Career Change from Sales: Guide + 15 New Job Ideas
Are you considering a career change from sales? This guide will show you how!
Why Consider a Career Change from Sales?
A career in sales can be rewarding, but sometimes you need a change. Sales is a high-pressure job. Meeting quotas is tough, and burnout is common. You may feel that your sales job is too unpredictable or want to try something new.
Ready to move on from your sales career?
Moving on to something else new and exciting is very possible.
What This Guide Will Cover
This guide will show you how to make your best career transition from sales into a new field. For personalized guidance on how to get out of sales, reach out to Hidden Gem Career Coaching today!
Identifying the Need for a Career Change
If your sales job is getting you down, it may be time for a change.
Signs It’s Time to Get Out of Sales
When working in sales is draining your energy, it may be time to move on. Here are some signs that it’s time to make a change:
Prolonged Burnout and Stress
Sales jobs can involve hours of dedicated effort with no guarantee of reward. Over time, the daily pressure to meet your targets can get tiresome and lead to burnout.
Lack of Professional Development Opportunities
Sometimes, employers see training, mentoring, coaching, and leadership conferences as an unnecessary expense. If you can't move into management or leadership roles, you may stall your career.
Unrealistic Quotas and Expectations
Unrealistic quotas can make salespeople feel anxious, fearful, and cynical. If you feel ineffective and unmotivated, the job may take a toll on your mental health.
Loss of Interest and Passion for Sales
Sales jobs have ups and downs, and it can be hard to maintain consistent effort and momentum. After extended periods of difficult or slow sales, it’s easy to lose interest in the work.
Understanding Your Motivation for Transitioning Out of Sales
If you’re thinking of leaving sales, take stock of your situation.
Analyzing Why You Want to Leave Sales
When you want a different career, understanding why you feel this way can help you plan for the future. If you feel overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated, you should look for better work.
Reflecting on What You Want in a New Career
As you're thinking about new jobs, you can start imagining what life will be like when you move forward. Visualizing what you want in a new job can help you discover how to transition from sales. Once you have a new path in mind, you can develop a strategy for acquiring the skills you need to reach your goals.
Identifying What’s Missing in Your Sales Career
Many people transition out of sales careers that fail to fulfill their needs, such as:
Work-Life Balance
Jobs with predictable hours can help you make time to enjoy life outside work.
Job Stability
Having reliable work makes it easier to schedule your time and plan for the future.
Personal Fulfillment
Aligning your work with your values can lead to personal fulfillment. People who feel their work has purpose and meaning often have more satisfying careers. Changing careers can help you earn more money, gain more freedom, achieve honors in your field, or devote time to helping others.
Transferable Skills: Leveraging Your Sales Experience in a New Career
Working in sales builds transferable skills you can leverage in a new career.
Key Skills Gained from Sales That Are Valuable in Other Fields
As you’re planning to transition out of sales, you’ll be happy to know that many key sales skills are transferable. Communication, negotiation, relationship management, problem-solving, lead generation, and time management skills are valuable in many roles.
Communication and Negotiation
Strong communicators know how to work well with managers, colleagues, and customers. Confidence, emotional intelligence, and active listening can help you collaborate and negotiate effectively. Being assertive and articulate can lead to good outcomes.
Relationship Management
Building strong professional relationships can be key to achieving career success. Relationship management includes “soft skills” like active listening, empathy, problem-solving, and analysis. These skills can foster mutually beneficial business outcomes.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Problem-solving and critical thinking help you find solutions to work issues. You should be able to describe the steps you might take to solve a problem and how you would evaluate the outcome.
Time Management and Organization
Time management skills like planning, prioritizing, and goal-setting help you finish work on schedule. Being organized and structured helps you be productive and meet your deadlines.
Exploring Alternative Careers for Sales Professionals
Adaptable sales professionals can find success in a variety of careers. As you’re looking for jobs to transition out of sales, consider these options:
Careers in Marketing
Marketing Specialist
Use your sales experience to lead successful marketing campaigns as a marketing specialist.
Public Relations Strategist
Use your people skills to manage a company’s communication strategy.
Social Media Manager
Use your insights into consumer behavior to develop a brand’s social media presence.
Transitioning to Account Management and Customer Success
Account Manager
Maintain and grow relationships with existing clients, focusing on customer retention and satisfaction.
Customer Success Manager
Ensure that clients are happy with the company’s offerings to build customer loyalty.
Corporate Roles: A Natural Shift for Sales Professionals
Operations Manager
Oversee day-to-day business operations, ensuring efficiency and productivity.
Business Analyst
Analyze business processes and data to improve organizational efficiency.
Corporate Strategist
Develop long-term strategies for business growth using your knowledge of market dynamics.
Consultant
Offer specialized advice to businesses, using your sales experience to guide strategic decisions.
Transitioning into Tech and Data Roles
Data Scientist
Use your analytical skills to evaluate data and help companies make informed decisions.
Sales Engineer
Combine your sales experience with technical expertise to help clients understand complex products.
Product Manager
Use your insight into customers’ needs to oversee a product’s development and launch.
Non-Corporate Career Paths for Former Salespeople
Entrepreneurship
Start and run your own business, applying your sales skills to drive growth and success.
Teaching
Educate others in business- or sales-related subjects using your communication skills.
Recruitment
Use your sales experience to identify and place top talent in organizations.
How to Successfully Transition Out of Sales
If you're wondering how to get out of your sales job, keep reading. To transition out of sales, you should research your career options, upskill, and plan out your next steps.
Create a Career Change Action Plan
When "I want to get out of sales" is all you can think about, remember to pause and prepare to move into an exciting new role.
Start with "Why": Clarify Your Reasons for Leaving Sales
Consider why you want to leave sales. Identify the exact reasons you want to move into another field and write them down. You may want more money, opportunities to grow, more autonomy, or a better work-life balance. Also, take note of things you dislike about your current job so you can avoid them in your new role.
Conduct a Transferable Skills Audit
Make a list of your existing skills and talents before you choose a different career path. Strong communication skills and adaptability will be valuable in many new roles. Also, think about how you can acquire the skills you need to do the work you love in your new career.
Research Job Opportunities That Align with Your Skills
Once you’ve identified your strengths, research to find jobs that match your talents and interests. For example, if you're a part-time influencer, you might try working full-time as a social media manager.
Update Your Resume and Cover Letter for a Career Transition
To get a new job, you’ll need to rework your resume. Spotlight the skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the new roles you want. Your cover letter should explain why your sales background is an asset.
Network and Build Connections in Your Desired Industry
Networking is a great way to meet people who can help you find a new job in your desired field. Meeting in person gives you a chance to shine and put your communication skills on display. It also gives you a chance to ask questions about what life is actually like on the job.
Continuing Education and Gaining New Qualifications
To get the role you want, you may need to acquire new qualifications. After you identify the specific skills you’ll need, think about how you’ll get them. Enrolling in online coursework and continuing education programs can help you land a new job.
Overcoming Challenges in a Career Transition from Sales
Dealing with Fear and Uncertainty During the Transition
Fear is a natural reaction to facing the unknown, but don’t let it get you down. Realize that it can be challenging to try something new, and focus on success.
Managing Financial Considerations During a Career Change
Before you change careers, get your finances in order. Pay down debt, build up your savings, create an emergency fund, and make a monthly budget. Think about how you will cover expenses like childcare, clothes, and equipment. Try to keep working while you transition to maintain your financial security.
Staying Motivated and Handling Setbacks
Starting a new career can be exciting. To stay motivated, set realistic goals. Keep your eye on the prize and be patient and adaptable. Celebrating your wins will help you build resilience. If you face a setback, think of it as a learning opportunity and reach out to your mentors for support.
Success Stories: Real-Life Examples of Career Transitions from Sales
When you're working out how to pivot out of sales, success stories can keep you motivated.
From Sales to Marketing: Kyle Coleman’s Journey
Kyle Coleman, Sr., is currently Vice President of Marketing at Clari. He uses the listening and communication skills he built in sales to drive his marketing team to success. Learn more about his story here.
Other folks have used their sales skills to become successful entrepreneurs. A background in sales made it easier to attract new customers and grow their business.
Embrace Your New Career Path with Confidence
Thinking about how to transition out of sales can be daunting, but with proper planning, you can move forward. When you want to expand your horizons, it's nice to know you can use your sales experience to begin a new career.
Additional Resources for Career Changers
Books, Websites, and Tools to Support Your Transition
Books
48 Days to the Work You Love, by Dan Miller
60 Seconds & You’re Hired, by Robin Ryan
Atomic Habits, by James Clear
Limitless, by Jim Kwik
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey
The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks
Websites
Career Testing
Professional Networks and Organizations for Career Changers
How to Stay Updated with Industry Trends in Your New Field
When you start a new career, it's important to stay updated with industry trends in your chosen field. To stay ahead of the pack, read trade publications, attend conferences and webinars, and join online forums.
Free Career Change Consultation
Contact Us Today for Personalized Career Change Support
When you're ready to leave your sales job, Hidden Gem Career Coaching can get you there with our career transition coaching service. Schedule a free career change consultation today!
