A sales executive is a business professional who specializes in selling certain products or services to an established customer base. These professionals also often work to expand their customer base by incorporating various marketing methods. A senior sales executive is normally a sales executive who has had years of experience in the field and is able to engage in big picture decisions and planning, and who may communicate about needs and goals with those in upper management. These individuals sometimes also supervise or manage teams of junior sales executives. In order to become a senior sales executive, it can be helpful to have business experience or education, as well as a resume that helps to illustrate your credentials and qualifications.
An aspiring professional who wishes to become a senior sales executive may choose to get a degree with a concentration in business. Popular degrees among sales executives are marketing, sales, finance, and advertising degrees. These subjects may educate students about how best to locate potential customer bases, maximize profit, and create an effective image for a product or service.
In most cases, a college degree is not necessary in order to become a senior sales executive. Employers, however, may wish to hire job candidates who have business educations because they believe that business program graduates have demonstrated proficiency in the field. Others may value sales experience over education. Many professionals in this field start as salespeople and work their way up the corporate ladder. In order to do this, it might be necessary to stay within one company for many years.
A strong resume can greatly increase your chances of becoming a senior sales executive. Sales experiences that show you have already demonstrated the necessary skills can be important to list at the top of the resume. If you have not had experience in sales, then education related to the senior sales executive position should be listed at the top. When lacking both experience and education, aspiring sales executives often add examples of volunteer work and recreational activities that testify to their abilities to work within in a team and show dedication to certain goals.
An interview with a potential employer is often necessary in order to become a senior sales executive. You should be prepared to talk about the items listed on your resume and how they demonstrate your ability to become a valuable member of the sales team. It is usually a good idea to research the company at which you wish to work and the position for which you are applying. This research can enable you to speak specifically about why you are the best candidate for the job.