Many people think that Sales Jobs and Marketing Jobs are the same. However, this is not the case. Sales is one activity of the entire marketing process. A Marketing job involves finding out what product or service customers want, presenting a product with the appropriate features and qualities, and then promoting the product by telling the customers why they should buy it. Sales is the act of persuading a customer to buy a product or service. Marketing normally supports the sales effort and acts as a source for stimulating sales. Generally, marketing activities occur before a sales process. However, they sometimes can follow the sale as well to pave the way for future sales and referrals.

To start a career in the sales and marketing field, a wide range of educational backgrounds are suitable. A bachelor’s degree in psychology, literature, sociology, journalism, among other subjects, are acceptable. However, requirements may vary depending on the company and its products. Many employers prefer candidates with some experience in the field. Those interested in sales and marketing jobs should be mature, highly motivated, creative, flexible, resistant to stress, and decisive. The skill of communicating persuasively with other managers, staff, and the public is vital. They should also have good judgment and exceptional ability to establish and maintain effective personal relationships with supervisory and professional staff members and client firms.

Compensation packages in sales and marketing jobs vary significantly by the type of firm and the products sold. Most companies use a combination of salary and commissions or salary plus bonus. Commissions depend on the amount of sales, whereas bonuses may depend on individual, team or company performance. In any case, sales and marketing executives can expect annual earnings between $40,000 to $80,000 and above. In addition, most companies reimburse the executives for expenses such as transportation costs, meals, hotels, and entertaining customers. They often receive benefits such as health and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, a company car and more.

Sales and marketing executives spend much of their time traveling and visiting with current clients and potential buyers. They discuss the client’s needs and they explain to the client how their products or services can meet those needs. They show samples or catalogs that describe the products of their company and tell customers about prices and availability. They describe ways in which their products can save customer’s money and/or boost their productivity. Sometimes they have to emphasize some unique qualities of their products and services.

Because of the importance and high visibility of these jobs, sales and marketing executives are often prime candidates for advancement. Experienced, well trained, and successful employees get promotions to higher positions within their own or other companies.

Sales and marketing jobs provide the challenge that some people search for. There is always a scope for new techniques to learn, cases to study, and strategies to research. If you possess the above characteristics, you could be a good candidate for entering and being successful in the field of sales and marketing. This field offers a number of career opportunities, so choose one that reflects your interest, values, and personal style.