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Transitioning from One (Sales) Industry to Another
Living in Michigan, we have had to sit back and watch as companies and plants have either had to downsize or close. For folks that don’t want to move out of state to find work, it’s become necessary for some manufacturing sales professionals to transition out of their current position into something else. It seems daunting, but it's not impossible.
Sales professionals have a certain advantage—they can transition easily into almost any other industry. Selling is selling. If you can sell seat mechanisms or manual latches for vehicles, then you can sell telecommunication products, renewable energy, or brands, etc. Your products may change, but your internal/external sales process stays the same. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
- Figure out what industry/industries you might like to be in.
If you are currently laid off, you have nothing but time. Do your homework. Research. If you aren’t sure, look through a magazine or newspaper with a new eye. Might sound silly, but look closely at every ad you see. Does it interest you? If nothing grabs your attention, go online and Google “sales jobs”. There will be a million of them, but it’s a great way to check out different opportunities and decide if you would be a match.
- Immerse yourself in your subject.
Once you have found out what type of industry you might like to try, let’s say telecommunications for example, read up on whatever you can find out about it. What are the job requirements? What markets do you target? What types/how many products will you be selling? What will your account base be like? How big are the territories? How much prior telecom experience are you expected to have? Read books on the subject, browse websites, and sign up for free subscriptions to the appropriate industry trade publications.
- Join trade/industry associations or groups.
Start going to meetings or conferences. Like any association or conference, there will be endless amounts of priceless information at these events. Not only will you learn more about the products/services you will be selling, but you will meet fellow reps and hiring people. You might even find that telecom is not what you want to sell. Don’t miss out on these industry events. Visit Job-Hunt's Association Directory for links to over 1,000 associations.
- Take training courses ahead of time.
Are there certifications involved? If so, you may want to consider getting it/them ahead of time. Determine which type of additional training you would need and take it if possible.
- Network, network, network.
Reach out and get to know people in the industry. The more people you meet, the more people will be there to help you, give ideas, and provide leads the first few months during the transition. Networking is as essential during the actual transition process as it is in the job search.
Bottom Line
There are endless resources on the internet for whatever field or industry you choose. Take your time and go through the process. As with any major career decision, consider your options from all angles, and ensure a good fit with your strengths and personality. Possibilities await your discovery!
© Copyright Erin Kennedy, 2009. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
---------------------------------------------About This Author:
Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and Career Consultant who has been helping clients since 1998. She is also the President of Professional Resume Services.