Salesperson Jobs

by Kara Wahlgren

Are you known for your persuasive personality? Do your friends joke that you could sell a bicycle to a fish? If you have excellent communication skills and can motivate clients to sign on the dotted line, you may be a natural salesperson.

Duties of a salesperson
In a nutshell, a salesperson is responsible for selling a product or service to a potential client. This means that job opportunities -- and their duties -- may vary widely. For example, a salesperson may work on the floor of a retail store, helping customers select and purchase the best products. They may also work as a sales representative for a technical or scientific company, attending trade shows and staying educated on new technologies and product offerings. In any industry, however, a salesperson is primarily responsible for drawing in new customers and keeping current clients satisfied.

Where to find salesperson jobs
Any business that offers a product or service needs salespeople to entice new customers. A salesperson may find work as a retail clerk, a technical sales representative, a real estate broker, an insurance sales agent, or a travel agent. Salespeople with a proven record may also supervise a sales team or work at an advertising or marketing firm.

Salesperson programs
The training for a salesperson can vary as widely as the job itself. For some retail sales positions, no formal education is required, although many companies a prefer candidate with a high school diploma or equivalent. A position in management or technical sales may require a college degree. If you'd like to start your own sales company, an M.B.A. can be beneficial. In addition, some salespeople obtain certification as a Certified Professional Manufacturers' Representative (CPMR) or Certified Sales Professional (CSP) through the Manufacturers' Representatives Education Research Foundation.

Demand for salesperson jobs
Computer technology can both help and harm the job prospects for salespeople. On one hand, technology makes it easier for a salesperson to handle multiple clients, reducing the demand. On the other hand, qualified salespeople will also be needed to promote these technological advancements. Overall, employment opportunities for salespeople are expected to grow by nine percent between 2006 and 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Still, if you're a self-starter with a flair for influencing others, you may excel in this competitive field.