The average salary for a full time timeshare sales person is $77,000, according to Indeed.com. Add that to the travel benefits timeshare sales representatives get, and timeshare sales may seem like a dream job. It's no dream, however; a number of timeshare companies currently searching for salespeople. In order to sell timeshares, you need charisma, a comprehensive understanding of the timeshare market, and in some states a Realtor's license.

Think about whether a career in timeshares is right for you. Timeshare sales representatives must love working with people. They need to maintain a high level of energy and enthusiasm for their product and feel confident making sales to reluctant customers. Because their work often involves giving presentations, they must enjoy performing and feel comfortable in the spotlight. Timeshare sales also involve giving tours of hotels and resort grounds, so sales representatives must feel comfortable working long hours on their feet.

Attend a four-year college or university and study business, hospitality, or marketing. Although a college degree may not be required for some timeshare sales representative jobs, it gives you an edge. Many timeshare sales representatives earn the lion's share of their income through commissions. It is vital that you learn everything you can about closing sales. In the classroom, you can learn marketing theory, economics, and even a bit of psychoanalysis to prepare you for your career persuading people to purchase vacation shares. A college degree also looks impressive on your resume, and can help you to stand out from other job applicants while you are seeking your first position.

Get a job in the travel industry so that you can gain hands-on experience and learn the specifics of the market you want to work in. Consider working at a travel agent or Realtor's office. At these jobs you can observe experienced professionals working with customers on a daily basis. Your co-workers may be able to teach you lessons about travel consumers that you could not get from books. You can also learn about travel destinations, which you will need to know about if you are going to sell vacation homes. And the travel industry can give you professional contacts who may later refer customers to you.

Decide what state you want to sell timeshares in. Some timeshare sales representatives work on site at the resorts they market, while others work in offices giving presentations about far-away vacation spots. You may find that positions as on-site timeshare sales representatives are more competitive. You can build your resume by working at an office timeshare position and apply for on-site jobs when you have some experience.

Check with your state government to find out whether the state requires you to have a Realtor's or timeshare license. You may need to take some classes and pass an exam about real estate law and ethics to obtain either of these licenses.

Create a professional-looking resume. Describe your objectives, education, and relevant employment history in a one- to two-page resume for potential employers to browse. Make sure that you describe your responsibilities at previous jobs as well as your relevant skills. Briefly describe any sales successes at previous positions. You should write a cover letter tailored to each job you apply for that explains more precisely why you are the perfect candidate for the position.

Apply online for open positions as a timeshare sales representative. After you have sent your application documents, follow up with an e-mail asking whether your materials were received. If you do not hear back from employers within a week or two, e-mail again and ask if they are interested in making an appointment. After your interview, follow up with a thank-you note. If you do not find a job during your first round of applications, you can check back in with firms three to six months later to find out if they are hiring again.