Important Questions to Consider When Evaluating Your Sales Career
A question that sales reps often ask me is how often should I evaluate my career? My answer is every 12 to 18 months and whenever significant changes occur in your personal and professional life. A thorough evaluation of what’s working for you and what’s not is a vital step for awareness and insight. Periodic career evaluations help bring clarity and focus to your professional growth and can help prevent passivity that often leads to stagnation. Although I do not recommend frequent job hopping, I do recommend that you ask yourself the following key questions to help your professional development:
Am I passionate about sales? Begin by assessing your level of passion and enthusiasm for the sales profession. Passion can be a driving force for success and fulfillment in your career.
Am I achieving my goals? Evaluate whether you are meeting your personal and professional goals in your sales career. Are you consistently hitting your targets and seeing growth?
What do I like most about my current position? What do I like least?
What career growth or professional goals do I hope to accomplish?
Which aspects of my job would I like to change or eliminate and why?
What is the biggest obstacle to growing my business? What steps have I taken to overcome this obstacle?
Am I continuously learning and growing? Reflect on whether you are actively seeking opportunities for growth and development in your sales skills and knowledge. Are you staying updated with industry trends and best practices?
What is my employer’s position in the marketplace? Do I believe the products I’m selling are better than my competitors’? Your beliefs play a major role in your sales success and overall motivation.
Do I enjoy the sales process for the products I am selling? Consider whether you genuinely enjoy the sales process, including prospecting, building relationships, and closing deals. Enjoying the process can contribute to long-term satisfaction in your career.
Am I aligned with my employer’s values and culture? Assess whether you feel aligned with the values and culture of the company you work for. A strong alignment can contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your sales career.
Do I have a good work-life balance? Evaluate whether your current sales role allows for a healthy work-life balance. Consider factors such as workload, flexibility, overnight travel and stress levels.
Am I being adequately compensated? Reflect on whether you feel adequately compensated for your efforts and results. Consider factors such as base salary, commission structure, and additional benefits.
Do I have opportunities for advancement? Assess whether there are clear opportunities for career advancement within your current sales role or organization. Consider factors such as promotion paths, leadership development programs, and mentorship opportunities.
Am I surrounded by a supportive team? Evaluate the level of support and collaboration you experience within your sales team, sales leadership and organization. A supportive team can contribute to a positive and motivating work environment.
Am I happy and fulfilled in my sales career? Ultimately, ask yourself if you are genuinely happy and fulfilled in your sales career. Your overall happiness and fulfillment should be a guiding factor in your career decisions.
The quality of your career is equal to the questions you ask yourself. By asking yourself these important questions, you can gain valuable insights into your sales career and make informed decisions about your future path. I suggest that you keep a journal to help you review your answers and keep track of your progress. Remember, it's important to regularly reassess and adjust your career goals and aspirations as you grow and evolve professionally.
Angie Lambrou is a Professional Development Career Coach dedicated to helping sales professionals find the right career path in the medical industry. She is the author of Master the Medical Sales Interview (2023), and Job Search Breakthrough for Sales Professionals (E-Book, 2024). Angie is the creator of The Medical Sales Job Search Blueprint that Gets Interviews masterclass which can be accessed through her website, www.Elevateyoursalescareer.com