How to Move from Sales in One Industry to Sales in Another

A sales professional in a technical or complex niche often closes the deal based on experience and knowledge. Experts providing sales training teach professionals to educate customers rather than push products. If a decline in your niche or other factors mean you need to make a change, it can be difficult to carry your skills to another industry. Understanding the best way to create a resume, interview, and network can help you land your next sales job.

Approach your resume with the intent to convey how your skills as a sales professional will benefit the potential employer. Some experts suggest writing a functional resume rather than a chronological one. Chronological resumes focus on experience, while functional resumes highlight knowledge and skills. Don't be afraid to include successes related to your current industry, but frame each listing so that it addresses the needs of a general sales organization. A sales professional who deals in medical sales but is looking outside the health industry might list the fact that a regional sales award was earned from a certain manufacturer but would not need to list certification in training medical staff on a piece of equipment.

The best time to seek employment in another industry is when you're at the top of your game as a sales professional. If you're doing the job right, you've developed a network of individuals within and outside of your niche, so you'll be able to use your network to find out about opportunities in other industries. Unless mitigating circumstances cause you to keep the job search confidential, get the word out about your intent. Join sites like LinkedIn, put your resume on Nexxt, and build your Career Portfolio for employers to see. If your situation is not sensitive or you are being forced to find new work because of a company closure, talk to your loyal customers. They've come to you for supplies or services over the years, which means they see something valuable in you. One or more of your customers might be willing to put in a good work for you or even offer you a job.

Make sure your own biases aren't holding you back. Don't avoid applying to jobs because you aren't familiar with certain products. Unless an employer provides specific details about sales training and product knowledge requirements, assume the company is looking for a sales professional with the ability to close deals and bolster revenue. Enter any interview with the confidence that you are an experienced sales professional who can sell anything. Employers are often willing to provide training in regards to products if someone demonstrates the hard-to-teach soft skills required for successful sales.

As a sales professional, you have valuable skills that would benefit any company. Don't limit yourself to a single industry. When it's time to find a new job, a niche change could mean more opportunities or pay.

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