Salary information and career progression for Software Sales Jobs

Opportunity

By driving product sales, Software Salespeople are fundamental to the fortunes of IT companies. Consequently, sales are one of the biggest job areas in IT and there are plenty of opportunities for Software Salespeople with the right skills.

What’s more, with the number of computer and information technology jobs expected to rise by 13% between 2016 and 2026, this demand will only continue to grow.

• Popular industries for Software Sales jobs

  Candidates will be able to find jobs across the IT industry, with major IT players and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) alike employing Software Sales personnel. The major employers include computer manufacturers and software houses, which require specialists to explain product features in non-technical terms to individuals before persuading them to buy the software. Computer retailers also need Software Sales professionals to sell software to corporate customers and provide after-sales services.

• Recent changes for Software Sales jobs

  The IT industry is expanding worldwide and is now worth an estimated $5 trillion dollars. As such, the number of opportunities for Software Sales has grown hugely in recent times. More specifically, the proliferation of online shopping over the last few years means there is a rising demand for Software Salespeople in the eCommerce sphere.

• Future prospects

  Experienced Software Sales individuals tend to start handling more technically complex enquiries and specialising in particular types of industry software. Eventually, you can progress into a manager or even director positions and start planning sales campaigns, building new strategic partnerships, managing company budgets, and more. Some Software Salespeople also move into consultant or self-employed contractor roles.

• Salt’s advice for getting a new Software Sales job

  Those in a Software Sales job need to be technical experts on the software they sell, so keep up to date with technological advances and become well versed in the type of software sold by companies you’re applying to. Of course, you’ll need to combine this technical insight with an ability to actually sell software to people. If you are inexperienced in sales, make sure you gain least a rudimentary knowledge of sales and sales techniques before applying to jobs. Being able to articulate a philosophy of selling to a prospective employer is key. Books like Mike Weinberg’s New Sales. Simplified.: The Essential Handbook for Prospecting and New Business Development are extremely useful for developing your own selling philosophy.

  Employers’ requirements

  Hiring managers have various requirements when hiring Software Salespeople, one of which is experience in a customer service or sales role. Aside from that, recruiters tend to hire those with excellent presentation and general communication skills. Being personable is a must considering the customer-facing nature of the role. Candidates must also be able to think analytically and have a good level of technical understanding and enthusiasm for software technology.

  CV requirements

  It is essential that you tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for. As such, you don’t need to list every software program you have worked with, but the ones that are relevant to the role. Evidence of meeting sales targets and building successful customer relationships will also stand you in good stead.

  Interview preparation

  Approach an interview like a sales meeting—if you’re a good salesperson, you’ll be able to sell yourself and your skills to the interviewer. Be prepared for questions on things like your sales principles and practices and past successes.

  It is also crucial that you thoroughly research the company you’re applying to before the interview.

  Educational requirements

  There aren’t any formal requirements for a Software Sales career, but employers typically opt for graduates. It is advantageous to have a degree in a relevant field, such as business management, computer science, or mathematics, but this career is open to anybody with the right skills. While IT knowledge isn’t essential, it will certainly stand you in good stead, and companies prefer those with a sales background or other relevant experience. For instance, those with a retail background can pivot into a role in selling IT software in the retail industry.