Sales Representative's Job Profile
Sales representatives are responsible for selling one or more products offered by the company they work for. They demonstrate products and also give advice to the clients on how the products can be used. Sales representatives also inform clients on how the product can decrease their costs and pull in a sale at the same time.
One of the major responsibilities given to sales representatives is to market the product that is offered by the company to manufacturers, retailers, wholesale outlets, government agencies and other institutions.
Sales representatives may have to travel meet clients who will potentially use the company's products. A sales representative will also visit prospective buyers. They provide the customers with a catalog or samples that can be helpful in describing the product. They also provide information about the availability, price and various ways in which the products can help in saving money and boost productivity.
A sales representative will follow leads from other clients, keep a track of advertisements published in trade journals, attend conferences and trade shows also.
There are various other duties to be performed by sales representatives. Some of the common duties of sales representatives include analyzing sales statistics, preparing sales reports as well as other administrative duties that include preparing expense reports, planning travel and scheduling appointments.
Training and Qualifications
Having a background in the product and market line is preferred by companies hiring candidates as sales representatives. A Bachelor's degree is considered essential these days for getting a job as a sales representative. Though there are job opportunities available for candidates who do not have a bachelor's degree, having a degree can help obtain a better job as other requirements that are helpful for sales representatives include personality, awareness about brands, sales ability and excellent communication skills. These skills are more important than having an adequate educational background.
The companies are always searching for people with bright personality traits have a desire to sell products that are profitable for the company. It is also essential for sales representatives to have knowledge about computers as almost all of the work is performed using current technology today for placing and tracking orders and monitoring inventory.
Set Skills Required
Since there are many manufacturers selling similar products, it is essential for sales representatives emphasize unique qualities of the services or product offered.
They must know the product that is being offered. It is important a sales representative know other products being offered by the company he or she works for. Without knowledge sales are not possible. Along with this, they must also monitor the price, products and sales of competing brands. Market research skills will be helpful in this type of position.
Sales representatives should have the ability to demonstrate or illustrate the features of the services or products offered. Computer proficiency is also another essential skill to possess that can make the person more productive and effective. Sales representative's jobs are best for people who have adequate knowledge and required personal traits to ensure products will be sold.
Job Prospects and Salary
With the continuous growth in the number of products that have to be sold, the rate of employment for sales representatives is expected to increase at a rate similar to other occupations. The job opportunities are also expected because of the increase in the need for replacing workers who relocate themselves to the other occupations. Another reason for the increase is that a business cannot survive without sales generated. People are required to fulfill this task and contribute to the success of a company. Though the salary varies from company to company, the average salary paid to a sales representative is $45,500. Experience level, performance and the industry the company's products are related to will influence the salary earned.
Sales representative jobs are in high demand due to more and more products being introduced on the market. The development of new products has lead to more job opportunities in sales.
