New-Age Sales Roles Gain Traction, Hiring In Telecalling, Business Development Climbs 34 Per Cent In 2024: Report

While overall sales job postings increased by 17 per cent in the year as compared to 2023, the study found that companies shifted their hiring focus towards digital sales roles over traditional ones.

The report noted that hiring of women in telecalling roles surged by 80 per cent, while business development roles saw an 8 per cent increase in female participation.

Source : Freepik

India’s sales job market is undergoing a significant transformation, with employment opportunities in modern sales channels such as telecalling and business development surging by 34 per cent in 2024, a report by job site WorkIndia revealed on Tuesday.

While overall sales job postings increased by 17 per cent in the year as compared to 2023, the study found that companies shifted their hiring focus towards digital sales roles over traditional ones. In contrast, conventional sales roles like retail and field sales saw a marginal 2 per cent decline during the same period, reported PTI.

The findings are based on an analysis of 12.8 lakh job postings on WorkIndia’s platform during 2023 and 2024, highlighting a clear shift in hiring trends across the industry.

Telecalling, Business Development Roles Lead Growth

Telecalling emerged as the frontrunner in the evolving sales landscape, recording the highest number of job postings in 2023. The trend continued in 2024, with telecalling jobs witnessing a 22 per cent year-on-year increase in postings.

Additionally, business development roles saw an impressive 80 per cent growth, underscoring a major change in how companies are approaching sales. Meanwhile, traditional field sales roles continued to decline, except in Tier III and IV cities, where demand remained steady.

The report also pointed out that metro cities led the hiring boom for new-age sales jobs, with Bengaluru and Mumbai accounting for 33 per cent and 26 per cent of the total hiring activity, respectively. This indicated a growing demand for skilled sales professionals in urban business hubs.

Women’s Participation in Sales on the Rise

The shift towards telecalling and business development roles also resulted in better workforce inclusivity, with hiring of women in these segments increasing significantly. The report noted that hiring of women in telecalling roles surged by 80 per cent, while business development roles saw an 8 per cent increase in female participation.

Commenting on this evolving trend, WorkIndia CEO and co-founder Nilesh Dungarwal stated, “The transformation of sales from field-based roles to telecalling and business development is not just a shift in strategy, it's a seismic change in the workforce dynamic. This evolution presents a significant opportunity for women professionals to thrive in sales, breaking traditional barriers and driving inclusivity. As companies increasingly embrace remote sales models, we anticipate exponential growth in these segments, fostering a more diverse and empowered workforce that will redefine the future of sales in India.”