Sales Jobs

Sales vary as widely as the products that are manufactured and distributed. From retail sales clerks to real estate agents and insurance brokers, there are many options to consider. The background needed for sales jobs varies by product line and market.

Many employers hire individuals with previous sales experience who lack a college degree, but they increasingly prefer or require a bachelor's degree because job requirements have become more technical and analytical.

The sales industry is expected to have average growth through 2014. Those interested in this occupation should keep in mind that direct selling opportunities in manufacturing are likely to be best for products for which there is strong demand. Furthermore, jobs will be most plentiful in small wholesale and manufacturing firms because a growing number of these companies will rely on agents to market their products as a way to control their costs and expand their customer base.

With the exception of insurance, sales jobs are growing with the national average. Those bent on insurance sales jobs can compete with a college degree and bi-lingual skills. Ad sales jobs, sales reps, financial, retail sales jobs, car sales jobs and real estate are good bets for opportunity.