In a rapidly evolving job market, sales and business development roles are not just surviving—they’re thriving.

According to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise 2025 report, three of the top 25 fastest-growing jobs in the U.S. are in the sales and growth space: Outside Sales Representative, Chief Growth Officer, and Growth Consultant. These roles span multiple industries, require a variety of transferable skills, and offer clear pathways to leadership and impact.

So what’s fueling this rise? Let’s take a closer look at each of these hot careers.

1. Outside Sales Representative

Ranked #8 on LinkedIn’s 2025 list, the Outside Sales Rep role is gaining ground as companies double down on personal relationships and face-to-face selling—especially in industries that depend on high-touch service and trust.

• What they do: Sell products/services in person to clients and customers, often in the field.
• Top skills: Cold Calling, Account Management, Sales Operations.
• Top industries hiring: Wholesale Building Materials, Machinery Manufacturing, Textile Manufacturing.
• Hiring hot spots: Houston, Dallas, Atlanta.
• Career path: From Inside Sales Rep → Account Manager → Regional Sales Manager.

Why it matters: Even in a digital world, people buy from people. Businesses are realizing that strong field reps build relationships that drive repeat business and long-term growth.

2. Chief Growth Officer

This senior-level position is becoming a staple in scaling companies, particularly in tech, consulting, and internet services.

• What they do: Develop and lead strategies to boost revenue, market share, and long-term expansion.
• Top skills: Growth Strategies, Strategic Partnerships, Go-to-Market Strategy.
• Industries hiring: Tech, IT Consulting, Business Services.
• Top markets: NYC, D.C., Atlanta.
• Career path: VP of Sales → VP of Strategy → Chief Marketing Officer → Chief Growth Officer.

Why it matters: In uncertain markets, companies are laser-focused on growth. The CGO bridges strategy, marketing, and sales to align all parts of the business toward expansion.

3. Growth Consultant

While the term “consultant” might bring up images of PowerPoints and boardrooms, Growth Consultants today are hands-on strategists helping organizations scale effectively—especially in nonprofits and service-driven sectors.

• What they do: Identify opportunities, write grants, and develop growth strategies for funding and expansion.
• Top skills: Grant Writing, Federal Grants Management, Strategic Planning.
• Top industries: Nonprofit, Fundraising, Consulting.
• Most common markets: NYC, D.C., Cleveland.
• Career path: Program Coordinator → Grants Writer → Growth Consultant.

Why it matters: These professionals help mission-driven organizations grow their impact—often blending storytelling with business acumen.

What This Means for Job Seekers

If you're a natural communicator, problem solver, or strategist, a sales or business development role could be a powerful next step. 

These roles are:

Transferable — Skills like communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking are in demand everywhere.
Impactful — Whether driving revenue or fueling nonprofit growth, these roles make a measurable difference.
Flexible — Many offer hybrid or remote opportunities (e.g., CGOs are 39% remote; Growth Consultants are 96% hybrid).
Future-facing — These aren’t “salesy” jobs of the past—they’re critical, strategic roles shaping how businesses scale in a changing world.
The current gender breakdown is 19% female and 81% male, indicating plenty of opportunity for more diversity and inclusion in this growing field. It’s also a great role for professionals who want career mobility—many Outside Sales Reps go on to become sales managers, regional directors, or industry consultants.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Whether you’re just launching your career or looking to level up, sales and business development roles are a smart betin today’s job market. With growth projected to continue well beyond 2025, there’s no better time to build a future in a high-impact, high-growth space. 

Tip: Start by polishing your LinkedIn profile, building your communication toolkit, and looking for entry points—like Sales Development Representative or Account Executive roles—that can fast-track your path into the booming world of business growth.

What This Means for Hiring Managers

If you're looking to build a high-performing team that drives sustainable growth, investing in strategic sales and business development talent is key.

These roles bring:

Scalable Growth — Professionals in these roles don’t just sell; they build systems, nurture pipelines, and create long-term value.
Fresh Perspective — Hiring candidates from diverse industries or with transferable skills often leads to innovative approaches and stronger relationships.
Efficiency & Alignment — Today’s sales leaders are data-savvy, collaborative, and aligned with marketing and product teams—accelerating your go-to-market success.
Competitive Edge — In a dynamic market, strategic growth talent helps you stay ahead, adapt faster, and outpace the competition.

Why Partnering with Sales Recruiters Is a Game-Changer for Managers

In today’s competitive landscape, hiring the right sales talent isn’t just important—it’s mission-critical. Specialized sales recruiters bring much more than resumes: they deliver pre-qualified, high-performing candidates who are ready to drive revenue. With a 93% placement success rate and decades of expertise, Sales Recruiters help fast-track your hiring, reduce costly mis-hires, and build teams that stick and succeed—time and time again. Ready to level up your sales engine? Book a call and let Sales Recruiters do what they do best.

Book a call today at Sales Recruiters to find your next top-performing hire: a small investment that ensures every sales seat you fill fuels your growth.