How to Get a Job in EdTech Sales: Your Transferable Teacher skills
When leaving teaching, you’re likely looking for a fresh, new experience. Sales offers schedule flexibility, new goals, the potential to travel, and most likely a pay increase.
This might seem like a big leap and a tiring career change, but if you’re wondering how to get a job in EdTech sales, the key is to know your transferable skills for the job. This will help set up your resume, help create talking points in interviews, and help boost your confidence in your ability to do the job successfully.
Highlight Your Transferable Teacher Skills
Teachers possess a unique set of skills that can be highly beneficial in the field of sales. While the two professions may seem different at first glance, the abilities honed in the classroom can be directly applied to the dynamic world of selling products or services. Remember, many EdTech companies want to hire teachers.
Here are five key skills that teachers bring to the table when transitioning into a sales role.
1. Communication and Presentation Skills
Teachers excel in effectively communicating ideas, concepts, and information to diverse audiences. We’re skilled at adapting our communication style to suit different learning styles and preferences. This ability translates well into sales, where clear and persuasive communication is crucial in building rapport with clients and presenting products or services in a compelling manner.
2. Active Listening
Teachers are trained to be active listeners, attentively understanding the needs and concerns of their students. This skill is invaluable in sales, as it allows us to truly understand and address the pain points and requirements of potential customers. By listening attentively, teachers-turned-sales professionals can tailor their sales approach to meet the specific needs of each client.
3. Problem Solving
In the classroom, teachers are constantly faced with challenges and obstacles that require creative problem-solving. We have the ability to think quickly on our feet, adapt our strategies, and find innovative solutions. This skill is highly transferable to the sales field, where unexpected objections or hurdles may arise. We can leverage our problem-solving abilities to overcome obstacles and close deals effectively.
4. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Teachers possess a deep sense of empathy and emotional intelligence. We understand the importance of building relationships based on trust, compassion, and understanding. These qualities are instrumental in sales, where establishing a strong connection with clients is essential. Teachers can leverage our empathetic nature to connect with potential customers on a deeper level, fostering long-term relationships that drive sales success.
5. Adaptability and Resilience
Teaching is a profession that requires adaptability and resilience. We must be flexible in our approach, adjusting our lesson plans and strategies to suit the needs of our students. In the sales world, being able to adapt to different customer preferences and market conditions is vital. As teachers, we bring our natural resilience to the sales field, enabling them to navigate challenges and setbacks with a positive attitude and determination.
These skills make teachers perfect candidates for sales positions in EdTech companies - now that you know them, your next challenge is conveying them to your network and potential employers.
