The sales industry has never been more competitive, so staying ahead is crucial. To make your mark in this industry, you’ll need continuous upskilling and development to remain a high performer. Considering many jobs in the sales industry are commission-based, there are plenty of incentives to be at the top of your game.
Here are a few ways you can stay competitive in 2024 by reskilling, upskilling, or improving your job search skills.
Engage in personal development activities
Personal development can mean something different to everybody, but ultimately, it’s about improving everyday skills that can be useful anywhere. For example, time management is often considered a professional skill, but the principles can be used just as well in family life as in the office. Numerous other examples of personal development are out there, such as communicating with influence or dealing with conflict.
These personal development skills give you an advantage over the competition, which is crucial in a competitive job market. Personal development doesn’t even need to be structured training. Let’s say you’re afraid of public speaking, or you just never felt you were good at it. Simply finding a way to practice and overcome this fear is a form of personal development. It’s also one that could help you at any stage of your career.
Refine your resume
If you’re serious about upskilling and improving your career prospects, you probably need to also update your resume. If you’ve been using the same tired resume for years, it’s a good idea to refresh it anyway. Update it with a more modern layout and terminology so that it’s fresh and relevant for employers. Remember, the recruitment landscape, as is the sales industry, is always changing. So, keeping your resume up to date shows that you’re ready to take hold of new challenges.
If you’re looking for work, Salexo can help you refine your resume, but it’s about making it stand out in the modern world. Even understanding how applicant tracking systems work and adjusting your resume accordingly, can open up a world of opportunities.
Be the master of your own development
Most reputable employers in the sales industry offer staff training and development opportunities. But sometimes, these opportunities fall flat. Either the topics aren’t relevant to your desired career path, or courses simply don’t match your current level of experience. So, if you’re not happy with the training you’re provided, it’s time to take control.
The internet is a vast web of resources, and most of the time, it’s completely free to expand your knowledge. Start keeping up with industry news. Take a short course in a particular aspect of sales that interests you. There is so much to learn, and not all learning and development requires a certificate at the end. Becoming an expert for yourself can lead to amazing career opportunities.
Create a new job search plan
Sometimes, a change in approach is all that’s required to give yourself an edge. Sit down and think about how you’ve been searching for jobs up until now. If it hasn’t been working as well as you’d like, it’s time to make a change. For example, have you considered speaking to a recruitment agency or specialist? Salexo helps countless individuals find a new job or career pathway, so perhaps we can do similar for you.
Also, look at the way you apply for jobs. Do you use a generic resume and cover letter? It might be time to personalise each cover letter. Maybe you just need to allocate a set amount of time each day to find a new job. Make a clear plan today and stick to it.
Need help looking for work?
Salexo offers a wide range of services to both candidates and employers. Primarily focusing on the sales industry, we offer recruitment and HR consulting as well as matching exceptional candidates to vacant jobs. Whether you need help staying competitive in the sales industry or getting into your first sales job, we’re here to help. Contact our friendly team today and find out how we can help.
