Job Outlook: Sales

The sales industry is hugely diverse and constantly changing, which creates a wide array of sales jobs that are challenging, exciting, and motivating.

Whether you’re considering which career path to take, are currently working towards a path in sales, or are already elbow deep in the industry, it’s useful to know just what’s happening in the market.

Read on to learn more about what’s going on with sales jobs in Sydney and around the country, where they might be going next, and what’s currently in demand.

Current sales industry in Australia

In 2017, Australia saw the 26^th year of consecutive growth, according to Austrade, which is a good indicator for the economy as a whole. As sales rep jobs and similar titles can be found amongst companies throughout everything from healthcare to procurement, a strong overall economy is a good sign for those in sales.

Overall, unemployment in sales is extremely low around Australia, and in particular, Western Australia and Victoria are seeing a lot of activity in the sales field with as much as a 10 percent rise in sales jobs advertised in some areas.

In the past five years, sales assistant jobs have seen the highest growths of any individual occupation in Australia, according to the Department of Jobs and Small Business. There were 51,700 new general sales assistant jobs in the five years to November 2017, more than aged and disabled carers (49,800), and registered nurses (47,300).

For those looking to enter the field, there is good news and bad news for unskilled sales assistants at the entry level. The bad news is that due to the popularity of the role, and the fact that more than a third of employers require no prior experience, there are often a high number of applicants for each job opening. The good news is that employers are more willing to take on unskilled school leavers (55%) than other occupations (42%). Employers in this area are largely looking for a sale representative who has strong communication and customer service skills above all else.

Future forecasts for the Australian sales sector

Austrade highlights that over the next five years, Australia’s economic growth rate has been forecasted to be the highest amongst major advanced economies.

In particular, the Department of Jobs and Small Business forecasts that sales jobs will be amongst the top 10 occupations that will add the most number of new jobs over the next few years to May 2022. General sales assistance is in fourth place with a predicted 24,900 positions, and sales managers, advertising and public relations roles are in ninth place with an estimated 14,800 jobs.

Sales jobs in demand around Australia

There are a number of sales jobs in demand around Australia right now. As seen in the Michael Page salary guide, employers are currently looking for middle-management sales roles.

There is also demand for entry level sales professionals, as well as those with specialist skills in the sector. That said, those looking for sales representative jobs in Sydney or anywhere in the country will always do well to show their strengths in thinking laterally and targeting markets, as these skillsets are invaluable regardless of your experience or preferred field. Recruiters are also often struggling to fill New Business Development positions in the current market.

When it’s time to make a move in your sales career, Michael Page is ready and waiting to talk about sales jobs anywhere in Australia. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.