What do you do if you want to showcase your transferable skills for a career change into Outside Sales?

1 Identify Strengths

Your journey into outside sales begins with a deep dive into your existing skill set. Reflect on your past roles and pinpoint the skills that align with the demands of outside sales. Are you an effective communicator? Do you have a knack for building relationships or solving problems? Highlight these strengths in your resume and cover letter by providing specific examples of how you've demonstrated them in your current or previous roles. Remember, it's not just about stating that you have these skills, but showing how they've positively impacted your work.

2 Tailor Your Resume

Tailoring your resume for a career in outside sales means emphasizing the skills that are most relevant to the role. Focus on experiences that showcase your ability to negotiate, persuade, and close deals, even if they weren't in a sales context. For instance, if you've managed projects, coordinated events, or led teams, these experiences speak to your organizational and leadership abilities. Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible to create a strong impression.

3 Leverage Networking

Networking is a powerful tool when transitioning to outside sales. Connect with professionals in the field to gain insights and advice. Attend industry events, join sales-related groups on social media, and reach out to contacts who might help you understand the nuances of the role. Through these interactions, you can also learn about potential job opportunities and get referrals, which can be crucial in landing a position.

4 Practice Your Pitch

In outside sales, your ability to pitch effectively can make or break a deal. Practice pitching yourself as the perfect candidate for a sales role by highlighting your transferable skills and how they will benefit your potential employer. Create a compelling narrative around your career change, focusing on your enthusiasm for sales and your readiness to tackle new challenges. This pitch will be invaluable during networking events and job interviews.

5 Gain Knowledge

To succeed in outside sales, you need to understand the products or services you'll be selling and the market you'll be operating in. Start educating yourself about the industry you're interested in by reading trade publications, following industry news, and studying successful sales strategies. This proactive approach will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment and initiative to potential employers.

6 Volunteer Experience

If you lack direct experience in sales, consider volunteering for roles that allow you to practice selling and engaging with customers. Many organizations seek volunteers for fundraising or event promotion, which can provide you with a platform to hone your sales skills. This hands-on experience can be a valuable addition to your resume and give you concrete examples of your sales potential to discuss with prospective employers.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?