing financially. Think about what motivates you outside of work and consider how hard you are willing to work and how often you are willing to be rejected at the beginning in order to achieve long-term goals” ~ Owen Gill
What types of graduate sales jobs are there?
Graduate sales careers come in different forms:
B2B Sales: Sell to businesses rather than individuals.
B2C Sales: Sell directly to customers, like in retail.
Inside Sales: Sell remotely via calls, emails, and online demos.
Field Sales: Meet clients face-to-face.
Account Management: Maintain and grow customer relationships.
Each type offers unique challenges and opportunities, so research roles carefully before applying.
Tips to secure your first sales role
1. Choose your industry
Looking for sales jobs? Start by picking the right industry. Sales exists in nearly every sector, but popular choices for graduates include:
- Technology (SaaS and IT solutions)
- Pharmaceuticals
- Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)
- Recruitment
2. Craft a winning sales CV and cover letter
Your CV and cover letter should include:
• Strong communication skills
• Confidence
• A results-driven mindset
3. Ace your sales interview
3 Common Questions & How to Answer:
• “Why do you want a career in sales?” ? Show enthusiasm for the industry and highlight key skills.
• “How do you handle rejection?” ? Demonstrate resilience with a real-life example.
• “Sell me this pen.” ? Showcase persuasion skills and ability to identify customer needs.
Practising answers and researching the company will boost your confidence. You can find more Graduate sales interview questions to practice HERE!
Final thoughts: Is a career in sales right for you?
A graduate sales career isn’t for everyone. But if you’re ambitious, resilient, and love working with people, it could be perfect for you. Sales rewards effort, offers fantastic progression, and builds skills that last a lifetime.
If you’re ready to launch your graduate sales career, check out the latest graduate sales jobs on GRB and take your first step toward a successful career in sales!
FAQs
1. Do I need a specific degree to get into sales?
No, most sales roles are open to graduates from any discipline. Employers focus on skills rather than degrees.
2. How much can I earn in a graduate sales job?
Graduate sales salaries can start between £22-28,000, but commission boost earnings.
3. Is sales a good career for introverts?
Yes! Sales isn't just about talking; it’s about listening and understanding customer needs. Many successful salespeople are introverts.
4. What is the hardest part of a sales job?
Handling rejection and staying motivated when facing challenges. However, resilience and training help overcome this.
5. How quickly can I progress in a sales career?
Many graduates move into senior or managerial roles within 1-3 years, depending on performance.
6. Do I need sales experience to apply for a graduate role?
Not always. Employers look for enthusiasm, communication skills, and a willingness to learn over direct experience.
