Sales Managers

Work as a sales manager is not typically an entry-level position. Sales managers need one to five years experience as sales representatives and purchasing agents before entering the field.

There are a number of personal characteristics that you will need to succeed in this career—including good communication and interpersonal skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to delegate work to members of your staff. The ability to think on your feet and work well under pressure is also critical. Other traits considered important for sales managers are intelligence, decisiveness, intuition, creativity, strategic vision, honesty, loyalty, and a sense of responsibility.