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Job outlook for regional sales executives in the United States
Regional sales executive job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected regional sales executive job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 23,800 new jobs for regional sales executives are projected over the next decade.
Regional sales executive salaries have increased 12% for regional sales executives in the last 5 years.
There are over 759,072 regional sales executives currently employed in the United States.
There are 211,538 active regional sales executive job openings in the US.
The average regional sales executive salary is $82,534.
Are regional sales executive jobs in demand?
Regional sales executive job and salary trends over time
Regional sales executive jobs over time
Regional sales executive job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 759,072 | 0.23% |
| 2020 | 720,083 | 0.21% |
| 2019 | 764,339 | 0.23% |
| 2018 | 757,819 | 0.23% |
| 2017 | 737,631 | 0.22% |
Average regional sales executive salary over time
Regional sales executive salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $82,534 | $39.68 | +4.5% |
| 2024 | $79,009 | $37.99 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $77,499 | $37.26 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $75,528 | $36.31 | +2.6% |
| 2021 | $73,594 | $35.38 | +3.6% |
Regional sales executive jobs by state
Most common states for regional sales executives
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 488 | 70% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,143 | 31% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 257 | 27% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 171 | 27% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,072 | 26% |
| 6 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 819 | 26% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,820 | 25% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,001 | 24% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,359 | 24% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,855 | 22% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,253 | 22% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 164 | 22% |
| 13 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,488 | 21% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 224 | 21% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 219 | 21% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 705 | 20% |
| 17 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 274 | 20% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 114 | 20% |
| 19 | California | 39,536,653 | 7,309 | 18% |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,018 | 18% |
Most common cities for regional sales executives
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $61,663 |
| 2 | Novato | 1 | 2% | $97,352 |
| 3 | Orlando | 3 | 1% | $61,747 |
| 4 | Tampa | 2 | 1% | $61,810 |
| 5 | Fort Myers | 1 | 1% | $61,392 |
| 6 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $92,248 |
| 7 | Milpitas | 1 | 1% | $96,611 |
| 8 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $97,115 |
| 9 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $91,216 |
| 10 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $74,492 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $61,188 |
| 12 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $80,595 |
| 13 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $91,386 |
| 14 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $69,118 |
| 15 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $60,824 |
| 16 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $89,005 |
| 17 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $60,868 |
| 18 | Minneapolis | 1 | 0% | $73,755 |
Regional Sales Executive job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of regional sales executive experts
University of Southern Mississippi
Texas Christian University
Portland State University
University of Saint Mary
The Pennsylvania State University
Baylor University
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Longwood University
Aquinas College
Montana State University
Michigan State University
Upper Iowa University
The University of Findlay
Fordham University Gabelli School of Business
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Augsburg University
Illinois Wesleyan University
Champlain College
Kent State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
What will help Regional Sales Executives increase their earning potential?
Kevin Buckley: My top advice is to be a continuous learner, both about your company/products and about the sales profession itself. Sales is a skill that requires ongoing development through practice, coaching, and studying new techniques. Don't rest on what you learned in school - seek out mentors, training opportunities, and ways to keep enhancing your sales capabilities. I would also advise resilience and to view every 'no' as a step closer to 'yes.' Sales has its share of rejection. Have a positive attitude, persist through obstacles, and be a student of why buyers say no so that you can improve.
Ken Corbit Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in MarketingTexas Christian University
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What general advice would you give to a Regional Sales Executive?
Ken Corbit Ph.D.: Strategic
Company Selection:
Focus on joining companies with robust sales training programs, emphasizing consultative selling. Look for organizations that invest in your development, providing live calling experiences, quota-driven sales processes, and exposure to tools like Salesforce.
Tech
Proficiency and Sales Tools Mastery:
Familiarize yourself with cutting-edge sales technologies, including CRM tools like Salesforce. Your proficiency in these tools will not only streamline your sales processes but also position you as a tech-savvy professional in the competitive sales landscape.
Hands-On
Experience:
Actively engage in live calling, take ownership of sales funnels, and work with senior hiring authorities during your training. This hands-on experience will not only build your confidence but also prepare you for the challenges of consultative selling.
Research
and Decision-Making Skills:
Develop strong research skills to evaluate companies based on fit, growth opportunities, compensation structures, and overall potential. This informed decision-making approach will set you apart and empower you to navigate the sales landscape strategically.
Mentorship
and Networking:
Seek mentorship both within and outside your organization. Building relationships with mentors who invest in your sales skills and knowledge will provide valuable insights. Additionally, actively participate in online forums to connect with practical sales
knowledge and best practices.
What Regional Sales Executive skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ken Corbit Ph.D.: AI-Integrated Consultative Selling: Recognize the evolving role of AI in sales. Embrace AI tools that enhance your pre-call preparation, role-playing, agenda setting, and call talk track development. Stay ahead by incorporating AI into your sales strategies to deliver personalized and efficient client engagements.
What will help Regional Sales Executives increase their earning potential?
Ken Corbit Ph.D.: Holistic
Knowledge Mastery:
Become an expert in your industry, staying abreast of market trends, and thoroughly understanding the products/services you sell. This comprehensive knowledge will empower you to provide exceptional value, resulting in higher sales success and increased client
retention.
Strategic
Question-Based Selling:
Master the art of question-based selling. Use insightful questions to uncover client needs, address pain points, and tailor your approach. This strategic skill will not only boost initial sales but also contribute to secondary sales and long-term client satisfaction.
Compensation
Structure Expertise:
Understand your organization's compensation structure thoroughly. This includes baseline compensation, commission and bonus plans, and additional benefits. This knowledge allows you to set realistic targets, maximize your earnings, and take full advantage
of uncapped commission structures.
Consistent
Target Achievement:
Consistently meet or exceed targets and quotas to demonstrate your value. This not only enhances your immediate success but also positions you for continuous earning potential, especially in roles with uncapped commissions.
Negotiation
and Value Recognition:
Develop negotiation skills to ensure you are compensated appropriately. Recognize your worth and, when appropriate, discuss compensation adjustments or additional benefits with your employer. A proactive approach to recognizing and articulating your value
contributes to your overall salary potential.
In a rapidly evolving sales landscape, continuous learning, tech adaptability, and proactive career management are fundamental for achieving sustained success in consultative sales.
Becky Sanchez
Executive Director of Career & Academic ServicesPortland State University
The School of Business
What soft skills should all Regional Sales Executives possess?
Becky Sanchez: -Conflict resolution
-Interpersonal relationship building
-Team player mentality
-Willingness to jump in and get the work done and focus on living into the company mission
Dr. Mark Harvey Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Programs, Coordinator of All-University Honors ProgramUniversity of Saint Mary
Division of Business and Information Technologies (DBiT)
What hard/technical skills are most important for Regional Sales Executives?
Dr. Mark Harvey Ph.D.: Familiarity with software-basic windows packages, particularly MS Word and Excel. Candidates should not be afraid of quantitative data analysis. Analytics are necessary to figuring out what your business is doing and how it can grow. Also, familiarity with whatever social media platforms are used in that industry can be very important.
What skills will help Regional Sales Executives earn the most?
Dr. Mark Harvey Ph.D.: One consideration is, does the position pay commission? If so, the soft skills listed above are extremely important because the more you apply those skills, the more likely you are to grow your business.
When a manager is not on commission, there's little correlation between skills and pay while doing the job. The employer will hire you at a given salary level, and it is your job to negotiate to the best position. Once they have chosen you-that's the moment when you have the most leverage. You will never get a raise that is as substantial as what you might be able to ask for upon hire. After that, most raises are not going to be tied mechanically to performance and skills. Your next chance at a raise will be when you move or are promoted to a new position. Thus, those soft skills can affect your ability to negotiate.
I will repeat a previous theme: education and experience are probably more important than skills in terms of making more money. An employer can't really tell what your skills are from your resume. Just because you say you have a skill doesn't mean that you really do. They can reasonably guess that somebody with a degree is responsible enough to have accomplished something big. Somebody who makes it through a graduate program is probably very good at what they know. And somebody who has been in the industry and/or in a similar job is more likely to be able to walk in with little orientation and know what they are doing. Employers take risks on employees and hope that they can deliver. Thus, with more education and more experience, you are able to apply for higher-level jobs, which usually come with higher salaries.
What skills stand out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
Dr. Mark Harvey Ph.D.: Resumes are hard. It is very difficult to predict what any employer is looking for on any resume. The "skills" section of a resume is probably not the first thing most employers are looking at. The first consideration is probably education. Those with a bachelor's degree will be sorted first in fields-such as those who have business degrees, or particularly sales and marketing majors. Those with MBAs will be placed on the top. Those who have MBAs and marketing concentrations will likely be valued the most. The second consideration would probably be experience. Someone with several years of experience in business development or sales and marketing will be moved to the top. Someone with a bachelor's degree who has a lot of experience might beat out a fresh MBA. However, MBA plus experience beats almost everything. Someone with an MBA going for an entry-level position with little experience needed will likely beat out all bachelor challengers. For new graduates, getting some kind of internship in sales and marketing can differentiate them from those who do not.
Most hiring managers will probably assume that somebody who has sales and marketing education and/or experience probably has the skills necessary to do the job. An interviewer may probe on specific skills. I'll comment more specifically on other kinds of skills below, but it's also fair to say that a candidate's soft skills should shine in the interview. Simply saying that you have certain skills on a resume doesn't mean that you actually have them.
I think that the best thing a candidate can do is to research the company they hope to work for and tailor their resume to that employer. What does the business do? What kinds of things do you think that development manager is going to do in that particular industry? How do your skills as a candidate match what you guess they're looking for? The more you customize your resume, the better chances you have of resonating with the company. Employers are impressed when you already know something about the job and the industry.
What soft skills should all Regional Sales Executives possess?
Dr. Mark Harvey Ph.D.: First, critical and creative thinking. Employers value problem solvers. A Business Development Managers' problem usually is finding growth opportunities. Candidates need to learn to take the initiative to figure out how to solve problems like those.
Second, writing. The best employees know how to communicate in writing. More and more communication occurs through email and other forms of social media and apps, and as such, this skill is absolutely critical. You don't need to be a creative writing genius, but you do need to know how to write in a professional tone, present your ideas in an organized way, get to the point, and avoid errors. There is a direct line between a student's ability to write an academic essay with a clear thesis and an employee's ability to write a good email or proposal. If you can't do those things, then you risk embarrassment and possibly limited options for promotion.
Third, speaking. The American business world discriminates against introverts-sometimes at their own peril. Everyone needs to know how to give a quality speech, but more importantly, you need to sound confident and assertive in a board room during meetings. You need to be confident in front of clients. Fake it if you have to. The way you present yourself is absolutely critical.
Fourth, social skills. You need to be friendly. Get to know co-workers and clients. Find out what they like and show an interest. Find common ground. Your undergraduate degree hopefully exposed you to a wide diversity of topics you may have thought were irrelevant at some point. Now is the time to remember that stuff and use it to connect with people. Nearly everything you learned will have some application someday. It will help you connect with others. In addition, put away your cell phone when you are at work or on social occasions. To some people, a preoccupation with a cell phone communicates a lack of interest in the person you are with. It can alienate bosses, co-workers, and clients.
James Wilkerson Ph.D.
Business Program Coordinator, Project and Supply Chain Management Program CoordinatorThe Pennsylvania State University
Business Department
What skills stand out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
James Wilkerson Ph.D.: Skills, experience, knowledge, and abilities that matter especially strongly include target market analysis (including market research skills and knowledge), product/service positioning within competitive field, project work or coordination with sales staff, major client relationship management, and enough general business and industry knowledge to be able to relate business development to operational/production realities.
What soft skills should all Regional Sales Executives possess?
James Wilkerson Ph.D.: Verbal skills (both speaking and writing), negotiation skills, unfailing honesty, ability to empathize with clients' wants, and teamwork skills suitable for working collaboratively with sales and operations staff.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Regional Sales Executives?
James Wilkerson Ph.D.: Spreadsheet (Excel) skills (including graph production from data), basic statistical knowledge, and online information search skills.
What skills will help Regional Sales Executives earn the most?
James Wilkerson Ph.D.: Skill at rapidly learning market trends, relating business development to product development, and persuading major prospective clients when brought in to help with closing sales. Bottom line: the business development manager must be on the cutting edge of new market conditions and new business opportunities to help the firm organically grow its sales, especially in new markets or product/service lines.
Andrea Dixon Ph.D.
Executive Director, Center for Professional Selling, Frank and Floy Smith Holloway Endowed Professorship in Marketing, President, University Sales Center Alliance 2019-2021Baylor University
Hankamer School of Business
What skills stand out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
Andrea Dixon Ph.D.: Like salespeople, sales managers must focus their resumes on tangible, objective performance results that are achieved by their teams.
Growth in revenue or quota attainment for the overall team are examples of the types of objective performance results that matter.
High-performing sales managers also highlight long-term performance indicators, which includes both long-term revenue growth by the unit
AND investment metrics that signal the sales manager is building company results for the long run. For example, a high-performance sales manager focuses on building and maintaining a high-performing unit. Such a manager looks to move low performers to other roles where they can be successful.
Another investment metric that a sales manager can signal is the percent of their unit promoted to managerial roles in the organization.
What soft skills should all Regional Sales Executives possess?
Andrea Dixon Ph.D.: Since sales professionals have a lot of information available to them today via customer relationship management (CRM) systems, the sales manager's "supervisory" role is less important (especially for experienced sellers). Consequently, the sales manager needs to be more of a coach and enabler of high performance. Having confidence balanced with humility allows the sales manager to engage more effectively with their salespeople.
One of the critical soft skills for sales managers going forward will be the ability to connect members of the sales team to others in the organization - in other words, the sales manager of the future needs to have strong skills in network building for others. Sellers have access to data which helps them build success.
They also need access to the right people to turn to when they need specific expertise or assistance.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Regional Sales Executives?
Andrea Dixon Ph.D.: One of the growing technical skill requirements for sales managers is in the area of data analytics. Our performance and customer systems provide a myriad of data, and the role of the sales manager is to be a sense-maker of that mound of data. What are the implications for changes in strategy or behavior evident in last quarter's activity? How can the sales manager help a specific seller "see" where the data suggest new approaches?
What skills will help Regional Sales Executives earn the most?
Andrea Dixon Ph.D.: People who can recognize patterns (in data, in people), build connections with and across others, create a focus on high-performance behaviors, and lead with a confident humility are those who will win today and in the future business environment.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Regional Sales Executive job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Miguel Olivas-Luján Ph.D.: As the economy "reopens" (thanks to appeased fears of contagion driven by vaccination, herd immunity, people worn out by the lockdowns, warmer weather, etc.), we should see workforce adjustments across industries and occupations. Already in March, unemployment was returning to 6% (from a high of 14.8% in April 2020, but after a low of 3.5 in February 2020; https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS14000000). Barring unexpected resistance in the virus variants or other influences, the summer and fall months should give us better job market numbers, but this recovery seems to be benefitting some population segments more than others. The unemployed rate for teenagers was at 13%, followed by Blacks (9.6%), Hispanics (7.9%), Asians (6%), adult men (5.8%), and adult women (5.7%; more detail is available at https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm).
What skills stand out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
Dr. David Lehr: Information flow skills, particularly surrounding data analytics.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Regional Sales Executives to find work opportunities?
Dr. David Lehr: Most job growth will continue to be in urban centers and the surrounding suburbs. Rural areas will continue to struggle (remote work notwithstanding).
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Regional Sales Executive job market given the pandemic?
Dr. David Lehr: A premium on flexibility and having a variety of skillsets. Continued weakness across the board in labor markets.
Kerri Orders
Assistant Professor of BusinessAquinas College
Business Administration Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Regional Sales Executive job market given the pandemic?
Kerri Orders: In 2020, companies of all sizes rapidly changed the way they were organized and conducted business daily, both internally and externally, with customers and suppliers. COVID has accelerated the potential and opportunity for remote work, both domestically and within the international business environment. Consequently, the future trends for international business will be a decrease in business travel and an increase in collaboration and communication via remote modalities. Many companies have now realized the ability for employees to conduct international business via remote networks, which are both effective and economically efficient. Increasingly, employers are looking for candidates with a global mindset, a culturally diverse range of experiences, and a broad skill set. In addition, employers will expect candidates to have a high level of technical and communication skills in order to thrive and have a shorter learning curve at the entry level. It is important for students entering the job market to highlight and promote their specific skills and value added to a potential employer.
What Regional Sales Executive skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kerri Orders: In terms of a gap year, I recommend that international business students acquire tangible skills, relevant experience and/or certifications which will enhance their success in their desired area of interest. For example, a gap year could consist of gaining technical or digital training overseas, which would also further the students' cultural intelligence and language proficiency. These types of enriching gap year experiences will assist students to distinguish themselves in a highly competitive market. Furthermore, students should focus on broadening and maintaining their global network during a gap year in order to be ready for the job market once the gap year is concluded.
What general advice would you give to a Regional Sales Executive?
Kerri Orders: There is more than one path to any given career, therefore students will benefit from being curious, creative, and collaborative as they embark upon their international business careers. More than ever, employers will be looking for students who are adaptable, flexible, and proactive. In this tighter job market, students should be more open-minded about opportunities and willing to work in a range of sectors and different sizes of companies. The pandemic has impacted businesses around the world, so this advice will apply to graduates from all regions of the world.
What skills stand out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
Dr. Angela Woodland Ph.D.: Skills that are immediately useful stand out on resumes. Right now, data analytics skills are in hot demand. A desirable job candidate should be able to import large data sets in various formats, clean data, manipulate data, interrogate data, and draw conclusions from the data. Additionally, the job candidate should be able to prepare informative and easy-to-follow data visualizations of the results. This skill set allows a job candidate to be immediately useful in an organization. It is the new way of analyzing and communicating.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Regional Sales Executives to find work opportunities?
Dr. Angela Woodland Ph.D.: There are pockets of opportunity in most communities. The savvy student will meet and make connections with local businesses through internships, student clubs, guest lectures, and other college events. With a little effort, students can learn to speak the vernacular of local industries and tailor their resumes and skill sets accordingly.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Regional Sales Executive job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Angela Woodland Ph.D.: There is still work that needs to be done. Those jobs that are necessary for the economy to continue and for the protection and service of the public will continue to need willing and able employees. The field I know most about is accounting. Publicly-traded companies are required to have audits of their financial statements. This is for the protection of all who use financial statements to make investing decisions. Think about your retirement savings plans, 401(k) plans, etc. So, every year there is a need to hire students who are ready to take the CPA exam and ready to become auditors. The same goes for students who are trained and ready to prepare income tax returns for corporations and individuals. Pandemic or no pandemic, we still need accountants. In fact, we now need accountants who are prepared to make certain that loans and grants related to pandemic relief have been used for their intended purposes and have been distributed appropriately.
Wyatt Schrock Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of MarketingMichigan State University
Broad College of Business
What type of skills will young Regional Sales Executives need?
Wyatt Schrock Ph.D.: For graduates entering careers in sales, two skills that come to my mind are (1) listening skills and (2) analytical skills. First, I think listening is indeed a skill that can be developed with techniques and practice. Importantly, and for several reasons (e.g., building rapport, overcoming objections), I do not think you can be a good salesperson and be a bad listener. Second, I think analytical skills may be overlooked in terms of importance for salespeople. Certainly, selling is about relationship-building. However, and simultaneously, selling is also about delivering quantifiable value. It may be increasingly important for salespeople to have the ability to demonstrate exactly how or where they intend to help their customers grow revenue or reduce expenses.
What experience really stands out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
Wyatt Schrock Ph.D.: Based on my experience and discussions with recruiters, at least two things stand out for applicants looking for sales jobs. First, I think transferrable skills are important to signal on a resume. For example, working as a hostess or waiter at a restaurant could signal to recruiters certain interpersonal skills that are important in sales. Second, I think any experience that allows the applicant to quantify their success will help applicants to stand out. If a person did well at work, I think it is worth spending some time thinking about how to tell that story with numbers. I think numbers can be just as important as words on a resume, especially when applying for a sales position.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Regional Sales Executives?
Wyatt Schrock Ph.D.: For graduates entering careers in sales, I expect the coronavirus pandemic to have at least one enduring impact. That is, I think the pandemic has changed the way that people think about the nature of buyer-seller interactions. In particular, I think we now know that a lot of relationship-building, problem-solving, etc., can be accomplished remotely with video meeting applications. This development might, for example, ultimately lead to lower levels of business travel for salespeople.
Dr. Karla Gavin
Director of the Master of Sport Administration Program, Associate Professor of Sport Administration (2010)Upper Iowa University
School of Business and Professional Studies
What skills stand out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
Dr. Karla Gavin: College students who graduate and move into the workforce need to think of themselves as independent contractors. They need to articulate their abilities to be flexible and adaptable, and to communicate very clearly in written and verbal communication. Job candidates will benefit from viewing issues as challenges instead of problems and using out-of-the-box thinking to resolve those issues.
They need to share their ability to work with diverse groups of people in team settings. Their willingness to be lifelong learners is important and they should reflect their desire to attend professional development activities and to pursue advanced degrees or certifications. Examples of leadership positions and opportunities need to be indicated on the resume.
Each of the areas mentioned above requires related examples to be stated concisely to reiterate their accomplishments and future goals.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Regional Sales Executive job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Karla Gavin: At this time, it appears that individuals will continue to be interviewed and hired virtually without meeting their employer face-to-face. To retain these new hires, employers need to have stellar orientation programs to be completed remotely and onboarding that engages them before Day 1 of employment. Constant communication is critical, especially in the hiring process.
Work is very likely to be conducted in a virtual format for many employees in at least the first six months of 2021. Candidates with experience working with multiple virtual communication platforms will stand out during this time frame.
Employers may require employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to face-to-face work with colleagues and clients. Depending on what happens as this vaccine is more widely administered, it could impact employee and new hire decisions to stay or to leave.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Regional Sales Executives to find work opportunities?
Dr. Karla Gavin: The world of work is in great flux right now. Willingness to relocate and to learn the field from the bottom up is very important, wherever that might be. Too many students have unrealistic expectations for salary and job title upon graduation.
They also need to know themselves well enough to understand how their personal purpose and passion match that of their chosen field and of their specific employer.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Regional Sales Executive job market given the pandemic?
Christopher Sippel Ed.D.: The focus on remote working will continue to expand rapidly and transform how we define the workplace. In many ways, it will also make the job market more competitive as anyone, anywhere can be a candidate. Lots of international business will be centered on global health reform and there will be increased understanding of the interdependence of nations. This may encourage a stronger focus on the social responsibility of companies and organizations in promoting the well-being of all people. The job market will continue to shift quickly and in unanticipated ways. Job candidates will need to monitor and flex to these changes.
What skills stand out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
Christopher Sippel Ed.D.: Evidence of continued engagement with the world despite the pandemic will be important. As mentioned above, this might be in a virtual, remote way, but most organizations are seeking candidates that show a willingness to continue to move forward despite the pandemic. A commitment to a diverse number of cultures and countries is also very important. Diversifying your experience and demonstrating to potential employers that you are not one-dimensional in your international interest becomes even more important when COVID requires extreme flexibility. Additionally, evidence of intercultural communication skills are paramount. In the time of COVID, industries need recruits that already have these skills and can quickly create positive relationships with diverse international colleagues. Lastly, the resume should demonstrate an individual's engagement with technology and provide evidence of skills in creative problem solving.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Regional Sales Executives to find work opportunities?
Christopher Sippel Ed.D.: A silver lining to the pandemic may be that the location of an individual in many industries no longer dictates which company or organization someone can work for. When travel restrictions begin to ease, successful candidates will be willing to go wherever they are asked to go. In these challenging times, organizations will need people that are open to working where they are needed.
What type of skills will young Regional Sales Executives need?
Anthony DeFrancesco: Young graduates need to be very familiar with the various digital communications platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and others. Also, as important is to understand the nuances of communicating content in a way that is clearly understood on the client side. These graduates must learn to not be afraid to treat these meetings like a regular face-to-face meeting as they engage and build relationships with existing and prospective customers. Effective phone communication skills are also critical.
What experience really stands out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
Anthony DeFrancesco: Knowledge and experience with sales technology tools and effectively navigating Omnichannel hybrid sales environments. Social selling and analytical skills are also highly important. Product and industry knowledge for the targeted verticals also stands out. Experience with specific industry vertical prospecting tools can be a major differentiator. Finally, important to complement the aforementioned ATS keywords are leadership and team collaboration.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Regional Sales Executives?
Anthony DeFrancesco: Yes, there will. Many businesses are changing their headquarters, operational infrastructure and buying communications protocols. Effective vertical prospecting, networking and selling skills will still be as important as ever as sales engagements will continue to become more complex. According to McKinsey sales engagements of course have moved mostly to digital and remote which is a trend that started before the pandemic. A McKinsey survey of B2B companies finds that, "Almost 90 percent of sales have moved to a videoconferencing(VC)/phone/web sales model, and while some skepticism remains, more than half believe this is equally or more effective than sales models used before COVID-19." (The B2B digital inflection point: How sales have changed during COVID-19) April 30, 2020 McKinsey Article)
What type of skills will young Regional Sales Executives need?
Anthony DeFrancesco: Young graduates need to be very familiar with the various digital communications platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and others. Also, as important is to understand the nuances of communicating content in a way that is clearly understood on the client side. These graduates must learn to not be afraid to treat these meetings like a regular face-to-face meeting as they engage and build relationships with existing and prospective customers. Effective phone communication skills are also critical.
What experience really stands out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
Anthony DeFrancesco: Knowledge and experience with sales technology tools and effectively navigating Omnichannel hybrid sales environments. Social selling and analytical skills are also highly important. Product and industry knowledge for the targeted verticals also stands out. Experience with specific industry vertical prospecting tools can be a major differentiator. Finally, important to complement the aforementioned ATS keywords are leadership and team collaboration.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Regional Sales Executive job market given the pandemic?
Laura Sansoni: I think the changes we will see in the job market will have to do with how employers recruit and how we will work. Many employers had to transition quickly to virtual recruiting without changing their usual recruiting schedule. In the last few years, I have seen a shift to virtual interviewing and recruiting; the pandemic simply sped up the process across industries, occupations, and geographic locations. Virtual recruiting has allowed employers to expand their reach and connect with institutions and students they would not have had the opportunity to otherwise. Some employers also reimagined their internships from in-person to virtual experiences in direct response to travel and social distancing guidelines. Being able to still offer internship programs in a virtual setting offers more possibilities for students to gain work experience and new skills.
Moving forward, employers will likely focus again on in-person recruiting and working, but I believe virtual recruiting and remote work will become a much larger offering in the future. Here at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) we have transitioned to offering more courses and programs online and we plan to continue to offer career services programming virtually to accommodate the growing number of online students. I think that working remotely or the ability to work remotely on an ad hoc basis will remain prominent but will look different based on the needs of the company and position.
What Regional Sales Executive skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Laura Sansoni: I think taking a year between high school and college or between a bachelor's and master's degree can be incredibly beneficial if the individual approaches this time with intentional purpose. If they want to gain work experience and/or save up money for school, seeking a position with ties to a career that interests them is going to help them narrow down their academic path once they begin their higher education.
If they want to use this time to travel, they should consider documenting their experiences to reflect on their personal growth and any new skills they gain such as learning a new language. If they simply wish to take a break from their studies, take the year to explore their personal interests and hobbies by trying new things and meeting with people doing work that interests them. Lifelong, fulfilling careers stem from your passions and interests. Discovering both early will help guide them in educational pursuits as well as fulfilling work throughout their life.
What general advice would you give to a Regional Sales Executive?
Laura Sansoni: Whenever I work with a new graduate, I see them experiencing many emotions ranging from excitement from completing their education to anxiety about starting their careers.
For the graduates that have a job, I highly encourage them to take advantage of any opportunity presented to them. Participate in workplace events, take advantage of professional development opportunities like attending conferences or trainings, and volunteer to work on projects when asked to. Taking advantage of these opportunities in your workplace will increase your skills and experiences while deepening your connections to your colleagues and growing your personal network.
For graduates that are still looking for jobs, I remind them that the worst things that can happen in the job search are an employer saying "no", "we went with another candidate", or not responding to your application at all. While that can be scary and defeating at times, think about the positives of the situation. You didn't get the interview or the job, but you didn't lose anything either. Instead, you gained more experience in the job search process that you can improve upon for the next time. I also remind new grads to let the employers decide if they are the right fit for the job instead of counting yourself out too early. If you meet 75 percent of the qualifications in the job description, apply for the job and let the recruiter decide whether to set up an interview. Don't be so afraid of the next "no" that it prevents you from finding the next possible "yes".
Brian Abraham Ph.D.
Instructor, Full-time faculty member at Nichols CollegeAugsburg University
Business Administration Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Regional Sales Executive job market given the pandemic?
Brian Abraham Ph.D.: The current generation of graduates entering the workforce seeks flexible hours and more socially responsible employers. While the pandemic has instilled the desire for remote work, it certainly has hastened the process. Moreover, traditionally in-person arrangements - such as teaching - have been recast in a remote workforce environment.
What Regional Sales Executive skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brian Abraham Ph.D.: If a graduate needs to take a gap year, I recommend they:
Learn a new language, ideally through immersion.
Perform at least 250 hours of pedigree-level volunteering. This is volunteering at a high brand name organization.
Learn how to code in a current software language.
Learn a professional skill set such as Quickbooks or Salesforce.
What general advice would you give to a Regional Sales Executive?
Brian Abraham Ph.D.: While it is exciting to be starting your first job as a recent graduate, don't be too hasty. Be sure you are entering a positive atmosphere with strong leadership. Take time to ask about the company culture and turnover rates. You can find low and high turnover rate ratios on the Internet for your industry. A high turnover rate company likely has a poor working atmosphere.
What general advice would you give to a Regional Sales Executive?
Fred Hoyt Ph.D.: Some of the advice is contained above. Some is to reflect on the collapse of the world in March, and what they've had to grapple with since. As I told my students in September, in many ways, even business classes are "history" classes. Much of what you've "learned" that will help you will be, ironically, the shift to online communication via various platforms. I suspect that many of the distance communication platforms were as new to your business peers as to you, and in fact, by adapting to distance learning, you may be at least as well prepared for the new work environment as your fellow employees. Be prepared, too, to adapt, to change, and to learn on your own. You're the tech-savvy generation, at least that's what you tell us (and that's what your coworkers expect). Live up to it by learning how to learn without classes. To some extent, the chaos in higher education in the past year has paralleled the chaos in business, and you've had to adapt. Just like the businesses that have survived.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Regional Sales Executive job market given the pandemic?
Fred Hoyt Ph.D.: The biggest trends I believe in the job market will be the search for employees who have mastered (or at least adapted to) the demands of online everything: sales, fulfillment, working at a distance with minimum supervision in groups with minimal supervision, positive mental attitude, and an ability to self-motivate.
What Regional Sales Executive skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Fred Hoyt Ph.D.: If a student (or graduate) needs to take a gap year, I'd recommend training in computer skills and other analytical techniques that were not covered in their curriculum. There are incredible applied courses available on Coursera and Udemy and Lynda, many of them taught by the same professors at schools that charge $50,000 tuition. Many are also offered by the companies that provide the software students will be using, and lead to certifications that indicate one is "proficient" in a program.
Many career centers, including the one at my school, tell students to put "proficient" on a resume. "Certified by Salesforce" is a more powerful statement. I'd also recommend in a cover letter, students point out they realized they needed additional skills, and these are the steps they took to ensure they would be able to hit the ground running. I'd also recommend taking something really different - perhaps a foreign language, perhaps the art course they always wanted to take but could not fit into the curriculum. That would indicate curiosity and motivation.
Dr. Cyrus Patten
Assistant Dean, Assistant Professor of EntrepreneurshipChamplain College
Robert P. Stiller School of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Regional Sales Executive job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Cyrus Patten: I anticipate we'll see continued adoption of remote work, even after the pandemic subsides. Office space is expensive and represents a significant fixed cost that companies will look to eliminate now that it's clear many jobs can be done remotely. The fears that remote working arrangements can't yield productivity have been widely disproven during the pandemic. Many companies are realizing not only that the job gets done but also that workers are putting in more time than ever before. As the boundaries between work and home have become blurred, so too has the notion of a "workday".
The tech and consumer goods sectors have done quite well during the pandemic. Consumption has only increased, and large online retailers were well-positioned to meet the need. Businesses in these sectors will continue to thrive even after the pandemic, with extra cash on hand to invest in new ventures or expansions.
What skills stand out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
Dr. Cyrus Patten: The skills that stand out the most are not always what you'd expect. In a recent update to the IBM Institute for Business Value Study, it's clear that executives crave applicants with critical human skills. These are skills like agility, adaptability, and teamwork. For the first time, these skills have surpassed the "hard" skills like computer skills and other core technical skills.
Personally, I always look for applicants who have demonstrated a concern for their community, ethics, or social justice. I can train a skill. I can teach competence, but I can't train someone to be an involved citizen or an ethical business leader.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Regional Sales Executives to find work opportunities?
Dr. Cyrus Patten: For starters, the pandemic has shown that you can work from almost anywhere. So I expect recent grads to flock to areas that offer a high quality of life (like Burlington, Vermont) and a well-equipped communications infrastructure. They'll move to cities with gigabit connections, a strong outdoor lifestyle, and lots of bars and restaurants. If I were graduating with a business degree right now, I'd be looking to move to one of the entrepreneurial and technology hubs like Austin, Miami, San Diego, Boston, or Boulder.
John Rose
Associate Lecturer, Internship Coordinator and MSA CoordinatorKent State University
Department of Accounting
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Regional Sales Executive job market given the pandemic?
John Rose: For accounting students, the job market is good. There was a dip at the beginning of the pandemic, but CPA firms are still hiring. The number of interns for the winter season is comparable to the previous year.
What skills stand out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
John Rose: Many of our students obtain their entry-level accounting after completing an internship with the organization. Students that do not receive an offer from the organization they interned with typically receive an offer with another organization. An internship on a student resume increases their chances of obtaining an entry-level poisition.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Regional Sales Executives to find work opportunities?
John Rose: Many accounting graduates start in public accounting. It is easier for entry-level accountants to first start with the office of a CPA firm that recruited them and then, after a year or two, to request a transfer to an office in a city they desire.
Jonathan Byers
Assistant DirectorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Career and Professional Development
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Regional Sales Executive job market given the pandemic?
Jonathan Byers: -The increase of remote or home-based job opportunities and internships on job search websites and platforms.
-The increase in virtual recruitment (interviewing, networking events, career fairs, etc.).
-The possibility of jobs that may begin as remote/virtual experiences and then transition to in-person experiences over time or become a hybrid of remote and in-person activity.
What skills stand out on Regional Sales Executive resumes?
Jonathan Byers:
- Professional skills related to career development competencies such as strong oral & written communication, teamwork & collaboration, leadership, problem-solving ability & creativity, and professional integrity, but we recommend that applicants do not just list these skills. They should provide evidence of how they have used them in their work experience, volunteer experience, academic experience, etc.
-The ability to use technology effectively to solve problems or improve collaboration; this could relate to social media management, computer hardware or software skills, proficiency with general programs like Microsoft Office Suite (also being able to demonstrate the use of these skills in various experiences).
-With diversity, equity, and inclusion becoming more important in 2020, the ability to appreciate different points of view, accept and appreciate different cultural backgrounds & types of identities, and increased awareness of one's own cultural biases and assumptions can also be important to market on a resume.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Regional Sales Executives to find work opportunities?
Jonathan Byers: Like most Liberal Arts graduates, people with History degrees will most likely develop a number of the professional skills mentioned above that can be applicable in many different industry areas. In today's job market, college graduates are not bound to one type of job opportunity. History majors from Virginia Tech have found employment in Higher Education, Law, Politics, Public Policy, Business, Marketing, Information Technology, Information Management, International Affairs, Local & State Government, and the Federal Government. They have found opportunities in many different locations across the United Students. A person who finds a job depends on how much they are willing to network with other professionals and be strategic and intentional with their job search strategies.