If you’re looking for employment opportunities, our guide to sales jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can help you to land the right position.

What educational background do you need to land a job in Fort Lauderdale?

You can get a sales job in Fort Lauderdale, FL, without a college degree. However, for advancement, an associate or bachelor's degree is needed. Upper-level jobs often call for a college degree. A master's degree or Ph.D. is a very rare requirement in sales.

You might be willing to start at the bottom as you begin your career, learning as you work your way up the ladder. For those with prior sales experience, that could replace college education or other educational backgrounds. Being able to do simple math may be a requirement for some sales jobs.

Dale Carnegie of Southeast Florida offers sales coaching. Sales management certificates are also offered at Florida Atlantic University.

How can I land a sales job in Fort Lauderdale?

Prior to applying for a job, be sure to beef up your resume and create a cover letter that stands out. As an important guide to sales jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL, your resume should be positive and approachable.

Interviewing for jobs in Fort Lauderdale can be done via the phone or in person at an office. A personable, friendly manner is an important factor that will be considered in an interview whether it’s by phone, video or in person.

Some sales jobs in Fort Lauderdale will require experience or prior years spent in commission-based sales. Selling skills and the ability to maintain customer relationships may be considered too.

When it comes to sales jobs, networking with the right people in Fort Lauderdale can be helpful instead of major experience. Networking within a local group, such as The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Greater West Broward Business Leads Group, can generate contacts.

What are common jobs in this area?

Entry-level sales jobs are often needed in retail. You may be doing merchandise work, such as tagging, pricing and hanging, in addition to selling. Experience in this type of work makes you more valuable as a sales associate. You are also the main point of contact while selling between the business and the public.

Mid-level outside sales require face-to-face contact beyond an office. You'll be spending more time outside your office than inside it, meeting with clients and customers. Self-motivation is an important part of this role.

In a position of sales support, you'll work to help support the sales staff. Basically, you'll be working behind the scenes. You may become more involved with marketing and lead finding as well. Sales managers are another advancement that you may find in seeking a sales job in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

What are the biggest industries for this field in Fort Lauderdale?

Some industries in Fort Lauderdale that offer sales positions include boating and yachts, real estate, home security, life insurance, automobiles, medical and health care, travel planning, retirement villages, information-based technology, mortgage and building and others.

Retail sales is another industry in which to find sales jobs in Fort Lauderdale. Businesses can range from small shops or boutiques to large chain department stores and malls. The tourist industry is another sector that offers sales jobs. This could mean selling services for large hotels or a local fishing charter. Local government jobs are also possible.

What kind of shifts can I work in this field in Fort Lauderdale?

When working in retail sales, you can expect to find daytime, morning or evening work. Part-time work may call for a flexible schedule, meaning working on a weekend as well as during the week. Your schedule may change from week to week depending on business needs determined by management.

Seasonal retail sales jobs in Fort Lauderdale will not only be available during the holidays but may also be in force during the winter and spring months when "snowbirds," or vacationers, are in the community. The snowbird season in Florida begins in October or November and ends in April or May.

Temporary positions may be found in retail sales during the holiday season as well as any other times when businesses need additional sales staff.

Those in outside sales will be working more regular hours during the week. This will depend on the type of customers you're maintaining since you'll need to work with their schedules to be effective.

External resources

The AA-ISP South Florida Chapter is a global sales organization that offers presentations and networking for sales professionals in Florida. HSMAI South Florida helps inspire sales professionals too.

For advanced sales jobs, there's education available in marketing and sales.