Sales Occupations
The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) states the following about sales occupations:
Sales workers in this group sell goods and services or connect buyers with sellers in a specific market, such as real estate or securities.
Overall employment in sales occupations is projected to show little or no change from 2021 to 2031; this limited change is expected to result in a decrease of about 164,500 jobs over the decade. Nonetheless, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 1.9 million openings each year, on average, are projected to come from replacement needs.
The median annual wage for this group was $30,600 in May 2021, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.
(Source: bls.gov)
Sales Jobs
Below you find a list of sales positions with a job summary, entry-level education, and median pay level. Each link brings you to a specific job page where you can find more information about the position, and commonly asked interview questions and answers for that job.
| Occupation | Job Summary | Entry-Level Education | 2021 Median Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising Sales Agents | Advertising sales agents sell advertising space to businesses and individuals. | High school diploma or equivalent | $52,340 |
| Cashiers | Cashiers process payments from customers purchasing goods and services. | No formal educational credential | $27,260 |
| Insurance Sales Agents | Insurance sales agents contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance. | High school diploma or equivalent | $49,840 |
| Models | Models pose for artists, photographers, and other clients to help advertise products. | No formal educational credential | Not available |
| Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents | Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. | High school diploma or equivalent | $48,770 |
| Retail Sales Workers | Retail sales workers help customers find products they want and process customers’ payments. | No formal educational credential | $29,180 |
| Sales Engineers | Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. | Bachelor's degree | $103,710 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. | Bachelor's degree | $62,910 |
| Travel Agents | Travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips. | High school diploma or equivalent | $43,810 |
| Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives | Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. | High school diploma or equivalent | $62,890 |
(Source: bls.gov)
Job Interview Topics – Common Job Interview Questions & Answers
Below you can find a list of common job interview topics. Each link will direct you to an article regarding the specific topics that discuss commonly asked interview questions. Furthermore, each article discusses why the interviewer asks these questions and how you answer them!
- Accomplishments
- Adaptability
- Admission
- Behavioral
- Career Change
- Career Goals
- Communication
- Competency
- Conflict Resolution
- Creative Thinking
- Cultural Fit
- Customer Service
- Direct
- Experience
- Government
- Graduate
- Growth Potential
- Honesty & Integrity
- Illegal
- Inappropriate
- Job Satisfaction
- Leadership
- Management
- Entry-Level & No experience
- Performance-Based
- Personal
- Prioritization & Time Management
- Problem-solving
- Salary
- Situational & Scenario-based
- Stress Management
- Teamwork
- Telephone Interview
- Tough
- Uncomfortable
- Work Ethic