Sales is an attractive career path. Whether it's the possibility of lucrative commissions, or that satisfaction that comes from closing a deal, many people are drawn to jobs in this sector. However, anyone who has watched The Apprentice can tell you that selling is not as easy as it looks.

It takes a certain kind of person, with a specific skillset, to sell effectively and individuals who don't possess these attributes will struggle to secure sales. So, what exactly are these qualities that make for a good sales person? We've highlighted five essentials below.

Confidence 
A good salesperson must have confidence, both in themselves and the product they are selling. Whether it's selling to consumers or businesses, sales professionals need to have an outgoing personality that can capture customers' attention and not be afraid of the possibility of rejection.

Being able to project confidence about the product or service on sale is a must. After all, would you buy something from a salesperson who seemed unenthusiastic and unconvinced of their product's worth?

Communication 
Successful salespeople are able to combine their confidence with excellent communication skills. In most sales jobs, the ability to present and pitch successfully is a must, as this is where they have the opportunity to convince a potential buyer of their product or service's worth. 

Salespeople also need the ability to overcome objections if they are going to close deals. This requires being able to both speak well and to listen - nothing annoys customers like a salesperson who continually ignores their concerns.

Attention to detail
Fail to prepare and prepare to fail; this old adage is tailor-made for the sales profession. The best salespeople are meticulous in their approach to preparation. The chances of closing a sale are far higher if you know as much as possible about who you're selling to. That way you'll know exactly what it is they need and can explain how your product and service is the solution. 

It may not sound glamorous, but research is a fundamental part of the sales process and should not be overlooked.

Organisation 
Another important part of being a successful salesperson is being well organised. Working in the profession requires the ability to manage an often heavy workload and deal with a number of different tasks at once. Salespeople tend to work on a variety of accounts, some of which will be higher value than others. It's important that these are prioritised accordingly, with more time and effort afforded to the highest value accounts. 

The day-to-day life of a salesperson can be hectic, with phone calls, emails, text messages, paperwork and meetings all fighting for attention. Being able to keep on top of this and remain focused is something every good sales professional has to do.

Attitude
Having the right attitude is key to a successful sales career. It can be a demanding profession and only people with a proactive, positive and enthusiastic approach are likely to succeed. As mentioned, rejection can be commonplace in the sales process and if you're able to brush this off, learn from it and move on to the next sale, you'll have the best chance of going far. 

Think you have all of the skills above and are ready to pursue a career in sales? Or maybe you're already an experienced salesperson and are looking for a new opportunity? Whatever your situation, we can help. Check out our vacancies or get in touch to learn more.