It's common thought that sales is a job for extroverts, however, how possible is it too succeed successfully as an introvert in a sales role?
Learn more about introverts working in sales below, and what one can typically expect this from this job role as an introvert after college.
It might seem counter-intuitive to say that introverts make the best salespeople. But their characteristics just might be perfect for the job.
Introverts make up 50.7% of personality types in the U.S. (1)
Personality type representation in general public, introverted types (1)
ISTJ: 11.6%
ISFJ: 13.8%
INFJ: 1.8%
INTJ: 2.1%
ISTP: 5.4%
ISFP: 8.8%
INFP: 4.4%
INTP: 3.3%
5%
Increase in sales jobs projected over the next 10 years (2)
778,000
Projected new number of sales jobs by 2024 (2)
Best Qualities in a Salesperson
According to industry specialists, the following traits typically make a good salesperson: (3)
Assertiveness
Self-awareness
Empathy
Problem-solving skills
Optimism
The characteristics of your everyday introvert include: (4,5)
Quiet and thoughtful
Why this works in sales: Often customers will avoid the high-energy, assertive employees. Many introverts prefer to be helped by other introverts, so they feel their space isn’t being violated.
Communicate best one-on-one
Why this works in sales: Especially in retail sales situations, introverts can better connect to an individual rather than a large group.
Form a few deep attachments rather than many, shallow friendships
Why this works in sales: Introverts can form a deeper relationship with customers than extroverts, leading people to trust what they say.
Think carefully before speaking
Why this works in sales: Salespeople who speak carefully and with purpose tend to be more trustworthy. They also are less likely to make a social faux pas and offend customers!
Reflective
Why this works in sales: Introverts are more likely to look back on their performance and think, “How could I have handled that situation better/differently?” This leads to more refined skills.
Here are some great career options for introverts interested in sales. (2)
Career: Median pay
Advertising sales agent: $47,890
Insurance sales agent: $47,860
Real estate sales/broker: $43,430
Sales engineers: $96,340
Financial services sales agent: $72,070
Travel agent: $34,800
Wholesale and manufacturing sales agent: $58,380
Sources:
1. http://www.myersbriggs.org
2. http://www.bls.gov
3. http://www.inc.com
4. http://sengifted.org
5. http://www.lifehack.org