What are the Best Non-Sales Jobs for Someone Who is Good at Selling?

Selling is not just about closing deals; it is about understanding people, managing emotions, and fulfilling diverse needs. If you possess the natural abilities and qualities that are typically associated with successful salespeople, you might be wondering where you can put your skills to work in non-sales roles. In this article, we will explore top non-sales jobs that can leverage your sales expertise and potentially offer even more satisfaction and success.

Understanding the Sales Persona

Before we dive into non-sales roles, it is essential to understand what makes a successful salesperson. Typically, great salespeople possess traits such as:

Strong communication skills Sharp understanding of human behavior High emotional intelligence Persuasiveness and negotiation skills Achievers and goal-oriented Resilience in the face of rejection

These skills are not limited to sales roles; they can be equally valuable in a variety of non-sales positions.

The Fortunate Transition to HR

Human Resources (HR) stands out as one of the most obvious and attractive options for those with a sales background. HR is all about understanding people, managing emotions, and fulfilling diverse needs. HR professionals deal with people from all walks of life, each with their own set of emotions and needs. As a result, an HR role can be deeply rewarding for individuals who are skilled at selling.

Why HR for Sales People?

The following are key reasons why HR can be a perfect fit:

Caring and Emotional Intelligence: HR professionals must be highly caring and emotionally intelligent. They often work closely with employees who may be facing personal or professional challenges and require empathy and support. Team Leadership: Salespeople are often used to leading and managing teams to meet their quotas or drive their goals. Similarly, HR professionals need to lead and drive their teams towards common goals, making the transition a natural one for many.

Opportunities in HR for Sales Enthusiasts

Within the realm of HR, there are several opportunities that can leverage your sales skills:

Recruitment Manager: An effective recruitment manager is like a salesperson for the organization, recruiting the best talent and selling the company to potential candidates. Your strong communication and persuasion skills will be invaluable in this role. Employee Retention Specialist: Understanding and mitigating employee turnover is a complex task. Employing your sales skills to persuade employees to stay, improve their performance, or even address any issues they have can significantly impact an organization's success. Benefits and Compensation Specialist: Here, you can use your negotiation and persuasive skills to help design competitive benefits packages that attract and retain top talent.

Staying Fit for Non-Sales Roles

Now that you are considering transitioning from sales to non-sales roles, it is crucial to continue refining your skills to make the transition smoother and more successful:

Soft Skills Development: Enhance your soft skills, such as active listening, emotional intelligence, and empathy, to better connect with employees and colleagues. Certifications and Training: Consider taking relevant certifications or training courses that will complement your sales background in HR or other non-sales roles. Networking: Build and maintain a professional network within the HR and non-sales sectors to learn about new opportunities and stay updated on industry trends.

Conclusion

Your sales expertise can indeed be a valuable asset beyond direct sales. HR roles, in particular, offer a fulfilling and rewarding opportunity for sales professionals who want to apply their natural people skills in a non-sales capacity. With the right skills, certifications, and a strong professional network, you can thrive in these new roles and find immense job satisfaction in your career progression.