Retail is not an easy sector — long hours, difficult customers, and limited job satisfaction or pay are realities that many have experienced. The sector has also faced significant economic challenges, with the move to online shopping reshaping the high street considerably. For those currently working in retail, the question of whether to use existing skills to move into an office-based sales role is one worth exploring.
The retail sector has seen significant job losses in recent years, leaving many extremely hard-working people with customer service and retail sales experience in need of a new career path. Looking at the positives, the job market will offer some fantastic new prospects for sales and customer service roles — though it is not always an easy transition to make.
Improving Chances of Getting to an Interview for an Office-Based Role with Retail Experience
Retail sales experience will provide a few extra points when going for an interview, but outside retail it will be necessary to really demonstrate relevant office sales skills. A sales office can be a very busy environment and there are key skills and experiences that will be needed to show suitability. Discipline and attention to detail, and the fact that experience dealing with easy and difficult customers gives good customer-facing skills either face to face or on the phone, are all valuable assets to highlight.
Retail sales experience will give a few extra points when going for an interview, but outside retail it will be necessary to really demonstrate relevant office sales skills.
Internal and external communication is very important in a sales office environment, so phone experience is particularly useful. Communication cannot be over-prioritised, and after every communication it is worth thinking about who else would benefit from that information.
Most sales organisations will use a CRM system — a software platform to manage customers and prospects — which will be used by everyone in the organisation to manage the sales and customer process efficiently. Researching CRM systems in advance is worthwhile for anyone who has not used one before.
With any job these days, background research and preparation is key. Calling one of a potential employer's customers and getting some feedback is excellent preparation. The most important element to keep in mind when going for an interview is to go to impress — which is extremely solid advice.
What Are the Transferable Skills Gained Whilst Working in Retail
Recruiters and career advisers will both confirm that any job will give a series of transferable skills — retail is no different. Thinking about the transferable skills from retail that would be beneficial in an office-based sales role is an important preparation step. Including information about any formal training undertaken that is relevant both in the pre-interview stage and during the interview itself is equally important.
One of the key transferable skills is customer service. Those working in retail spend a significant amount of time in their day-to-day role dealing with customers face to face — not only selling products but also solving issues, building relationships, and handling queries. These skills are instantly transferable into an office scenario.
During retail experience, a unique style of communicating with customers will have been developed which, once product knowledge is up to speed, will give the confidence to talk to potential customers with little or no further training required.
Working towards targets is also common in retail — many will have worked towards bonuses or commission. In the world of office-based or field sales, all sales roles are target driven and retail experience will be a benefit, as it will be possible to adapt easily from a retail organisation process to the sales organisation process.
Alongside these transferable skills there will also be a strong team mentality and, depending on how far managed to climb on the retail career ladder, supervisory or managerial experience which will make a good team leader or manager — both of which are desirable skills for employers.
Considering what to add to those transferable skills to increase the chances of securing a new career in sales is the next step. Professional and personal development could be the answer.
ISP Professional Qualifications in Sales and Marketing Management
Professional qualifications are a great way to boost a CV and demonstrate understanding of certain tasks associated with sales roles. This is where the ISP qualifications offered through Professional Academy can help in the move from retail into an office-based sales role.
The ISP is a leading institute for sales professionals, focused on helping sales people progress in their chosen career path as well as creating a new generation of sales people through training created by sales people for sales people.
ISP qualifications helped develop a wider understanding of the sales process, together with the ability to overcome complex issues associated with organisations, and broadened outlook to business life altogether.
ISP qualifications cover the key levels of sales training from foundation through to advanced:
- ISP Level 3 qualifications cover hands-on sales skills such as handling negotiations, and time and territory management. They are designed for those entering or developing within a sales role.
- ISP Level 5 qualifications in Sales and Account Management are designed for those in supervisory and managerial roles, building the strategic skills needed to lead a sales function effectively.
The long and short of it is that ISP qualifications could support entire development from entering the sales field to becoming a sales director — making them the ideal partner to start a sales career.
By investing in personal development, not only are the skills needed to succeed in sales developed, but a commitment to sales as a career path is demonstrated — showing passion for sales to a potential employer.
How Professional Academy Supports Your Journey
Professional Academy offers ISP sales qualifications at Level 3 and Level 5, as well as a full range of CIM marketing qualifications and CMI management and leadership qualifications. With over 27 years of experience in professional development, Professional Academy can support the move from retail into a rewarding office-based sales career.
To find out which qualification is the right fit, use the Qualifications Navigator or book a call with an advisor today.
