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How to Become A Sales Executive

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Career outcome icon – Sales Executive
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What is a Sales Executive

A Sales Executive is the engine behind a company’s revenue. They connect businesses with the right clients, pitch products and services, and close deals. It is a career where effort and drive directly shape results.

On a typical day, a Sales Executive reaches out to new leads, runs product demos, and checks their sales data. They work alongside marketing and product teams to stay sharp. No two days look the same, which is part of what makes it fun.

The role sits across almost every industry. Tech, health, and finance are big employers, but sales roles also exist in retail, manufacturing, and wholesale. Around 71,800 Sales Representatives work in Australia right now (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

Getting started is more open than many people think. A Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120) from a TAFE or RTO takes around 12 months. A business or marketing degree is another strong option.

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Career Outlook for Sales Executive

A Sales Executive career is a strong base for long-term growth. Around 71,800 Sales Representatives work across Australia, and most are full-time (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 43, so there are senior colleagues to learn from at every workplace.

Pay is strong, with median full-time earnings of around $88,000 a year (ABS, May 2025). High performers in tech, finance, or health can earn much more once commissions and bonuses are added in. The career rewards effort directly, which many find motivating.

The job market for sales has stayed stable. AI tools are changing how sales teams work, but strong client ties and good communication are still hard to automate. This makes the Sales Executive role likely to stay in demand for years to come.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Sales Executive

Step 1: Complete a Relevant Qualification

Most Sales Executive roles ask for a Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120) or a degree. The Certificate IV (BSB40120) takes 12 months full-time at a TAFE or RTO. It covers client skills, business basics, and problem-solving. A Commerce or Business degree takes 3 years at university. It builds skills in marketing, finance, and management.

Step 2: Build Entry-Level Sales Experience

Start in a client-facing or sales support role to build core skills. Retail, call centre, and sales coordinator jobs all give hands-on time with clients, products, and CRM tools. Most people spend 1 to 2 years in an entry role before stepping up to Sales Executive.

Step 3: Develop CRM and Data Skills

Sales Executives use CRM tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Microsoft Dynamics every day. Learn to log client calls, track deals, and read pipeline reports. Many vendor certs and short online courses cover these tools at low or no cost.

Step 4: Join the Australian Institute of Sales

The Australian Institute of Sales (AIS) is the peak body for sales professionals in Australia. Members get access to events, webinars, and cert programs. Earning a sales cert shows employers you are serious and can help you move up.

Step 5: Specialise and Build a Professional Network

Sales Executives work across many sectors: tech, finance, health, and retail. Each sector rewards deep product knowledge and a strong industry network. Join local business groups and attend industry events. Connect with peers through the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) or the AIS to grow your profile and find mentors.

What does a Sales Executive do?

Each day for a Sales Executive brings a mix of outreach, meetings, and follow-ups. They find new clients, run product demos, and close deals. CRM updates and market research keep their pipeline on track. They work closely with marketing and product teams to keep their pitch sharp. It is a fast-paced role where results are easy to see, which keeps it fun.

Tasks

A Sales Executive spends their time connecting with clients and growing the business. Every day is a mix of research, relationship building, and deal-making. Here is what the role looks like in practice.

  • Client Outreach: reach out to new leads by phone, email, and at industry events.
  • Product Demonstrations: show clients how a product or service solves their problem.
  • Sales Negotiation: work through pricing, terms, and contracts to close the deal.
  • Market Research: keep up with trends, buyer behaviour, and rival moves.
  • Relationship Management: check in with clients to maintain trust and loyalty.
  • Sales Reporting: log activity and results to track progress against targets.
  • Team Collaboration: link up with marketing and product teams to stay aligned.
  • CRM Updates: keep contact records and deal stages current in sales tools.

Skills for Success

Landing a Sales Executive role means having the right mix of people skills and business smarts. Strong communication and active listening are must-haves. Sales Executives who build trust fast win more clients and keep them coming back.

Negotiation and persuasion skills set high performers apart. Knowing how to handle objections and guide a chat to a yes takes practice. A solid grasp of CRM tools adds a technical edge that most employers want.

Resilience is the skill no one talks about enough. Not every call leads to a sale. The Sales Executives who treat setbacks as lessons and keep going tend to build the most impressive careers over time.

Skills & Attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Negotiation and persuasion
  • Active listening
  • CRM software skills
  • Goal-setting and target achievement
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Resilience and persistence
  • Adaptability
  • Product and industry knowledge
  • Data analysis and reporting
  • Networking
  • Team collaboration
  • Presentation skills
  • Strategic thinking

Average Salaries

The average yearly pay for a Sales Executive in Australia is around $88,000 (ABS, May 2025). Most roles combine a base salary with commissions and bonuses. Top earners in tech and finance can reach $130,000 or more in total pay.

min $55 K

max $130 K

av $88 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.