If you’re looking to start your career in sales or develop your interpersonal skills, becoming a Sales Advisor can be a good starting point. This entry-level role will help you learn the skills and day-to-day requirements of working in sales, so let's explore the best way to become a Sales Advisor in the UK and how this line of work can suit your needs.
What is a Sales Advisor?
A Sales Advisor is a professional who assists customers in selecting and purchasing services and products. Their primary role is to drive sales while ensuring that customers have a positive experience with the company. Sales Advisors need to be approachable and friendly, as they are the first point of contact between businesses and customers, and their performance directly impacts customer satisfaction and loyalty. It takes a good level of interpersonal skills to be a Sales Advisor who can interact with customers appropriately, and also knowledge of the products and services you’re selling.
A Sales Advisor will spend their day engaging with customers in various ways, such as greeting them, answering any queries they have about products, offering suitable recommendations, and taking the customer through the sales process. They may also process returns, faulty items, exchanges, and restock items, depending on the industry.
These roles generally allow for flexible full-time and part-time hours across day shifts, evening shifts, and weekends, which makes this an ideal role for those who have other responsibilities they need to work around. There are also good progression opportunities if you’re interested in becoming a Team Leader, Store Manager, or even an Area Manager.
How to Become a Sales Advisor?
If you want to become a Sales Advisor, it’s important to work on your communication and interpersonal skills so that you can give customers a positive experience when they ask for your help. This is an entry-level role which relies more on your skills than your qualifications, though some basic qualifications may be necessary.
What to Put on a Sales Advisor CV
When writing a Sales Advisor CV, focus on any previous relevant experience in a sales role, this can include retail, telesales, or something more specific, such as car sales. Focus on your interpersonal, time management and organisational skills when applying for a Sales Advisor role, as these are all important to the job.
Similar Jobs to Sales Advisor
If you are looking for a role that is similar to a Sales Advisor, you might consider becoming a Call Centre Agent, Call Handler, Cashier, Customer Service Advisor, or even a Visual Merchandiser. These roles rely on customer-facing experience and the ability to understand customer needs and expectations.
Other Jobs in Sales
Sales is a huge industry, and there are many different roles to consider when looking for a job in sales. Retail and customer-facing roles include Visual Merchandiser, Retail Sales Assistant, Showroom Assistant and Shop Floor Assistant. These roles require excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Business-to-Business (B2B) roles cater to other professionals, and though they are still customers, you will need to know how to negotiate when speaking to other business professionals. There are also industry-specific roles, such as car sales, travel sales, and sales roles in finance, all of which need specific skills.
Apply for Sales Advisor Jobs Near You
Sales covers a variety of industries from retail to real estate and finance, so there should be plenty of opportunities for you to find the Sales Advisor role you’re looking for in the UK. Consider how flexible you are willing to be with work hours, as some roles that are office-based might be more standardised than those in a retail environment.
Sales Advisor Job Description FAQ
Is a Sales Advisor a Good Career Choice?
Working as a Sales Advisor offers opportunities for both personal and professional growth. This role has a direct impact on customer satisfaction and is a good career choice for those wishing to help others.
What Skills Does a Sales Advisor Need?
There are some crucial skills that a Sales Advisor needs to succeed in this role. These skills include communication and interpersonal skills, customer service skills, good product knowledge, and persuasion and negotiation skills.
What Are the Biggest Challenges of Being a Sales Advisor?
A Sales Advisor might find it challenging to build strong customer relationships and handle sales objections, which can be demotivating. It’s important to stay positive and goal-oriented to overcome these struggles.
What Personal Qualities Make a Great Sales Advisor?
It’s good to have certain personal qualities that will help you in the Sales Advisor role. These qualities include active listening, resilience, confidence, and being goal-orientated.
